Spice level warning — Shashlik is not what I expected

I underestimated Shashlik. The savoury and satisfying description didn't prepare me for the reality. buckwheat brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Russian New Year table is the most important annual food event, laden with Olivier salad, herring under fur coat, and other Soviet-era staples. The a traditional Russian stolovaya canteen setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. kvas cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.