Abakan is a city located in the Khakassia Republic of Russia, with a population of approximately 168,000 inhabitants. It is situated on the bank of the Yenisei River, in the south of Siberia. The city has a diverse culture and rich history, and the cuisine of Abakan reflects the traditions of the Khakass people, who are indigenous to the area.
The people of Abakan have a relaxed lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. The typical meal times in Abakan are breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with lunch being the main meal of the day. Food is usually distributed throughout the day in small portions, with snacks and tea breaks being common.
One of the traditional dishes of Abakan is Khakassian bread, which is made from rye flour and water, and baked in a clay oven. It has a distinctive sour taste and a dense texture. This bread is often eaten with butter, cheese, or honey.
Another popular dish is balyk, which is a type of smoked fish that is typically made from salmon or sturgeon. The fish is salted and dried before being smoked, giving it a unique flavor. It is often served as an appetizer or as a snack with bread and butter.
Meat dishes are also common in Abakan, with lamb, beef, and venison being popular choices. One of the most popular meat dishes is shorpo, a soup made from lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions. It is often served with bread and is a hearty meal that is perfect for cold Siberian winters.
In addition to shorpo, another popular soup is khalva soup, which is made from beef, potatoes, and onions. The soup is seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes herbs, and is often served with sour cream.
Pelmeni is a type of dumpling that is also a favorite in Abakan. It is typically made with ground beef or pork, and wrapped in a thin dough. Pelmeni can be boiled, fried, or baked, and are often served with sour cream or butter.
Tea is the most popular drink in Abakan, and it is served with almost every meal. The tea is usually strong and black, and is often brewed with various herbs and spices, such as mint, lemon, or ginger. In addition to tea, kumis, a fermented horse milk beverage, is also popular in Abakan.
Abakan is a city rich in culture and history, with a cuisine that reflects the traditions of the Khakass people. From Khakassian bread to balyk, shorpo, and pelmeni, the food of Abakan is hearty and satisfying, perfect for the cold Siberian winters. Tea and kumis are the most popular drinks, and are often served with every meal. The relaxed lifestyle of the people of Abakan makes it a great place to enjoy food and drink with family and friends.