The Russians are generally faithful to their own traditional dishes, but having a large country that embraces most of northern Europe and all of northern Asia (not forgetting expansions into neighbouring nations and regions) they have collected and adapted recipes from the peripheries.

Here are five such popular dishes.

Zharenyy Porosenok — whole roast suckling pig
Bliny s Kefir — pancakes made with kefir
Guryevskaya Kasha — semolina cream and milk cake with candied fruit, honey, nuts and spices
Pelmeni — stuffed parcels
Shashlyk — skewered fish, meat, poultry

• OUR BIG FOOD ADVENTURE