5 cheap ways to have lunch in Russia

1. Cafeterias (‘Stolovayas’)

Since Soviet times, city cafeterias, or buffets, have been a saving grace for hungry citizens. Fast, cheap and, generally, a large selection. You walk along the counter with a tray, choose any dish from the corresponding ‘section’ – from salads to desserts – then pay at the cash register at the end and enjoy!

The Khorosh Gus cafe in Kazan

Cafeterias can be found almost everywhere, just type the word ‘stolovaya’ into ‘Yandex Maps’. Some are simpler, some are more elegant, like, for example, the historic ‘Stolovaya No. 57’ in Moscow's ‘GUM’ department store on the Red Square or the ‘Kremlevsky’ cafeteria near ‘Mayakovskaya’ subway station. And, in St. Petersburg, you will find the iconic ‘Stolovaya No. 1’, which has grown into a chain.

Cafeterias also exist at many institutions and monasteries (called ‘trapeznaya’). There, the food is always tasty and inexpensive.

2. Fast food

In Russia, there are both global fast food chains, as well as local ones – ‘Vkusno i Tochka’ (former ‘McDonald’s’), ‘Rostic's’ (former ‘KFC’), ‘Burger King’, ‘Domino's Pizza’ and many others. You can eat the famous fried chicken, burgers and pizza and drink it all down with soft drinks and coffee, finishing up with some dessert. 

Teremok fast food restaurant

But we, of course, recommend trying authentic Russian fast food chains, where, by the way, the menu doesn't only consist of “junk” food. Among these is ‘Teremok’, a classic crepe (pancake) house with dozens of filling options, where you can also get soup or cutlets with mashed potatoes. Also, don't miss ‘Kroshka Kartoshka’ (literally ‘Baby Potato’), where they add fillings of your choice, from Russian salads to pickled mushrooms, to giant baked potatoes!

3. ‘Business lunches’ at cafes & restaurants

A restaurant in central Moscow

On weekdays during the day, many, even the most expensive restaurants, offer what is called a ‘business lunch’ – a set of dishes to choose from at a moderate price. Typically, it's a choice of salad, soup and a main course, plus a drink (sometimes even a glass of wine!). The dishes are mainly served in smaller portions, but they are prepared in the spirit of the restaurant and will satisfy hunger.

4. Ready-made food in stores

Ready meals at a supermarket

Many people prefer to buy ready-made dishes in supermarket chains. ‘Perekrestok’, ‘Pyaterochka’, ‘Azbuka Vkusa’, ‘Dixy’, ‘Magnit’, ‘VkusVill’ and other chains all offer varied prepared lunch sets or individual dishes. Many stores also have dining areas with microwaves and utensils are provided free of charge.

5. Delivery

In large cities, delivery networks are already well-developed. Ready-made dishes and any groceries, fruits and vegetables, hot or cold drinks can be delivered within 10-15 minutes! You can place orders through apps like ‘Yandex Go’ (the same one where you can order a taxi), ‘Samokat’ or individual supermarket apps.

Yandex Food delivery man

So, if you're not in the mood to leave your hotel or apartment – you won't be left without affordable and tasty food!