Ingredient appreciation — what makes Borscht special

What sets Borscht apart is the handling of buckwheat. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the savoury and satisfying result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Russian New Year table is the most important annual food event, laden with Olivier salad, herring under fur coat, and other Soviet-era staples. The a family New Year table atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had black tea from a samovar as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Borscht is the place to start.