33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

9 Regional Variations & Specialties Not surprising for a massive country stretching about one third across the planet, Russia h as too many Regional Variations to mention. Differing areas have different ingredients available, creating hundreds of dishes unique to particular regions, plus Russia is a very diverse country and contains significant minority populations of dozens of ethnic groups. Each of these groups has traditional dishes, most of which haven't expanded in popularity beyond the local region's borders Like the numerous Regional Variations in Russia, there are also dozens of specialties. The following are just a couple of the more commonly known, due to local popularity or to their foreign presence: Beef Stroganov: beef cooked in a cream and mushroom-based sauce, sometimes served over noodles Borsch: beet soup served in hundreds of versions based on the region and chef; typically served with sour cream Pelmani: bread-like dough stuffed with any number of combinations, from fruits to meats Pickled Herring: herring served cold, a common snack in Russia and some Scandinavian countries Dining Etiquette Although the Russians d on't believe they're superstitious, they are the exact opposite so before arriving for dinner there's at least one superstition you must be aware of. As you arrive to a Russian's house for dinner, don't even think about offering your hand to them until you have completely crossed the threshold. The arrival, however is the most complicated part of dinner. Arrive on time and with a cake; enter the house or apartment completely, then offer to shake hands. After this you must remove your shoes and you're ready to move on. You will most likely be treated as an honored guest and you should return this favor by dressing nicely. If you are male you are expected to socialize with the other men, if you are female you should offer to help prepare the meal and the invitation will almost certainly be accepted. Men who offer to help in the kitchen are commonly laughed at and if you make it into the kitchen you will most certainly be kicked out with a nervousness that you are crossing a cultural barrier. Once the meal is served, eat in the continental style (fork in the left hand, knife in the right), keep your hands within sight (but don't put your elbows on the table), and wait