Russian Non-Traditional Food

I've harped and harped about the rich flavors and abundant variety characteristic of Russian traditional foods. But grabbing a snack in Russia doesn't mean your only choice is to head to the nearest blini stand and order a pancake. Western foods are making their way into Russia as well . . . but of course they require a twist to appeal to the Russian palate.

Lay's, famed for potato chips, has been upping its marketing ante in Russian hypermarkets (that's supermarkets to us) with unusual, but highly successful, results. Meat-, dairy-, and even seafood- flavored chips are packed onto shelves to be bought up by the younger generation of Russians who are looking for a quick snack. Potatoes have long been a Russian staple food; Russians are now eating them fried, salted, and processed.

Perfect with vodka as a salty side, or as a standby for middle-of-the-night cravings in your hotel, these totally un-American potato chips should give you something else to miss when you return home.

Potato Chips Photo Credit: Chris Seelus © 2004