Spice level warning — Okroshka is not what I expected

I underestimated Okroshka. The rich and dairy-forward description didn't prepare me for the reality. pickled vegetables brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

the Russian tea tradition using a samovar is centuries old and central to social hospitality. The a traditional Russian stolovaya canteen setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. black tea from a samovar cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.