Vegetarian dishes on Russian trains (European part)
On Russian long-distance trains that include restaurant cars, should I in 2019 expect that I can buy full vegetarian dishes there? On those pictures of a 2015 menu on the Trans Siberian Express linked by this answer, it seems that virtually every dish contains meat or fish. Should I expect difficulties as an ovo-lacto-vegetarian (but not vegan)?
I will be travelling in classes 2К and 2Т on trains 024Й, 042В, 041М, and 009Щ, where the trains do appear to have some 10 minute+ stops to stock up on food (and water) off-train if food on the train is too limited, assuming such is available on the platform.
Best Answer
No, you definitely cannot count on having vegetarian meals on long-distance trains in Russia. In fact even the menu is misleading, as quite commonly only a very limited selection of dishes are actually available on any given train.
Beware that fresh/hot food selections at stations are also quite limited, and vegetarian options even more so. (They've cracked down on unlicensed sellers, they need to rent stalls now and this has cut down on the selection a lot.) Vegetarianism in general is poorly understood in Russia, and even notionally vegetarian Russian staples like piroshki cabbage pastries may contain lard.
You're not going to starve, because you can always buy vegetarian packaged snacks (potato chip, peanuts, etc), but I would strongly encourage you to bring along enough staples to last you until your next stop. Hot water for noodles, porridge etc is always available.
You may find my little review of food options on the Trans-Siberian last year useful: https://driftingclouds.net/2018/07/04/from-siberia-to-tibet-life-on-a-train/
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Does Russia have vegetarian food?
It may not be a mainstream vegetarian food destination, but Russia will never disappoint its vegetarian visitors. From hole-in-the-wall eateries to upscale restaurants, the country serves freshly baked breads, meatless soups, mushroom pies and much more to its vegetarian and vegan gastronomists.Do Russian trains have showers?
There are two lavatories at each end of every car. The showers are provided on long-distance trains (more than 24 hours); only in kupe or 1st class carriages. If your train doesn't have a shower, you can ask a conductor to allow you to use a shower in another carriage for a small fee.Can you smoke on Russian trains?
According to Russian Federation Federal Law, which comes into force on 1 June 2014, tobacco smoking is prohibited on long-distance trains and passenger platforms used exclusively for passengers boarding and alighting from suburban transport trains.What famous railway journey would you take in Russia?
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More answers regarding vegetarian dishes on Russian trains (European part)
Answer 2
@jpatokal is right, "you definitely cannot count on having vegetarian meals on long-distance trains in Russia" (as well as on a menu).
However, there might be something in a restaurant car as, e.g., a salad suitable for a vegetarian. In fact, I traveled with a vegetarian girl this July on 056?, and she was quite happy with salads from a restaurant car and vegetarian snacks we bought on train stations.
There are classes where you can preorder food (full board, half board (breakfast, dinner), only breakfast or lunch or dinner, with a choice from the menu -- unfortunately, I cannot find this info in English). Breakfast is usually a porridge (kasha); however, I don't know whether you are OK with milk or not. Here a passenger provides a review on food options on the Trans-Siberian in 2018 when you preorder food online (the review is in Russian but full of pictures).
Answer 3
I strongly recommend to bring along food. Train restaurant car's dishes are not popular. It's not the same as meal in planes.
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