Tatar cuisine guide for a 2018 FIFA World Cup’s visitor
Awaiting the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, FIFA.com gives a review of Tatar national cuisine. The short guideline for the visitors includes typical dishes and offers some hints on where a football fan can find a place to taste them.
While Kazan is preparing its sport facilities for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the football fans from all over the world are preparing themselves too. FIFA.com performs a virtual culinary tour across the cities, which are going to host the World Cup's matches. It has something to sayabout Tatar cuisine as well. 'The essential quality of this cuisine is a full-bodied and unique taste, which any native will tell you is evidence of the kindliness and hospitality of the locals.'
Local cooking included the culinary traditions of many nations, but eventually it took its own shape. Among the whole variety of local meals, the championship's guests are proposed to pay special attention to the pastry, which usually includes a rich filling on a thin dough layer. Echpochmak, peremechi and vak-balish are listed as absolute must-tries. Kystybyi is mentioned separately but with a filling of a millet grain porridge or a meat sauce (and no word about mashed potatoes!). Sweet pastries are presented by gubadiya and chak-chak, and the latter is also mentioned as a favoured gift from Tatarstan.
Lamb and local poultry, including duck and goose, are called the Tatars' favourite types of meat (but they undeservingly forgot beef). Speaking of drinks, tea is offered as the most popular and important beverage. Tatar tea is described as 'tea with dried fruit and milk according to individual taste'.
Football lovers are also given several tips for finding a nice place to eat. Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda, Tugan Avalym or Bauman Street's small cafes are considered to be tourist-friendly. They offer a range of traditional meals, mostly Halal. But the best way to explore Tatar cuisine is to receive an invitation to someone's friendly house and to taste traditional home cooking, taking into consideration that family recipes are carefully stored and handed down from one generation to another.
Realnoe Vremya has a few words to add to these recommendations. As man shall not live by bread alone, a World Cup's visitor should definitely taste the traditional noodle soup tokmach.