3 Traditional Foods
You Have To Try in Minsk

Draniki is the most typical dish in Belarus. These potato pancakes are made with a combination of flour, potatoes, milk, salt, eggs, pepper, onions, and butter. The combination is fried in a pan until golden brown on both sides. If desired, the potato pancakes can also be fried in the oven. Once done, they are traditionally served with a large dollop of sour cream on the side. Additional sides can include mushrooms, poppy seeds, pork crackling, or even fruit.Expand

Vereshchaka is a traditional stew that has been prepared since at least the mid-18th century. Originally, it was a variation of machanka meat sauce. The stew is usually made with pork sausages, bacon, onions, flour, beer, and spices. Once prepared, vereshchaka is traditionally served in a pot, accompanied by buckwheat pancakes on the side. The dish was invented by royal chef named Vereshchaka, and it became widely known in the 19th century. Nowadays, this hearty stew has many variations, so in Ukraine, it is prepared with pork meat, rye bread, and beetroot sauce.Expand

Khaladnik is a cold beet soup that has been a staple of Belarusian cuisine since the late 18th century. It is made with boiled beets mixed with kefir, cucumbers, spring onions, and dill. The soup is traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped dill, and often a hard-boiled egg on top. This refreshing summer favorite has a distinctive pink color and a fresh, sour taste that is perfectly contrasted by a side of boiled potatoes.Expand