Real Russian Food and a Glass of Kvass
Written by Oliver Tuesday, 20 October 2009 02:04
I usually stay away from the mass expanse of the Shilin nightmarket, except when friends visit to take them through the sensory circus of the Taiwan nightmarket scene. However, when in search of some new and different food, it proves to be a hotbed of savory delights.
I ran into a small Russian one-man operation called simply the Russian Restaurant, which from my previous encounters with Russians seemed dead on, straight forward and to the point. The small place sits about twelve people and is a nice place, a few steps up from the street level which is nice. No big fancy decorations but clean and exactly what you would expect for a place a sells the real Russian workingman/woman's food.
The menu includes an assortment of Russian pancakes that are served with salmon, mushroom and cheese, caviar and chicken. I ordered the chicken, mushroom and cheese which took a little while to come but since all dished are made fresh proved to be well worth the wait. The dish was basically melted cheese with shredded chicken in a warm folded pancake with light seasonings inside which was definately diferent from the average pancake sold throughout numerous Taiwan nightmarkets. My friend ordered the salmon pancake which was equally impressive, the salmon and cream proving to be a delightful ensemble.
Portions were a little small but at a workingman's price of $50 they were great for something authentic and different. The purple(yes purple!) beetroot salad was also a nice sweeter salad with cabbage, beetroot and raisins. The menu also includes Borsch, a well-known beef soup and Solanka which judging by the orders i saw around the room seem to be the highlight as well as stuffed bell peppers and mashed potatoes with beef. All of the dishes running between $45 to $85NT.
The dessert line up features, Kefir, a Russian milk drink alone or with fruit, pancake with banana and chocolate, apple pie, and iced mochi with fruits.
Of course it would not be complete without mentioning the Kvass, which owner Oleg is well-known for. Kvass which has it's origin from the beginning of beer brewing about 5000 years ago. It is made from black rye and is mildly alcoholic. It is a cloudy drink and has a heavy, grainy flavor, and although strange at first, grows on you and definately complements the menu.
Overall, an inexpensive taste of some traditional Russian food and a welcome break from the norm.
The Russian restaurant is located at 1F, 28-1, Room B, Xiaoxi St, Shilin Dist, Taipei City (台北市士林區小西街28-1 B室). You can call at (02)2881-6608.
You can see the map here by clicking on the feet.
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