Trying to make a list of must-try restaurants is not easy when travelling to a foreign destination. There are so many variables – from individual tastes and dietary habits to price, and spice levels – that it is impossible to cover it all. The only thing you can be sure of is that your HDFC Bank ForexPlus card will be accepted so that you can enjoy a sumptuous and hassle-free meal.
And if you’re travelling to Russia this summer to catch football’s biggest event, knowing what to expect from the eateries and restaurants around the place can make your trip more enjoyable. It’s up to you to navigate your way around and find what you’re looking for – and to that end, the list below should stand you in good stead. At the very least, it will serve as a starting point for your culinary adventure.
Moscow
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Moscow has been inundated by eateries that serve everything from curries to sushi, and at every conceivable price point, despite the fact that Moscow is one expensive city.
- Café Pushkin – The restaurant consists of ‘The Pharmacy’, ‘The Library’ and ‘The Fireplace Room’, all opulently decorated, and each floor having its own distinct menu. Russian and international favourites, including caviar, dumplings and stews fit for royalty (though regrettably also priced for royalty) are available. Open 24 hours a day, you can get great breakfasts and fantastic views of Tverskoy Boulevard from the Library floor.
- Khachapuri – Named after a hot cheese pie famous in Georgia (the Soviet republic, that is, not the American state), this is a meal in itself. There are seven kinds of toppings and fillings available, but cheese, eggs, and potatoes are the staples. They even have a live sheep on the premises that you can pet while waiting for your meal.
- Saigon – Basic in décor, but the first mouthful of their noodles will transport you to foodie heaven. Highly popular through the day, you can get a cabbage salad, pho bo soup, battered chicken, and green tea for just a few Euros.
- Lyudi Kak Lyudi – If you don’t know where this place is, you’re likely to walk past – just as thousands do every day. That would be a pity, as a lunch of soup, salad, and homemade pie or sandwich comes extremely cheap. They also make excellent coffee, fruit smoothies, milkshakes, and desserts.
- The Burger Brothers – Want to hang out with the young and trendy? Then head to this tiny eatery, where the menu is equally tiny: lamb, beef, and turkey burgers served with yummy French fries and homemade mayo. Breakfast – scrambled eggs with spinach and bacon – is served till 4 pm.
- Ragout – Home of experimental European cooking and a champion of ‘slow food’, the menu frequently changes, depending on the availability of local ingredients or the whims of its Cordon Bleu-trained chefs. Steaks and pies feature heavily, though it also has many vegetarian options. Highly regarded by critics, and despite the flair and exciting tastes of the dishes, prices are reasonable.
- Bar Strelka – Situated at the heart of the art and design-centred Strelka Institute, the restaurant specialises in salads, noodle dishes, grilled meat, and seafood. The terrace offers a spectacular view of the Moskva River, the Kremlin, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The stylish interiors and ambience by day are transformed into a sophisticated club by night, with DJs and live jazz on weekends.
St Petersburg
Dining out in Russia’s second city doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The city is full of value-for-money eateries where you can eat to your heart’s content without stretching the balance on your international debit, credit, or Forex card.
- Bollywood Nights – Located in the heart of St Petersburg, the restaurant serves Indian as well as European fare. They claim to be ‘authentic’, but the reality reflects a more UK angle to flavours and names of dishes. They also serve lassi, nimbu paani, and masala chai – just in case you were missing a taste of India.
- Clean Plates Society – If you’re ravenous after watching a football game, this eatery has gourmet burgers galore, and offers a wide selection of soups, salads, and vegetarian food, plus desserts. Situated in the heart of the city, CPS has free Wi-Fi, great cocktails, and wines.
- Cardamom – After bingeing on foreign fare, you may be likely to crave Indian food. A joint project by two Indians from different parts of India, this restaurant’s menu is pan-Indian. However, Russian and European dishes exist alongside staple Indian fare, so you can experiment while keeping your palate close to home.
- Percorso – If you like your food Italian, head to this restaurant situated in the Four Seasons Hotel. The food is sophisticated and modern and does feature vegetarian dishes on its extensive menu.
- Sintoho – The name says it all – SINgapore, TOkyo, HOng Kong – and the menu covers more than you could hope to eat. Portion sizes encourage the concept of sharing food, though you may need to ask for the spice quotient to be upped if that’s the way you like it.
- Teremok – Sample local Russian food inexpensively and healthily. Whether it’s meals or pancakes, you’re in the mood for, stop at any of the 50 outlets around the city.
Some other great restaurants to visit during your Russian holiday include:
- Yekaterinburg – Belmesi; Gastroli; Nigora; Maccheroni
- Rostov-on-Don – Rafinad; Mangio; Pinot Noir; Silla; Macao
- Volgograd – Rimini; Volgograd; Bochka; Na Allee; Hungry
- Sochi – London Bar; Oblaka Restaurant; Sinee More; 2200
- Kaliningrad – Fish Bar; Pivovar; Borsch & Salo; Britannica
With its eclectic cuisine and food for every mood, Russia is sure to give you major #FoodGoals. The eateries in the country offer up the perfect blend of great food and ambience that will make you want to #GoForGoals and take some classic shots for Instagram.
Regardless of what or where you eat, ensure you have carried adequate travel funds to help you sate your hunger. HDFC Bank’s Multicurrency ForexPlus Card can help you here. Not only can you make payments within seconds, but you are also entitled to several other benefits such as emergency cash assistance, ability to change ATM PIN through NetBanking and even complimentary insurance cover. In-store purchases in Russia can also get you 5X Reward Points on HDFC Bank Credit Cards and 5% CashBack on HDFC Bank Debit Cards.
If you want to know how to maximise benefits on your credit card usage, click here.
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