A recent survey by the Romir holding, conducted for TASS, shows that many Russians still regard a small set of traditional dishes as indispensable on the New Year table. Mandarins and oranges topped the list, cited by 52% of respondents, with the classic Olivier salad close behind on 51%.
Russian New Year dishes remain firm favourites
Other staples retained their place in popular favour: herring “under a fur coat” was named essential by 39% of those questioned, while sandwiches with caviar or red fish were preferred by 30%. Meat and sausage delicacies follow at 26%, with aspic or jellied meat and chilled jellies each selected by 25%.
The survey highlights how the New Year table continues to reflect both continuity and variety in Russian festive customs. Confectionery items were cited by 22% of respondents, while pickles and preserved vegetables featured for 12%. Traditional dumplings such as pelmeni and roast duck were less commonly regarded as indispensable, each scoring 7%, while roast turkey appeared on 5% of lists.
Alcoholic preferences also show a blend of tradition and moderation. Champagne, historically associated with end-of-year celebrations across Russia, was reported to be present at 45% of households. At the same time, 16% of respondents said they do not have fixed New Year dishes and let the menu come together spontaneously.
Food historians and cultural commentators note that many of the dishes named in the survey have deep roots in Soviet and pre-Soviet Russian culinary practice. Olivier salad, for example, became an emblematic festive dish over the twentieth century, evolving from its earlier restaurant forms into a household staple. Similarly, mandarins and citrus fruits have long been associated with winter celebrations, partly because of their seasonality and past scarcity.
For many families the New Year table is a marker of continuity, providing culinary touchstones that signal the holiday. For others, the menu is an opportunity to combine family traditions with new tastes and ingredients. The Romir findings suggest that while core items remain popular, a meaningful minority of households prefer to improvise or personalise their offerings.
The survey results offer a snapshot of contemporary Russian festive practice rather than a prescription. They underline how public tastes can preserve certain dishes across generations while also leaving room for change. Whether through time-honoured salads, seafood canapés or seasonal fruit, the New Year menu remains an important part of how many Russians mark the turn of the year.
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Key Takeaways:
- Survey by Romir for TASS found mandarins and oranges (52%) and Olivier salad (51%) are viewed as essential New Year dishes.
- Herring under a fur coat (39%) and caviar or red fish canapés (30%) are also popular choices.
- Champagne appears on 45% of tables while 16% of respondents said their menu is spontaneous rather than fixed.
