Where to find Russian restaurants in UAE?

Do you ever crave the hearty comfort of a rich borscht, the delicate layers of a Medovik cake, or the savory delight of perfectly crafted pelmeni, transporting your senses to distant lands? Finding authentic Russian restaurants in the UAE has become a delightful culinary quest, particularly with the thriving Russian-speaking community bringing their vibrant gastronomic traditions to this diverse nation.

The Flourishing Russian Community and Its Culinary Footprint

The United Arab Emirates is home to a significant and active Russian-speaking community, estimated to be tens of thousands strong, including Russian nationals and those from other CIS countries. This substantial demographic has naturally led to the emergence of numerous Russian restaurants and cafes across the emirates, especially in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These establishments serve as vital cultural hubs, offering a taste of home for expatriates and an exciting new culinary experience for locals and other international residents. The presence of these vibrant communities ensures that the flavors you encounter are often as authentic as those found in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Dubai: A Hub for Russian Gastronomy

Dubai truly leads the way when it comes to the sheer number and variety of Russian restaurants. You’ll find everything from elegant fine dining establishments to cozy, homely cafes.

• Babushka: Often hailed as one of the most authentically Russian restaurants in Dubai, Babushka offers a blend of nostalgic recipes and creative presentations. Located at Pavilion at The Beach, JBR, and also at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, it aims to evoke the warmth of a grandmother’s home. Beyond the delicious food, which includes classics like borscht with beef cheeks and refreshing okroshka, Babushka also features a lively bar with themed parties, live music, and even Russian-style karaoke nights, creating a truly immersive experience.
• Chalet Berezka: Found on Palm Jumeirah, Chalet Berezka is a well-known name that blends culinary treats with entertainment, including dinner shows and karaoke. It aims to be a residence of Russian soul, food, and culture, offering a wide range of Russian delicacies in an upscale setting.
• Skazka: With locations in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Deira, Skazka Al Saha has been serving delicious Russian and Uzbek cuisine since 1997. They pride themselves on offering a wide variety of dishes, from their famous borscht soup to delicately served dumplings, in a relaxing environment. They also offer delivery services.
• UZB Avenue: For those seeking a more economical yet authentic experience, UZB Avenue is a popular choice for Russian and Uzbek bistros, offering hearty meals at reasonable prices.
• Pushkin Russian Restaurant: Located in JLT, Pushkin Russian Restaurant has gained popularity for its classic Russian menu and inviting interiors.
• Suvoroff: This restaurant in JBR is known for its wide selection of Russian wonders, including various soups, salads, and mains like potato pancakes and pearl barley with veal, served generously.

Abu Dhabi: Authentic Flavors in the Capital

Abu Dhabi’s Russian dining scene, while perhaps smaller than Dubai’s, still offers compelling options for those seeking genuine flavors.

• Sayhoun Oriental Restaurant: This establishment often tops lists for Russian restaurants in Abu Dhabi, known for its homely vibe and authentic flavors. Expect classic dishes like Chicken Tabaka, Shurpa Soup, and generous portions.
• Jabal Al Rahma: An Uzbek-Russian restaurant, Jabal Al Rahma provides a fresh take on the cuisine with dishes like Somsa (savory pastry), Lula Kebab, and Honim Meat, ensuring a delightful experience. They also offer home delivery.
• Mercury Cafeteria: This Russian-Uzbek kitchen delivery service is popular for its comfort food, including Piroshki, Bullion, and Uzbek Plov, offering a convenient way to enjoy Russian flavors at home. While primarily a delivery service, some may have small dine-in areas.
• It’s worth noting that due to Abu Dhabi’s slightly smaller expatriate Russian population compared to Dubai, some Russian restaurants might also feature a blend of Central Asian cuisines (like Uzbek or Georgian) alongside traditional Russian dishes.

Sharjah and the Northern Emirates: Discovering Local Gems

The other emirates, while not as saturated with Russian restaurants as Dubai, still offer noteworthy options for a taste of Russia.

• Sharjah: Skazka Al Saha also extends its presence to Sharjah, serving its renowned Russian and Uzbek cuisine. This provides residents and visitors in Sharjah a reliable spot for authentic dishes like borscht and dumplings.
• Ajman: Skazka Al Saha has a branch in Ajman, particularly on Ajman Corniche, offering its extensive menu of Russian, Uzbek, and even some Arabic dishes. Yum Yum Torii Restaurant in Ajman also lists a Russian cuisine menu alongside its Japanese offerings, striving to provide authentic Russian dishes in an exciting dining atmosphere.
• Ras Al Khaimah: While dedicated, solely Russian restaurants might be fewer, some European or international restaurants might feature Russian-inspired dishes on their menus. Additionally, looking for “Uzbek and Russian food” can yield results, such as the Uzbek & Russian Food delivery service in Mina Al Arab, which offers items like Borscht Soup, Bifshteks, and Medovik cake.
• Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain: For these emirates, finding dedicated Russian restaurants can be more challenging. Your best bet might be to look for hotels with diverse international buffets that occasionally feature Russian dishes, or to explore online delivery platforms which sometimes list smaller, specialized kitchens. The Russian community is present across all emirates, and informal gatherings or home-based catering might be another avenue to explore if you’re connected within those circles.

Exploring Authentic Russian Dishes

When dining at a Russian restaurant in the UAE, here are some essential dishes we recommend you try:

• Borscht: This iconic beetroot soup, often served with a dollop of sour cream (smetana) and a side of dark bread, is a must-try. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.
• Pelmeni/Vareniki: These are traditional Russian dumplings. Pelmeni are typically filled with seasoned meat, while Vareniki can have savory fillings like potato and mushroom, or sweet fillings like cherries. They are usually boiled and served with sour cream.
• Olivier Salad: Also known as Russian Salad, this creamy potato salad with vegetables, meat (or sometimes smoked salmon), and mayonnaise is a staple at any Russian celebration.
• Beef Stroganoff: A classic dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, often served with mashed potatoes or buckwheat.
• Blini: Thin Russian pancakes, served either savory with caviar and sour cream, or sweet with jam, honey, or condensed milk.
• Medovik: A delicate and indulgent honey cake with many thin layers of honey-infused sponge and sour cream frosting—a truly delightful dessert.
• Syrniki: Fluffy cottage cheese pancakes, often served for breakfast or dessert with various toppings.

Approximate Cost of Russian Food

The cost of dining at a Russian restaurant in the UAE can vary. For a casual meal at a bistro or a delivery service, you might expect to pay approximately AED 80 to AED 150 per person for a main course and a drink. At more upscale or themed restaurants with live entertainment, the cost for a full meal could range from AED 150 to AED 300+ per person, especially if you opt for multiple courses or specialty items like caviar. Dumplings (pelmeni) might be around AED 30-50 per portion, while a bowl of borscht could be around AED 25-45. These are approximate figures, and prices can fluctuate based on the restaurant’s location, ambiance, and specific menu offerings.

Beyond Restaurants: Russian Groceries

If you’re keen to try cooking Russian dishes at home, several supermarkets in the UAE, particularly those in areas with a high Russian population, stock Russian and CIS food products. Larger supermarket chains like Spinneys and Grandiose Supermarkets often have dedicated “World Foods” sections where you can find items like Russian cheeses, cold cuts, specific types of bread, cereals, and even frozen dumplings. There are also specialized online stores like Nasha.ae that deliver a wide range of Russian and CIS groceries across the UAE, making it easier to find authentic ingredients for your culinary adventures.

Exploring the Russian restaurants in the UAE offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into a rich and comforting cuisine. The www.few.ae team believes that from traditional family recipes to modern culinary interpretations, there’s a taste of Russia awaiting every palate. Which Russian dish are you most eager to try first on your gastronomic journey?