7 main soups from different Russian regions

1. Karelian ‘lohikeitto’

Karelia is a land of lakes and rivers and the local cuisine has all kinds of fish dishes. A variety of fish soups are considered main dishes. The most popular one is ‘lohikeitto’ or ‘Karelian Ukha’, a soup with cream, red fish and potatoes. The name literally translates as ‘salmon soup’. In the old days, it was prepared on holidays, but, these days, you don't need a special occasion! 

2. Buryat ‘shulen’

In Buryatia, people are very fond of hearty meat dishes. ‘Shulen’ soup consists of simple ingredients: homemade noodles, large pieces of beef or lamb, onions and herbs. And it's so thick and rich that it's said to literally have a spoon standing in it.

3. Tatar ‘tokmach’ 

This is two dishes in one – chicken noodle soup and boiled chicken and potatoes. First, chicken broth is boiled together with homemade noodles, salt and pepper and served with chopped herbs separately. And then, chicken from the broth is baked separately with potatoes, which turns it into a full dinner. 

4. Ossetian ‘lyvzha’

There are a lot of dishes made with meat and vegetables in the North Caucasus. In Ossetia, the popular soup is ‘lyvzha’, which is similar in thickness to a stew. It is made with beef, potatoes, onions, carrots and spices (thyme, garlic, dill, cilantro). It is cooked for a long time over low heat, until all the ingredients are cooked down. 

5. Mordovian-style 'selyanka'

It is prepared on the basis of pork lung, which gives it a special flavor. Liver, kidneys, heart and shank are also used. Usually, 'selyanka' is made on the basis of pork offal or beef offal. In the old days, this soup was prepared on the second wedding day. Today, it is also prepared without any particular occasion in mind. 

6. Kalmyk 'makhan'

'Makhan sheltyagan' (or simply 'makhan') is one of the most popular dishes in Kalmyk cuisine. It is a soup made of mutton or beef and potatoes in a clear, rich broth and is served with fresh onion rings. 

7. Bashkir 'ulush'

In Bashkiria, people love soup made with beef and fresh vegetables – potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onions. 'Ulush' literally means “a part”. It refers to the fact that when the soup is served, everyone gets the same amount of ingredients.