Baked kalachi at the National Centre RUSSIA: street food with a national flair

Visitors of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA are welcomed by the Gastronomic Rows. These are divided into four thematic zones — "South," "North," "West," and "East" — featuring dishes that reflect the rich culinary legacy of the country's regions. In the "Western" section of the gastronomic space, guests of all ages are drawn to baked kalachi with various fillings.

"Kalach is an old type of Russian bread, essentially Russian street food. Today, it is baked from wheat flour or a mix with added rye flour. Kalachi can be either rich or plain. A distinctive feature of the kalach we serve at the 'West' corner is its unique shape, resembling a hanging lock with a handle. Our ancestors used to buy kalachi from vendors and eat them right on the street, holding them by this handle," said Yekaterina Shapovalova, curator of the "Journey Across Russia. Food" project.

Even the process of preparing kalach at the "Journey Across Russia. Food" gastronomic space looks appetizing. The master cuts the baked good in half and fills each side with a white, creamy spread. The preparation is completed by adding a filling of the guest’s choice. For example, the kalach with Karelian trout is especially popular.

"The ingredients include cottage cheese spread with pike roe, fresh cucumber, iceberg lettuce, and Karelian trout. We also offer kalach with Bryansk pulled beef and slow-cooked turkey. The beef is complemented by a special meat sauce, pickled cucumber, and lettuce leaves, while the turkey is served with mushroom sauce and salad," said Sergei Melnikov, deputy chef of the "West" gastronomic corner.

The Gastronomic Rows at the National Centre RUSSIA are open daily, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 21:00.