Street Griddle · Thin Pancakes

Bliny

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Bliny are older than written Russian history — they were originally baked as a pagan offering to the sun god.

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 was originally meant to mirror the sun in pre-Christian ritual offerings, a symbolism that survives today in the springtime Maslenitsa pancake festival marking the end of winter.