Monthly Archives: January 2023

Traditional Slavic foods you should try

Slavic traditional dishes are rich, filling, and bursting with flavor, despite the fact that they haven’t undergone the same worldwide revival as Indian and Vietnamese cuisine. While many of the classic Slavic culinary dishes are heavy, a few lighter choices are influenced by the French. These popular and excellent cuisine items should not be missed if your love hunt brings you to Russia or Ukraine.

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Blini

Blini, the Russian/Ukrainian variant of the crepe, demonstrate the French influence on Slavic cuisine. Blini, which is somewhat thicker than a French crepe, can be dressed up with sweet or savory fillings and toppings. Blini for dessert are often cooked with white flour, whilst those for meals are typically made with buckwheat.

Blini garnishes range from smoked salmon to fresh cream, handmade jams to hand-picked mushrooms. Another popular blini topping is sour cream. Those searching for a more luxurious alternative may be interested in blini served with caviar.

Borsch

Beet soup known as borsch has its roots in Ukraine but has become a popular dish in Russia. Several Westerners would find the use of beets as a soup base odd, but there are many reasons why this hearty soup is one of Russia’s most well-known recipes. It is stuffed with meat and sautéed vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and onions. It may be served hot or cold, but a dollop of fresh sour cream on top is preferred.

Pelmeni

Pelmeni are one of the easiest and most tasty meals to eat in Russia or Ukraine. This dish is made up of considerably more than just flatbread and chopped beef. If your Slavic girlfriend invites you to a traditional lunch or supper, expect to be served pelmeni with sour cream.

Pelmeni are traditionally eaten with a fork and boiled in Russia. Some Russians, however, cook pelmeni in a skillet with different veggies and seasonings. Whatever you do, don’t leave Russia without trying the legendary pelmeni!

Shashlik

If you eat a shashlik, you’re eating the Slavic equivalent of a shish kebab. Thick and chunky chunks of chicken, beef, lamb, or fish are roasted and typically served with unleavened bread in this delectable feast. They may be served with sour tomato sauce or Russian pickles. In Moscow, these hearty delicacies are as frequent in restaurants as they are from street sellers.

Solyanka

The word “solyanka” initially appeared in a piece of literature from the 15th century, which defined the meal as a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. Solyanka soon established itself as a staple on the local tables due to its high-fat content, which was known for slowing down the onset of alcohol intoxication.

The soup, which often contains pork, bratwurst, and pickles, is commonly prepared following a party. It only takes a little patience and around two hours to prepare a decent lunch.

Vatrushka

Vatrushka is a sweetened cottage cheese and raisins-filled spherical bun with an open top. The name vatrushka is said to have originated in Russia’s surrounding nations since vatra means “hearth” or “fire” in most Slavic languages. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Vatrushka resembles a spherical and puffy sun. There have been several varieties of this delectable delicacy over the years. Some residents include homegrown fruits, berries, and even plain white yogurt!

To be fully honest, if you make the vatrushki without any recommendations from Russian homes, it might be really difficult to create a ‘puffy’ finish.

Kvas

Kvas, which was first fermented over a thousand years ago, is regarded as one of the most refreshing soft beverages in Russia and Ukraine. The major ingredient in kvas is rye, which serves as the drink’s leaven.

If your Slavic girlfriend invites you to a family lunch or supper, the children will almost certainly be served kvas, and you will be invited to try okroshka, which is prepared with kvas.

Okroshka

Okroshka is a refreshing cold soup prepared with chopped vegetables, bratwurst, and kvas. It is often served as a light appetizer or side dish. The term “okroshka” means “sour drink” in ancient Russian.

Some Russians think that because this meal is served cold, it should have a robust and rich flavor. As a result, bratwurst may occasionally be substituted for beef tongue, and kvas can be substituted by airan or salty sour milk.

The original recipe for okroshka was reportedly published in one of the legendary Russian chef Vasiliy Levshin’s cookbooks in the 18th century. Russia enjoys okroshka all summer long because it is tasty and refreshing.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff, which originated in Russia in the middle of the nineteenth century, is considered a dish of the upper crust. The dish is named after the prosperous Stroganoff family. It is thought that the meal was created for them by one of their French cooks.

The meal itself is made up of bite-sized pieces of pork cooked in a smetana sauce (Russian sour cream). More ingredients have been added over time to create the beef stroganoff that we all know and love today. Onions, tomato sauce, potatoes, and mustard are among the components, and many chefs will sauté the meat. Beef stroganoff is a classic Russian dish that has spread around the world.

Pirozhki

You’ve probably heard of pirozhki. These little puff pastries are baked or fried and filled with potatoes, pork, cabbage, or cheese. Stuffed pockets are popular in Russia and Ukraine.

Holodets

In addition to being a satisfying appetizer, holodets is high in minerals and collagen, which helps keep your bones, joints, and teeth healthy. It is frequently known as ‘Meat Jelly’ in Russia. This is due to the dish’s major ingredients being pig shank meat and bouillon.

The dish is native to northern Russia. It was an excellent dish to have on hand for farmers and peasants who required substantial food throughout the winter months. Holodets are also a favorite hunting meal. It’s great for long days and nights spent out in the outdoors.

Unusual Russian superstitions you should know about while dating a Russian woman online

Keep in mind that Russian women are superstitious when communicating with them on a dating site. Yes, according to a recent study by Levada Center, more than 50% of Russians believe in omens and lucky signs.

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These are the good omen signs in Russian culture:

Tap on the wood

Russian people knock on the wooden object three times when they hear or say something pleasant. In general, Russians are afraid to frighten fate and hardly ever speak about the future in a good or hopeful manner. If someone says compliments to a child, a Russian person would most likely knock on the first wooden thing that comes across. The custom is based on old tales about good spirits residing in trees.

Make a wish when you are standing between 2 people with the same name

Because there are many people with the same name in Russia, this custom provides you with several “good luck” options. Keep your wish a secret or it could never come true. Historically, children were named after saints. As a result, if you sit between two people with the same name, two saints on each side will protect and assist you.

Take a seat before going on a journey

Everyone in the family should sit for a time and remain silent for a minute or at least a few seconds. This practice dates back to ancient times when such periods of quiet were a homage to home spirits. In fact, this habit has a pleasant side effect: you may occasionally take some forgotten items before departing.

Rub the statue

The practice of rubbing various parts of public statues is popular among tourists all across the world. This belief is very common among Russians. As a result, when you arrive at Ploshadj Revolutsii metro station, you will witness people touching the noses, shoes, hands, and even the genitalia of the sculptures in the hopes of becoming wealthy, passing examinations, or marrying happily. However, we would like it if you did not hold this notion, as it does significant damage to the sculptures.

There are also some bad luck omens:

Don’t give someone an odd amount of flowers

People in Russian culture always give an odd number of flowers. You’ll only need an even number if you’re bringing flowers to a grave. Even numbers symbolized the conclusion of the life cycle in ancient Slavic culture.

Don’t whistle in the house

This odd Russian custom may appear bizarre. People feel that if they do that, they will have no money. One probable origin of the habit is that people used to keep little money in their mouths, which might easily be lost when whistling.

Don’t spill the salt

Otherwise, you’ll fight or have other troubles. Salt was once expensive and worth its weight in gold. People would be too afraid to spill it, as expected.

Do not wish someone a happy birthday before the date

Russian people have long believed that wishing someone a happy birthday in advance is a bad sign. One of the ancient wives’ tales holds that if the birthday person receives early congratulations, he or she may not live up to the holiday day at all.

Do not shake hands or kiss over a threshold

Russian people assume that shaking hands or kissing across a threshold will result in a fight. This superstition has even made it into space! Russian astronauts declined to shake hands with foreign cosmonauts who came in the hatch when the Russian Soyuz and the American Apollo docked.

Don’t leave an empty bottle on the table

It may bring you bad luck. Russians always leave empty bottles on the floor after drinking. According to legend, the practice dates back to the Napoleonic Wars. When Cossack forces arrived in Paris, they frequently visited French pubs and restaurants. At the time, restaurants in Paris did not measure the number of bottles supplied to a customer but instead counted the empty bottles at the conclusion of the meal. Someone immediately found out how to save money in the Russian army, and cossacks began concealing empty bottles under the table.

Don’t sit at a corner table if you are single

A single Russian woman would never sit at a table corner, according to tradition. Otherwise, she might never marry. What are the origins of this tradition? Children in big peasant families used to sit on benches in the center of the table, and only a foster kid had to take the place at a corner.

 

Small talk with Slavic ladies

Small talk is the entryway to building personal and professional relationships, whether it be about the weather, a favorite Netflix series, or anything else.

Western men are sometimes taken aback by the cultural contrasts between Slavic and Western countries when it comes to small talk. In Western countries, people frequently use small talk to approach strangers or to test the waters before entering into more serious topics. Slavic women, meanwhile, are less likely to strike up a conversation with total strangers. They take longer to warm up and may even appear distant to foreigners.

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Why should you learn Russian small talk?

Small talk is ideal for those awkward moments at the start of a new in-person or online language interaction when you and your Slavic girlfriend don’t know what to talk about. Small talk words can assist you to keep the discussion flowing, which is what the exchange is all about.

When you study Russian small talk, you become acquainted with fundamental and often-used Russian vocabulary. These will serve as the foundation for learning intermediate and advanced Russian if you want!

Small talk expressions might help you have a more realistic experience if you’re planning a vacation to Russia or another Russian-speaking region.

Common Russian expressions to start a conversation

Привeт! (Hi!) / Здравствуйте! (Hello!)

These are two ways of saying “hello,” which should always be said first while establishing a small chat! The first should be used to greet a Slavic woman, a friend, a parent, or a kid. The second might be used to express respect for an older person or a business acquaintance.

Kaк дела? (How are you?)

This is the expression that usually follows “hello” in basic talks in any language.

Кaк погодa? (How is the weather?)

Weather and small chat are virtually always related. It’s a safe discussion topic on which everyone may weigh in.

While many countries throughout the world have little variation in weather throughout the year, Russia is the polar opposite. Russia has all four seasons and experiences them all. If you’ve never seen a genuine Russian winter, you know nothing about being cold to the bone.

Давайте познакомимcя! (Let’s introduce ourselves!)

Do you see a lovely Slavic girl you’d want to get to know better? The sentence above may be used in a variety of contexts! All you have to do is be bold enough to say it.

Меня зовyт… А как вас зовут? (My name is… What is your name?)

You should introduce yourself and ask the Slavic lady’s name when you wish to start a more intimate conversation.

It would be awkward to approach a woman and introduce oneself out of the blue, so make sure to add some small talk before doing so. Use the weather first since it is a great starting point for introducing yourself.

Я из…, a oткуда вы? (I am from…, where are you from?)

All Slavic ladies will recognize you as a foreigner, but not all will be able to figure out where you’re from. Make the process easy for them by stating it straight away. They may know some English, which will aid them in the dialogue.

Even if you are in Russia, you may always ask the woman where she is from, especially if you are in a large city. This is especially true in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where women go from smaller places to study and work.

 

How to minimize the risk of being scammed while planning a meeting with a Slavic woman you met online

Are you in contact with a lovely Slavic lady who wants to visit you in your country but requires an international passport or visa and flight tickets? Is it realistic to guarantee her arrival in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Europe and help her obtain these papers without falling victim to an online dating scam?

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Continue reading to learn about all the legal and practical actions you may take to meet your Slavic girl while avoiding a classic romance scam scenario:

1. Video chat with her

First and foremost, you must ensure that you are in contact with a real, genuine lady who is interested in you. Have you video-chatted with your Slavic girl on Skype, FaceTime, or another popular mobile messenger? No? So, how do you know she is a real person? Are you in love and chatting with a lovely Slavic girl you’ve never met before, and she expresses a great desire to visit you in your country? Sorry, but this is a complete online dating fraud! You’re one step closer to transferring money to a scammer. As proven by the numerous fraud cases reported on the Internet, many Western guys have done the same.

Prior to taking any additional action, try to meet her via video chat. If the lady with whom you are communicating refuses to appear on cam, end the connection immediately and report her profile.

2. Ask her some questions

If you’ve seen each other on cam and are both interested in further conversation, the following issue is: How can you verify her intentions regarding your future together? Even if she is real, she may con you out of travel expenditures without ever showing there. A few easy questions can assist you in reaching the correct conclusions. Why would a sincere and honest lady desire to spend time at a man’s residence even if she has never met him before? She’ll be alone with a complete stranger and leaving her house; won’t she be afraid?

The correct response is self-evident: no sane lady would travel overseas after merely exchanging letters or texts. A true and honest Slavic lady would expect you to first visit her in her country (or meet in a third country), not the other way around.

Case 1

Your girl insists on visiting you in your country and requests financial assistance to pay the cost of a visa and other travel charges. Oops! You have been contacted by a scammer. Visa scams are the most common method of stealing your money. There are several instances on anti-scammer forums and around the Internet.
To ensure your safety, submit her profile to the dating platform administration where you met immediately and cease all connections before you lose money and your heart.

Case 2

Your girl insists on coming to see you even though she will have to pay for her own travel. Is this offer also real? No, she is not requesting financial support at this moment. Please keep in mind, though, that it would be quite difficult for her to obtain a visa on her own if she doesn’t already have one for your nation.

If you check your embassy’s rules, you’ll discover that if you haven’t met in person, neither the US, Canadian, Australian, nor any other embassy will provide a visa to a young lady who is traveling on your invitation. This application for a visa will be denied.

By the way, hardly many Slavic females are prepared to take such a daring and hazardous action. Imposing herself on a man is not in their nature and goes against their traditional upbringing. So, how can you be sure it’s not a dating scam? Do you need additional proof?

  • The lady repeatedly claims that she can afford her own bills, but then discovers that the money for the trip is comparable to her whole family’s earnings. Or she claims she just requires a portion of the total and will pay the remainder on her own. You will feel embarrassed and will send her something to alleviate the discomfort.
  • You have seen the lady’s scanned tickets and visa. You both look forward to her coming shortly. However, a dreadful tragedy happens the day before the arrival. Her journey will be delayed due to the illness of a close member, criminals on the streets, or the requirement for supplementary travel papers like travel insurance. She will approach her dearly loved man abroad for cash assistance for any cause. You’ll send the money out of sympathy for her.
  • The woman has already left for the airport. You’re both looking forward to your first face-to-face meeting. Then she dials your number. She claims she is at customs and is being requested to show proof that she has enough money to pay her daily living costs while overseas. She sobs and claims she really needs the money. There is no time to waste. Will you pay the needed amount in order to save your princess?
  • The lady is at the airport’s customs desk. The immigration officer discovered an antique relic or anything expensive in her luggage. As an old Slavic tradition, she meant to deliver this to you as a gift. She urgently requires money in order to bribe an official and get through customs without incident.

The techniques mentioned above are just a handful that con artists use to extort money from guys abroad. All of their efforts are directed at earning your trust before soliciting donations.

3. Visit her country to meet her

Basically, you are already in a precarious position if a lady you met online asks you for money at any point to pay for her trip expenses. Why not use the money to book your own trip to Russia or Ukraine to meet real Slavic women? Come to your online woman and evaluate your feelings against reality if you are confident that she is a real person and reliable.

Visiting in person can be the wisest choice and a practical, efficient, and economical tactic that will assist:

  • minimize the danger of online dating fraud;
  • learn about her hometown’s customs and way of life;
  • meet her family and friends.

By the way, if you’re in contact with many ladies, you may meet them all or even other local women. When you get home, invite the person who was the best fit. This increases your chances of having a successful relationship.

Why do Slavic women make the best life partners?

Some people continue to resist the idea that these days, all it takes to be happy is a reliable Internet connection. Your love radar doesn’t need to be set to your area anymore. One of the benefits that modern society best advertises is dating a Slavic lady. Would you be interested in learning why Slavic women make the finest girlfriends?
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Many Westerners are curious about what makes Slavic women so alluring and distinctive given the recent surge in popularity of Slavic online dating services. You may undoubtedly cite the attractive Slavic women as one of the causes, but there are other factors at play as well:

They are straightforward
It may appear that feminism has already taken hold in Slavic countries, but this is not totally correct. The major reason mail order Slavic brides are so straightforward is that it’s genetic. These ladies don’t know how to be hypocrites, and they can’t stand those around them. She will never plan behind your back if something goes wrong; she will always bring it out.

They are joyful
The nicest thing about Slavic females as girlfriends is that you’ll never feel down around them.  They know how to have fun and make others happy. While Slavic boys and men may appear dark and melancholy, Slavic women have a more cheerful outlook on life. These women are upbeat and extroverted. They are nurturing and encouraging, making them excellent long-term partners.

They are purposeful
The post-Soviet nations are still recouping from the harm the system caused. Although it may appear that the political and economic climate have nothing to do with the current generation, this notion is false. The challenging circumstances most of these women were raised in still shape their outlook on life, making them survivor-minded and goal-achievers in any circumstance.

They are family-oriented
You should be aware of something else in addition to the well-known fact that Slavic women make excellent moms and family caregivers. Slavic families are based on love. If you treat the Slavic girl well, you will get a second family that will look after you even more than your own family. There is no hyperbole here.

They are high achievers
While Slavic women would never prioritize their careers over their families, they are hardworking and well-educated, which allows them to find jobs fast. The major reason Slavic ladies can readily adjust to any scenario is because they are used to adversity. They will go to great lengths to assist their family since they understand how to live on a limited budget and successfully manage their spending to save money.

These women frequently obtain a second degree and may rapidly acquire a new language if they relocate to another country. They can contribute to a family budget if necessary. Furthermore, they will go to any length to ensure that their children have a solid education.

They are devoted
Loyalty is one of the most important factors in why Slavic ladies make the finest girlfriends. You’ll receive a best friend and a loving partner in one if you commit to a relationship with a woman from Russia or Ukraine.

They are caring

Slavic ladies understand that terrible times pass and may console their spouses when they are unhappy. This is why Slavic women are the ideal girlfriends and spouses because they know how to care for and support their loved ones when things don’t go as planned. They will find pleasant words for a spouse who is experiencing difficulties at work and will look after their relatives when they are ill.