10 proverbs about food 

1. “Не красна изба углами, а красна пирогами” (“Ne krasna izba uglami, a krasna pirogami”)

"A hut is not beautiful with its corners, but with its pies"

Pies have long been considered one of the most popular dishes in Russian cuisine. There are many of them: savory, sweet, filled with game, fish, meat, berries, fruits or vegetables. When someone wants to draw attention to the hospitality of the hosts, he can use this proverb. 

2. “Хлеб – всему голова” (“Hleb vsemu golova”)

“Bread is the head of everything”

This is said when someone wants to remind you that bread is the main product on the table. In the old days, growing wheat or rye, grinding flour and baking a loaf from it was not an easy task. And a bad harvest threatened a possible famine. Bread was served with every meal and brought out to guests and newlyweds as a sign of respect.

3. “Хочешь есть калачи, не сиди на печи” (“Khochesh est kalachi, ne sidi na pechi”)

“If you want to eat kalachs, don't sit on the stove”

Baked bread made of wheat flour in the form of a padlock with a handle was very popular and was even served at the royal table. The quality of kalachs was strictly monitored – they had to be of a certain weight and well baked. But no one could make these fluffy loafs out of nothing. Therefore, lazy people could be given a hint: if you want to eat a proper kalach, first work hard and earn it.

4. “Натощак и песня не поется” (“Natoshchak i pesnya ne poetsya”)

“You can't sing a song on an empty stomach”

Everything is clear here: On an empty stomach, you don't want to do anything – not even to sing or dance. However, a well-fed person is ready to work hard and rest.

5. “Как потопаешь, так и полопаешь” (“Kak potopaesh, tak i polopaesh”)

 “As you stomp, so you will reap”

What will be on the table depends on how well a person works. The proverb also has a figurative meaning: the result depends on the effort expended. 

6. “Стряпает день до вечера, а поесть нечего” (“Stryapaet den do vechera, a poest nechego”)

“She cooks all day long, but there is nothing to eat”

This can be said about a careless housewife. But, this proverb is also used in a figurative sense. For example, to describe people who spend time in idle chatter and unnecessary chores, forgetting about the main task. 

7. “Щи да каша – пища наша” (“Shchi da kasha – pishcha nasha”)

“Shchi and porridge are our food”

Peasant food was simple and filling: the basis of the diet was porridge from different grains and vegetable soup. Meat rarely appeared on the table, usually only on holidays, because it was too expensive.

8. “Без соли, без хлеба – худая беседа” (“Bez soli, bez hleba – hudaya beseda”)

“Without salt, without bread – a conversation is lean”

Without salt, it’s tasteless, and, without bread, it’s not filling – you can reproach an inhospitable host. It has long been believed that guests should be welcomed with all cordiality and offered to share a meal. Without friendliness and respect for them, there will be no full-fledged communication. This proverb is also used in a figurative sense: empty talk without warmth of heart is not appreciated by anyone.

9. “Сытый голодного не разумеет” (“Sytiy golodnogo ne razumeet”)

“The well-fed do not understand the hungry”

A person who has everything cannot understand someone who is in need. Or is unable to appreciate someone's difficulties, until they find themselves in the same situation. 

10. “На чужой каравай рот не разевай, а пораньше вставай да свой наживай” (“Na chuzhoi karavai rot ne razevai, a poranshe vstavai da svoy nazhivai”)

 “Don't open your mouth at someone else's loaf of bread, but get up early and make your own”

Those who envy someone else's success, can only be advised: “Don't open your mouth at someone else's loaf of bread.” Try to achieve everything yourself.