Tran-Siberian Train Insight 2 – Food

Now you’ll appreciate that food is a high priority for both of us and therefore won’t be surprised to hear that the extra, unplanned bag that we took with us was a substantial bag of food including the obligatory noodles and tea bags plus additional extras such as salami, cheese and nuts.  This was to form the basis of our meals on the train however we obviously had plans to substantial complement this foundation. . .

Access to food on the trains comes from the dining car – which as we found can be exceptionally hit and miss as it changes at each border (undercooked potatoes anyone?!) – this option appears to be for foreigners only as we very rarely saw any Russian people here.  The main food options are available when the train stops which is an exciting experience, especially at the smaller stations where the platforms are filled with women selling a wide variety of food for people to buy.  Bread, filled rolls, dumplings, cabbage and beetroot salads, boiled potatoes, gherkins and trays of smoked fish are all on offer. With the exception of one station where they only appeared to sell large stuffed teddy bears, seriously there were about 15 different women selling these to people with very limited luggage space . . yet another of our “Russia, go figure!” experiences.

And here’s some evidence of our purchasing skills!!  Fern got incredibly excited about this photo J

 

The only other train related Russian culinary experience we have discovered is that, as well as the 150 different types of beer that each shop stocks, they also sell Gin & Tonic in 500ml cans - talk about travelling in style, or is that in inebriation?!  This brand is aptly called Churchills and is currently being modelled by Alice (and no she didn't notice how filthy her glasses were until she saw this photo!)