First time trying Solyanka — completely converted

I had never tried Solyanka before this visit and I wasn't sure what to expect. The hearty and warming 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 traditional Russian stolovaya canteen setting added something to the experience — this kind of food makes sense in that environment. the Russian tea tradition using a samovar is centuries old and central to social hospitality. My server recommended black tea from a samovar alongside and it was exactly right. I've been telling everyone to try Solyanka. Outstanding first encounter.