I’ll never forget my first real experience with zakuski—I was in Moscow, at a family dinner, completely overwhelmed by the amount of food on the table before the main course even arrived.
Every inch of the table was covered: pickled vegetables, tiny sandwiches, smoked fish, salads I couldn’t name, and shots of vodka standing proudly between them all. I looked at my host, wide-eyed, and he just grinned: “Welcome to zakuski.”
What Is Zakuski? (And Why It’s So Much More Than an Appetizer)
So what is zakuski, really?
Zakuski (закуски) is the Russian word for “snacks” or “appetizers”, but in Russian culture, it’s so much more than just a few bites before a meal. It’s an entire spread of small, flavorful dishes—served cold or at room temperature—meant to be enjoyed slowly, socially, and (usually) with a glass of vodka.
It’s kind of like Russian tapas. Think: cured meats, pickled herring, smoked salmon, deviled eggs, beet salads, caviar on buttered bread, and marinated mushrooms. Everything is arranged beautifully across the table, meant for sharing, for toasting, for storytelling.
If you’re wondering what is Russian zakuski, it’s not just a course—it’s an event. A statement of hospitality. When Russians lay out a zakuski table, it means they’re going all out to welcome you. It’s the food equivalent of rolling out the red carpet.
My First Zakuski Table: Food, Vodka, and Stories
The first zakuski table I sat down to was in a cozy flat outside St. Petersburg. I was invited by a friend-of-a-friend’s family and didn’t know what to expect. I figured a couple of appetizers, maybe some bread and soup. Boy, was I wrong.
There were at least 12 dishes on the table—all cold appetizers. The first one I reached for was a plate of seledka pod shuboy (aka herring under a fur coat)—a layered salad of pickled herring, potatoes, carrots, beets, and mayo. Sounds weird, but it was freaking delicious.
Then came the salat olivye, the Russian version of potato salad with peas, pickles, eggs, and bologna. Then caviar on black bread with a little butter. Then pickled tomatoes. Then homemade vodka. By the time the main dish arrived (which I barely had room for), I was already full—and smiling.
Common Dishes You’ll Find in a Zakuski Spread
This was one of my favorite parts of Russian cuisine—zakuski is different in every home, but here are some classics you’ll usually find:
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Seledka (Salted Herring): Served plain or dressed up in salads like shuba.
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Caviar: Black or red, usually on buttered bread or blini.
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Cold Cuts & Sausages: Smoked meats sliced thin.
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Salat Olivye: Russian potato salad—surprisingly addictive.
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Vinegret: A beet and sauerkraut salad.
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Deviled Eggs or Stuffed Eggs: With sprats or mayo-based fillings.
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Pickled Veggies: Cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms—pickled everything.
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Cheese Plates & Open-Faced Sandwiches: Think smoked cheese or bread with sprats.
It’s not fancy food, but it’s prepared with love and meant to be shared.
You can explore more about Zakuski and its cultural significance on Wikipedia, which offers a great overview of its origins and variations across Russia.
Why Zakuski Is the Heart of Russian Hospitality
You know how in some cultures, food is just fuel? Not here. In Russia, zakuski is all about warmth, generosity, and connection. It’s about setting a tone for the evening. Before you even dig into the main course, you’ve already been treated like family.
People sit for hours around the zakuski table, eating slowly, laughing, and—yes—toasting. Every few bites, someone raises a glass and says something meaningful, funny, or heartfelt. That’s part of the ritual. You don’t just eat zakuski, you experience it.
And it doesn’t even have to be a holiday. Russians will set up a zakuski table for birthdays, weddings, or even just when friends drop by. It’s a way of saying, “You’re welcome here, stay a while.”
Tips If You Want to Try Zakuski at Home
Want to recreate a zakuski-style evening? You totally can—and it’s honestly one of the most fun, low-pressure dinner parties you can host.
Here’s what you need:
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3–5 cold appetizers – Mix store-bought with homemade.
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Some vodka or wine – Traditional, but optional.
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A variety of textures – Pickled, creamy, salty, fresh.
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Black or rye bread – Trust me, it brings it all together.
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Friends who love to snack and chat.
And don’t worry about perfection. Zakuski is all about abundance and warmth, not fine dining. You can even throw in some non-traditional items—cheese boards, olives, whatever you love.
Final Thoughts: Zakuski Is a Whole Vibe
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time in Russia, it’s that zakuski is about more than just food. It’s about showing love through a full table. It’s about slowing down, sipping something strong, and savoring each bite with friends or family.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something different, skip the big main course. Lay out a few cold appetizers, pour something to drink, and make an evening of it.
Because once you’ve experienced zakuski, even just once, a regular dinner will never feel the same again.
FAQ:
What is zakuski?
Zakuski is a traditional Russian spread of cold appetizers served before the main course, often including pickled vegetables, cured meats, salads, and fish, usually enjoyed with vodka and good company.
What is Russian zakuski?
Russian zakuski refers to the variety of cold starters that are a staple of Russian dining culture. It’s a key part of hospitality, where food, drinks, and social bonding come together before the main meal.
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