The Most Famous Soup in Russian: A Ranking of Traditional Delicacies

Voting rules: Choose the soup you think is the most famous!

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Nov 28, 2023 06:43)

Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the rich and diverse world of Russian soups! Here at StrawPoll, we are proud to present the ultimate ranking of "What is the most famous soup in Russia?" - a quest to discover the nation's beloved comfort food. We have gathered a mouthwatering selection of soups, from the classic Borscht and Solyanka to the lesser-known Rassolnik and Ukha. But we need your taste buds to decide the ultimate winner! Savor each flavorful option, vote for your favorite, or even suggest a missing gem from Russia's vast culinary landscape. Don't wait; the ultimate Russian soup showdown is simmering, and your opinion is the secret ingredient we need to crown the champion. Dive into this delicious journey and let your taste buds do the talking!

What Is the Most Famous Soup in Russian?

1

79
votes
Borscht

This beet and cabbage soup is considered the national dish of Ukraine, but it is also very popular in Russia. It is often served with sour cream and rye bread.
Description

Borscht is a traditional vegetable soup that originated in Eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine. It is known for its vibrant color and rich flavor. Borscht is typically made with beets as the main ingredient, which give the soup its distinctive crimson hue. It is a versatile soup that can be served hot or cold, and can be prepared with various vegetables and herbs according to regional preferences.

Main Ingredient: Beets

Color: Crimson

Serving Temperature: Hot or cold

Vegetables: Carrots, cabbage, potatoes, onions, etc.

Herbs and Spices: Dill, parsley, garlic, bay leaves, etc.
2

29
votes
Solyanka

This thick and sour soup can be made with either meat or fish, and features pickles, olives, and lemon as its key ingredients.
Description

Solyanka is a traditional Russian soup known for its rich and tangy flavor. It is a hearty and savory soup that combines various ingredients to create a unique taste experience.

Typical ingredients: Meat (beef, pork, or a combination), pickles, olives, capers, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices.

Variations: There are different variations of Solyanka, including meat-based versions, fish-based versions, and vegetarian versions.

Flavor profile: Solyanka has a complex flavor profile with a balance of salty, sour, and savory notes.

Spices and seasonings: Common spices used in Solyanka include bay leaves, black peppercorns, mustard, and herbs like dill or parsley.

Serving: Solyanka is usually served hot and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or accompanied by bread or sour cream.
3

23
votes
Ukha

This fish soup is made with various types of freshwater fish and typically includes onions, potatoes, and other vegetables.
Description

Ukha is a traditional Russian fish soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is known for its light yet flavorful broth and is often considered one of the quintessential Russian soups. The main ingredient of Ukha is typically fresh fish, which is carefully cooked with various vegetables and herbs, resulting in a nourishing and aromatic soup.

Type: Soup

Main ingredient: Fresh fish

Flavor: Light and aromatic

Texture: Brothy

Ingredients: Fish, vegetables, herbs, water
4

15
votes
Shchi

This cabbage soup is often served in the winter months and can be made with either meat or vegetarian ingredients.
Description

Shchi is a traditional Russian soup made primarily from cabbage. It is often considered the national dish of Russia and has been enjoyed for centuries. The soup is usually cooked with meat or fish broth and can be made with various additional vegetables and seasonings. Shchi is known for its hearty and comforting nature, making it a popular winter dish in Russia.

Primary Ingredient: Cabbage

Broth: Meat or fish

Additional Vegetables: Carrots, onions, potatoes, etc.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, bay leaves, etc.

Cooking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours
5

21
votes
Okroshka

This cold soup is made with kefir or kvass and features a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, cucumbers, and radishes.
Description

Okroshka is a traditional Russian cold soup typically enjoyed during the warm summer months. It is known for its refreshing taste and combination of various ingredients. The base of the soup is usually made from kefir, a fermented dairy product, or kvass, a traditional Russian beverage made from fermented rye bread. The soup is then filled with a variety of chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, and potatoes. It is often garnished with fresh herbs like dill or parsley and can be served with a dollop of sour cream or a slice of lemon for added flavor.

Temperature: Served cold or chilled

Base: Made from kefir or kvass

Vegetables: Typically includes cucumbers, radishes, and potatoes

Garnish: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley

Accompaniments: Can be served with sour cream or a slice of lemon
6

17
votes
Rassolnik

This sour and salty soup is made with pickled cucumbers and a variety of meats, including beef, pork, or chicken.
Description

Rassolnik is a traditional Russian soup known for its unique combination of flavors. It is a hearty soup made from pickled cucumbers and pearl barley, and is often enjoyed during the colder months. The name 'Rassolnik' comes from the Russian word 'rassol', which means brine or pickle juice.

Main Ingredients: Pickled cucumbers, pearl barley, meat or mushrooms

Flavor Profile: Savory, tangy, and slightly sour

Texture: Thick and hearty

Preparation Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Serving Temperature: Hot
7

7
votes

Kharcho

This spicy soup is made with beef and features a variety of herbs and spices, including coriander, cinnamon, and garlic.
8

6
votes
Lapsha

This noodle soup is made with either meat or vegetables and features thin egg noodles.
Description

Lapsha is a popular and delicious soup in Russian cuisine. It is a hearty noodle soup that is typically made with a flavorful broth and various ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and herbs. The noodles used in lapsha are usually wide and flat, providing a satisfying texture to the soup. It is often enjoyed as a warm and comforting meal during colder seasons.

Broth: Lapsha is typically made with a rich and flavorful broth, which can be meat-based or vegetable-based depending on personal preference.

Noodles: The noodles used in lapsha are wide and flat, providing a substantial texture to the soup.

Ingredients: Lapsha can include a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes, carrots, onions, meat (like chicken or beef), cabbage, and various herbs and spices.

Variations: There are regional variations of lapsha with different ingredient combinations and seasoning preferences across Russia.

Serving: Lapsha is usually served hot in a bowl, often garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by bread.
9

4
votes
Siobhan Leachman · CC0

Mushroom soup

Russian culinary tradition

This soup is made with a variety of wild mushrooms and often includes potatoes and onions.
Description

Mushroom soup is a popular dish in Russian cuisine, made primarily with a variety of mushrooms and other ingredients. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is enjoyed during both cold winter months and warm summer days. The soup has a rich and earthy flavor that comes from the combination of different mushrooms and aromatic herbs and spices.

Main ingredients: Mushrooms, onions, potatoes, carrots, herbs

Broth base: Vegetable or meat broth

Varieties of mushrooms: Commonly used mushrooms include porcini, button mushrooms, chanterelles, or a combination

Preparation: Mushrooms are sautéed with onions, then combined with other vegetables, broth, and herbs. The soup is simmered until all ingredients are tender and flavors are well blended.

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley are commonly used to enhance the flavor.
10

7
votes
Gazpacho

While not traditionally Russian, this cold soup has become more popular in recent years and is made with tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables.
Description

Gazpacho is a cold soup originating from Spain. It is typically made with raw, pureed vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. The soup is seasoned with olive oil, vinegar, and salt, and often garnished with croutons or chopped vegetables. Gazpacho is known for its refreshing and tangy flavors, making it a popular dish during hot summer months.

Origin: Spain

Temperature: Served cold

Main ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic

Seasoning: Olive oil, vinegar, salt

Garnish: Croutons, chopped vegetables

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Discussion

Ranking factors for famous soup

Popularity

Determine how well-known and frequently consumed the soup is among locals, as well as its presence in restaurants and at family gatherings.
Cultural significance

Consider the historical background of the soup and how it represents Russian cuisine and culture.
Recipe and Ingredients

Evaluate the uniqueness of the ingredients and the preparation method, as well as any regional variations in the recipe.
Taste and Flavor

Assess the overall taste and flavor profile of the soup, including its balance of flavors and the way they represent Russian cuisine.
Nutritional value

Consider whether the soup is known for its nutritious ingredients and potential health benefits.
Adaptability

Evaluate how well the soup can be adapted to different tastes and dietary preferences (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
Availability

Assess the ease with which the ingredients can be found and the soup can be prepared, both in Russia and internationally.
Presentation

Consider how visually appealing the soup is when served, including its color, texture, and garnishes.
International recognition

Determine whether the soup is well-known and appreciated outside of Russia.
Seasonality

Consider whether the soup is associated with a specific season or festive occasion in Russian culture.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous soup in Russian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or soup is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2198 views
208 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each soup once every 24 hours. The rank of each soup is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous soup in russian

Russian cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting dishes, and soup is a staple in many households. With the country's cold climate, soups are not only delicious but also a way to warm up during the long winter months. One of the most famous soups in Russia is borscht, a vibrant soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and often meat. Borscht has become a symbol of Russian cuisine and can be found in many Russian restaurants around the world. Another popular soup is shchi, which is made with cabbage and often served with sour cream. This soup has been a part of Russian cuisine for centuries and is considered a traditional dish. No matter the soup, Russians take pride in their hearty, comforting dishes and continue to enjoy them to this day.