Street Griddle · Thin Pancakes

Bliny

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During Maslenitsa, the week before Orthodox Lent, bliny are eaten every day, and the festival ends with the burning of a straw effigy of winter.

Bliny are thin, lacy, yeast-leavened pancakes cooked quickly on a hot griddle until the edges turn golden and slightly crisp. Street stalls and kiosks stack them fresh to order, then fold or roll them around fillings like sour cream, red caviar, smoked salmon, or sweetened condensed milk. They're handed over hot, straight off the pan, making them one of Russia's most popular grab-and-go snacks.

Why it's made this way: Their round, golden shape is traditionally said to mirror the sun, a symbolism that survives today in the springtime Maslenitsa pancake festival marking the end of winter.