Russian Roulette: Traktirr Pushkin

Posted: October 1st, 2010 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: LumDimSum Snapshots, Russian cuisine, Traktirr Pushkin | 1 Comment »

Generous portions + a giant menu + super cheap bottles of vodka and pitchers of Russian beer = Recipe for a successful Russian restaurant

Located just next door to the Russian embassy, Traktirr Pushkin is consistently full of Russian clientele.

My second time dining here was a reminder of my delightful, yet hazy first experience.  Going along with the theme of Russian culture, both times I found myself knocking back shots of vodka and chasing it down with dark beer (so American, I know). It’s rough for someone who rarely goes past a glass of wine at dinner, but vodka does actually (and quite nicely might I add) compliment caviar and all those potato-filled, cheese and mayo-covered hearty Russian dishes.

Highlights of our meal were the salads (RMB 15-35), Borsch Soup (RMB 18), Beef Steak with onions & mushrooms (RMB 40), Banana or Apple Crepe Dessert (RMB 16).

LumDimSum Snapshots of ordered menu items:

Beetroot Mixed with Vegetables (RMB 15)/Kamchatka (herring, apple, potato, beetroot, sour cucumber) RMB 22

Potatoes, Herring, and pickles (RMB 22)/ White Sea Salad with Salmon & Avocado (RMB 34)

Borsch Soup (RMB 18), Beef Steak with Onions & Mushrooms (RMB 40)

Roasted Duck with baked apples and bilberry sauce/ Potatoes Stuffed with Apples (RMB 16)

Crepes Stuffed with Bananas (RMB 16)/Crepes Stuffed with Apples (RMB 16)

Review of Traktirr Pushkin: Located West of Dongzhimen subway station, 5-15 Dongzhimen Neidajie, 东直门内大街5-15, Tel: 8407-8158

Best Part:

• Great value – generous portions and reasonably priced
• Highly recommended dishes: the Kamchatka: herring, apple, potato, beetroot, sour cucumber (RMB 22)Borsch Soup (RMB 18), Chicken Kiev (RMB 38) and Crepes stuffed with bananas (RMB 16).
• A great venue if you’re with a big, lively group of friends looking to get sloshed on Russian vodka.
• Very reasonably priced pitchers of dark ale beer (RMB 40) and bottles of vodka.
• They offer delivery service (minimum order is RMB 50 and free transportation for any location within 2km).
• If there isn’t a live band, then there are cheesy Russian music videos playing on a screen. Classic.

Comments:

• Service was MIA and not very friendly.
• I am not familiar with Russian food, but seemed like everything we had was drenched in either mayo, cheese, potato or all of the above.  It was delish, but honestly a bit heavy for my stomach. Then again, I guess it’s appropriate for heavy food to coat your stomach to compliment the vodka shots.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 4
• Overall Experience: 6
  

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