What is Murom ‘kalach’ famous for?
Before the 20th century, the most popular street food in Russia was the ‘kalach’ – a ring-shaped bun with a "handle", making it easy to eat on the go.
Different regions had their own versions, but only a few cities have preserved the tradition to this day. One of them is Murom, Vladimir Region, where the city's coat of arms proudly features as many as three golden ‘kalaches’.
Legend has it that Empress Catherine II once passed through Murom and liked the local pastry so much that she ordered them to be added to the town's coat of arms. Approved in 1781, the updated coat of arms included the note that the town was "exceptionally famous for its ‘kalaches’”.
Historical records confirm that ‘kalaches’ have been baked in Murom since 1552, with city archives mentioning them being made in eight different households.
Murom’s ‘kalaches’ are known for being "terty" (‘grated’) – the dough is kneaded and rubbed for a long time, making it incredibly light and airy. This is where the famous Russian saying "terty kalach" (a "grated kalach") comes from, referring to a person who has endured many hardships in life.
Today, ‘kalaches’ are still baked in Murom and the city has even erected a monument to its iconic bread in the town center.
