First time trying Pelmeni — completely converted

I had never tried Pelmeni before this visit and I wasn't sure what to expect. The rich and dairy-forward taste hit immediately and made sense of the dish in a way descriptions never quite do. sour cream smetana is an ingredient I'd not encountered used quite like this before.

The a Moscow restaurant setting added something to the experience — this kind of food makes sense in that environment. Russian New Year table is the most important annual food event, laden with Olivier salad, herring under fur coat, and other Soviet-era staples. My server recommended vodka alongside and it was exactly right. I've been telling everyone to try Pelmeni. Outstanding first encounter.