Food & Cooking Tours in St Petersburg

I had the pleasure of visiting Elena's household with my American friends. She came highly recommended for a visit to a traditional Russian family. Elena turned out to be truly a gracious host and on top of that, she is an expert chef! We were treated with borsch, pies with cabbage filling, cookies with nuts and raisins, curd patties!!! Besides the delightful culinary experience, Elena is also a professional interpreter, very well-traveled, including numerous visits to the US so she could easily relate my American companions. She is also very well-versed in Russian history and culture. In addition to her family's cozy atmosphere, an additional bonus is the location of her apartment where every building in her neighborhood is a piece of art. To cut a long story short, the experience was unforgettable in every respect!!!!

We wanted to feel a bit closer to the people and city and this was the prefect way to do so. With language being a barrier it was hard to talk to locals. Before the night we were asked about allergies and preferences or dislikes. The directions were clear and easy, we took a bus.

Elena greeted us outside the apartment to give us some history about her family and the building. Inside we met Sasha and the cats, and were given a tour of their beautiful home before sitting down to canapés and vodka, local dishes with wine, dessert with Russian coffee or tea and we stayed much later than we ought as the conversation was lively and covered every topic possible. It was a warm and cosy evening.

We left feeling we’d made new friends and seen just a glimpse behind the doors of St.Petersburg. A must do experience!

Meeting Elena and her family and enjoying a delicious home cooked meal in her lovely apartment was a St Petersburg highlight for me.
I booked the dinner for our group of four Australian friends and it was more than what I hoped for. As well as our experience of being in a St Petersburg family apartment, Elena generously shared some of her family history and answered all our questions.
Thank you very much Elena and Sasha. It was an evening I will always remember.

Amazing food and interesting talks in an old apartment right on one of the most elegant street in the center of Petersburg. I have been guest of the owners multiple times over years, and every time it has been the greatest pleasure. They love to take care of their guests, and share with them much more than food. That is a whole experience, highly recommended.

We were met like old friends and treated to the performance of a gorgeous trick performing cat!

Sasha and Elena are interesting conversationalists and the food was hearty, tasty and truly Russian!

We hope to be back someday.

Elena is a gem! She's a great conversationalist and we were so happy to spend an evening with her and her husband.

She cooked a delicious traditional Russian dinner with all the fixings (i.e. vodka).

Highly recommended!!

Yammy piroshki etc., served by a friendly host in the old style apartment in the center of the city. The walk to the Taurida gardens was nice, despite the cold weather. Highly recommend this place.