Top 5 Russian Souvenirs from Moscow

Want to have a part of Russia after your Russian adventure? Here are  Top 5 Russian souvenirs, all lasting different time, but all having very distinct Russian spirit. Enjoy!

Most popular Russian souvenirs

5. Chocolate

Russians first tasted chocolate during Catherine the Great reign in the 18th century. At that time chocolate was considerd luxury for the elite. Chocolate gained its broad popularity about the same time as matryoshka: in 1899 Mr. Alexey Abrikovos (Alex Apricot) created first authentic Russian chocolates with funny names “Crayfish Tail” and “Duck Feet”.

Our favorite one today is Korkunov. There is only one chocolate coffeeshop by Korkunov in Russia (luckily for us located in Moscow), and we will take you there with great pleasure. It is a real paradise for gourmands.

4. Caviar

As it’s prohibited to take it back home with you, you probably would love to try some caviar in Moscow’s only caviar bar in Clumba Club. The restaurant offers dozen species of caviar of saltwater and freshwater fish. All caviar is served on ice with butter, crispy baguette toast and fried lime. We recommend to combine it with oysters or Russian pancakes.

Menu can teach you the geography of Russia. Spawn herring comes from Kaliningrad , halibut  – from Murmansk, coho, chum and sockeye salmon – from Kamchatka,  pike, carp and perch – from the Volga region,  perch, whitefish and carp-  from Siberia, aquaculture sturgeon caviar – from Astrakhan.

3. Vodka

You can imagine how popular this one is by how vigorously tourists are looking for Russian authentic restaurant with national cuisine. After all, Russian cuisine starts and finishes with vodka ;)

In the Red Army soldiers taking part in the hostilities, was granted a daily serving of vodka (“combat” or “narkomovskie hundred grams”). Military personnel are often the front line, having success in fighting against the German invaders, increased rate of issuance of vodka servicemen these parts up to 200 grams per person per day. Issued 100 grams before the attack is the “gain courage” and analgesic in case of injury.

In the Red Army soldiers were granted a daily serving of vodka (“combat hundred grams”). Soldiers of the front line, having success in fighting against the German invaders, got 200 grams per person per day. These “one hundred grams” were very symbolic and brought  courage to Russian soldiers during Great Patriotic War (WWII).

Depending on your performance on our Moscow tours, you may be awarded traditional 100, or even 200 grams :P

2. Matryoshka dolls

These cute ladies were born in our country  due to Mr. Sergey Malutin back in 1890-ies. What started as a modest Russian country maid in red sarafan is now the whole world of outstanding people from football players to presidents placed one inside the other.

Russian wooden doll called matryoshka for an objective reason. In pre-revolutionary Russian province names Matrona, Matrёsha were considered one of the most common female names, and were based on the word “mother.” These names were associated with the mother of a big family, in good health, and with a portly figure. Subsequently, it became a household name and has come to mean a Russian traditional wooden toy.

First matryoshka appeared in Sergiev Posad, a city of Golden Ring.

1. Soviet antiques

Calendars, bad­ges, posters, flasks, cards and watches are the most popular, and prices range from a 60 ruble bill ($1) to 10,000 ruble bills ($160). Arbat is the most touristy area, but most  pricey as well. Our choice is Izmaylovo Flea Market.

On our 2 days or 3 days in Moscow tours you can get an excellent choice of souvenirs, as well as taste Russian vodka and savor delicacies from different regions of Russia

 What are your souvenir ideas when in Moscow?