Goodbye Fish & Chips - Hello Pickled Fish

So, how do you like your fish: fried, baked or, well, frozen?

Ice Aquarium in Japan

In Russia, they like their fish pickled, dried, cured or smoked. Pickled fish is enjoyed in many parts of the world and every nation prepares it a little differently. Pickled Herring (Селёдка or Сельдь) is the King of the "Stinky Fish" table. All parts of pickled herring, except the head, are edible: meat and female/male roe. The best time to buy the fish is in the winter as it accumulates fat and taste less salty. Eat it in a salad or as a main dish with boiled potatoes (do not add any salt to the water) and sliced onions. Just like with sushi, it's not a crime to use your hands to handle pieces of pickled herring; just make sure to wash your hands (and dishes) well with cold water and soap.

The lingering smell of pickled fish will likely to stay with you for a couple of days no matter what. It's a small price to pay, if you ask me, for a very tasty meal. The pickled herring dishes are always followed by a cup of tea. Here is a saying you likely to hear just before your Russian host pours a hot cup of tea for you: РЫБА ПОСУХУ НЕ ХОДИТ (rough translation: the fish doesn't walk on land).
English Version, anyone?

You can always find herring at your local Russian store (just be ready to clean and fillet the herring fish). And if you're lazy like me, save yourself some time by ordering from Amazon.

Let's talk food

We are all now part of the global market; that didn't make us closer but rather made our lives similar in many ways. We dress alike and watch the same movies and franchised TV shows. Even the supermarkets are more or less filled with the same food items. Imagine what a shock it was for an American to visit Europe just 100 years ago. Now, you are more shocked at all the similarities you notice when travelling.  But when I think of a Russian Supermarket, two items are noticeably missing: peanut butter and maple syrup. Surprisingly so, as Russian people love peanuts and enjoy pancakes and waffles. And what food item commonly sold in Russia you’re not likely to find in your local supermarket - caviar.