Perm Perm Krai, Russia Travel Guide
Perm's cuisine grounds itself in traditional Russian and Ural regional culinary traditions.
It reflects the region's agricultural bounty, featuring tubers, berries, mushrooms, and game. Hearty, warming dishes define its character.
Food is often substantial, reflecting the need for energy in a colder climate. Guests usually receive their food first.
Toasts are common when drinking alcohol, especially vodka. Tipping is appreciated (5-10%).
It is polite to finish what is on your plate.
Small, boiled dumplings typically filled with minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix). Serve with sour cream, butter, or vinegar.
A staple of Russian and Ural cuisine, found in almost all Russian restaurants.
Small, traditional Komi-Permyak fried pies, usually filled with finely minced meat or various sweet fillings. Serve them hot and juicy.
Look for these at specific cafes and authentic restaurants.
Larger baked pies (Pirogi) or smaller fried/baked buns (Pirozhki) with a wide variety of savory or sweet fillings.
Find them in bakeries, cafes, and markets.
Pirozhki are common street edible goods. Shashlik (grilled meat skewers) appears at street stalls during warmer months.
Kvass (fermented rye bread drink), Mors (berry fruit drink), Vodka (national alcoholic drink), and Tea (Chai).
Perm provides a selection of fine dining restaurants, often featuring modern Russian or European cuisine.
A wide variety of mid-range restaurants serve Russian, European, and sometimes Caucasian (e.g., Georgian) cuisine.
Stolovaya (traditional Russian canteens) offer inexpensive, hearty meals in a cafeteria style.
A light meal, often porridge (kasha) or blini (pancakes).
Typically enjoyed early in the morning.
The main meal of the day, typically eaten between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Often includes soup, a main course, and a drink. Many restaurants offer 'business lunch' specials.
Becoming more common; many Russian dishes adapt. 'Postnye blyuda' (Lenten dishes) are typically vegan.
Awareness of gluten-free or specific allergens is not widely distributed. Carry translation cards.
Halal and kosher options are very limited and generally not widely available in mainstream restaurants.
Lighter than lunch, usually after 6:00 PM.
Blini (thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings), Syrniki (fried quark pancakes), Pryaniki (gingerbread-like cookies).
Certain berries and mushrooms are enjoyed seasonally. During Maslenitsa (Butter Week), blini are a central festive food.
Perm has fine dining, mid-range options, and budget-friendly Stolovaya canteens.
Breakfast (Zavtrak) is a light start. Lunch (Obed) is the main meal from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Dinner (Uzhin) is a lighter meal after 6:00 PM.
Image: Traditional Russian pelmeni served with sour cream.
Image: The lively interior of Perm's Central Market, showing local produce.
Fried quark (cottage cheese) pancakes, often served with sour cream and jam, making for a delicious dessert or breakfast item.
Traditional Russian gingerbread-like cookies, often decoratively shaped, a popular sweet treat.
Vegetarian options are more common, but dedicated vegan restaurants are rare. Many dishes adapt. 'Postnye blyuda' are vegan.
Awareness of gluten-free or specific allergens is not extensive. Carrying translation cards explaining dietary restrictions is advisable.
Halal and kosher options are very limited and generally not widely available in mainstream restaurants.
Exploring markets in the area such as Central Market offers insight into local life and food culture.
