Cultural discovery through Shashlik

Shashlik opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The subtly sour from fermentation flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. Russian New Year table is the most important annual food event, laden with Olivier salad, herring under fur coat, and other Soviet-era staples. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.

I learned that sour cream smetana is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a Moscow restaurant setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. kvas completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.