23 Reasons Russian Pancakes Are The Best Kind Of Pancake

A Moscow entrepreneur is betting Americans will fall in love with Russian pancakes. He could be right.

By
Susie Armitage
by Susie Armitage

BuzzFeed News Reporter

1. So maybe you've heard some things about Russian food, and they sounded a little suspicious. (Sorry, beets and meat jello.)

2. But did you know that Russia is really good at pancakes?

3. Like, really really good.

4. So good that throughout the former Soviet Union, people eat bliny (thin, lacy, crepe-like pancakes) for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5. They're a blank canvas for all your culinary whims and desires.

6. Bliny are delicious with berries.

7. Or apples.

8. Drizzled in honey.

9. Or with a generous smear of jam.

10. You can add caviar if you're feeling fancy.

11. Bliny + sweetened condensed milk from ~that~ blue can = instant trip back to Soviet childhood.

12. If you want to feel better about eating bliny for dinner, stuff them with something savory, like ground beef or rice.

13. Or fill them with soft farmer's cheese.

14. Don't forget the sour cream.

15. Obviously, they taste best when prepared by a babushka.

16. Bonus points if they're cooked the old-fashioned way.

17. But they're also pretty good fast-food fare.

18. Bliny even get their own holiday, Maslenitsa, when people eat heaps of them to ward off winter.

19. They're such an important part of the culture, there's a Russian saying: "The first pancake always comes out a lump."

20. Russians also say "blin," the singular for pancake, instead of cursing. As in, "Blin! I tried to recreate this Pinterest-worthy spread but all my bliny came out lumpy."

21. They're a truly multi-purpose treat.

22. So while you might not love all of Russia's cuisine, you have to concede that its pancake game is 100% on point.

23. Go get some of these in your belly, stat.

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