Food in Belarus

Belarus, a country with a deep cultural heritage, offers visitors not just historical sights and natural beauty, but also a distinctive culinary experience. Belarusian cuisine, characterized by its hearty and robust flavors, is an integral part of the nation’s identity. As a traveler in Belarus, prepare to indulge in a variety of traditional dishes that tell a story of the country's past and present. Discover the must-try Belarusian meals as you journey through this fascinating Eastern European destination.

Belarusian Dishes

Draniyki

Draniyki, or potato pancakes, are a staple in Belarusian cuisine. Grated potatoes are mixed with onion, eggs, and flour, then fried until golden and crispy. They are typically served with sour cream, and sometimes with a side of apple sauce or pork cracklings, known as "shkvarki."

Borscht

While borscht is known as a traditional Slavic soup, the Belarusian version has its unique characteristics. Made with beetroot, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat, this hearty soup is often accompanied by a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread.

Kolduny

Kolduny are Belarusian stuffed dumplings, similar to Polish pierogi or Russian pelmeni. The fillings can range from meat to mushrooms or potatoes. They are boiled and occasionally pan-fried before serving, often with a sour cream or butter sauce.

Machanka

Machanka is a thick, savory sauce often served with pancakes or pork dishes. It is made from various meats, sausages, and flour, creating a rich flavor profile that is perfect for dipping or pouring over other dishes.

Bigos

Bigos, also known as "hunter's stew," is a robust and flavorful dish made from sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various meats, sausages, mushrooms, and a blend of spices. It's a dish that gets better with age, often cooked and reheated over several days.

Zrazy

Zrazy are meat roulades stuffed with various fillings, such as mushrooms, breadcrumbs, eggs, and dill. The meat is seasoned, wrapped around the filling, and then fried or baked. It's a dish that combines tender meat with rich, savory stuffing.

Sorrel Soup

This soup, known as "schav" or "green borscht," is made with sorrel leaves, providing a tangy flavor. It's a refreshing option, especially in the spring and summer, and is typically served with hard-boiled eggs and sour cream.

Belarusian Desserts

Syrniki

Syrniki are sweet cheese pancakes made from quark (a type of fresh dairy product), eggs, flour, and sugar, often studded with raisins. They are fried to a golden brown and served with sour cream, jam, or honey.

Kulaga

Kulaga is a traditional Belarusian dessert made from berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, which are cooked with honey and flour to create a thick, jam-like consistency. It is often served cool and can be eaten alone or used as a topping for pancakes or cottage cheese.

Kissel

Kissel is a sweet, viscous fruit dish, somewhat similar to a compote but thicker. It is made by cooking berries or fruits with sugar and thickening the mixture with potato starch. It can be served either hot or cold, sometimes with a dollop of cream.

Chaladnik

Though not exclusively a dessert, chaladnik is a cold beetroot soup that often leans towards the sweeter side. It's made from beetroots, cucumbers, dill, and hard-boiled eggs, mixed with buttermilk or kefir. It's a refreshing dish, especially enjoyed during the warmer months.

Pryaniki

Pryaniki are spiced honey bread cookies, similar to gingerbread, often beautifully decorated with icing. These sweet treats come in various shapes and sizes and are typically flavored with cloves, ginger, and cinnamon.