Siberian exoticism on the table: discovering the national cuisine of the Sakha people

Located in the northeastern part of Russia, Yakutia impresses not only with its harsh climatic conditions and vast distances, but also with the impressive beauty of its natural landscapes, rich culture and ancient history. If you are planning to travel to this majestic region for the first time, here are some of the attractions that are worth visiting. And yes, not all of them can be visited without preparation!

A unique geological natural monument, consisting of a ridge of rocks stretching along the banks of the Lena River. The pillars, which reach a height of 100 meters, were formed as a result of weathering and erosion of rocks. This natural phenomenon is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In summer, you can take a river cruise here, observing the majestic rocks from the ship’s deck.

It will amaze even the most demanding travelers – here you can see the perfectly preserved remains of ancient animals from the Ice Age. The exhibition presents a fascinating collection of bones of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses and other representatives of ancient fauna.

A unique archaeological site located in the north-east of Yakutia, near the mouth of the Shishkina River, hence their name. The ancient rock paintings decorating it are an invaluable cultural heritage that allows researchers and tourists to touch the history and life of ancient peoples who inhabited this territory thousands of years ago. Shishkinsky pisanitsy are located in a remote and difficult-to-access area, which makes visiting them a real adventure.

If you are attracted to extreme tourism, a visit to Oymyakon will be an unforgettable adventure. This village is known as one of the coldest inhabited places on the planet, with temperatures reaching -67.7 °C. Despite the harsh conditions, the locals maintain extraordinary hospitality.

This is the name of a unique museum and entertainment complex, opened in 2008, which has no analogues in the world. It is located deep underground and consists of galleries and halls dug directly into the thickness of the permafrost. The construction of the complex was made possible by the joint efforts of Yakut scientists, builders and travel agencies.

In the northwest of Yakutia lies the majestic Putorana Plateau, another amazing place that wildlife lovers should definitely see. It is one of the most remote and inaccessible regions in Russia, consisting of a huge lava plateau with canyons, waterfalls and lakes of volcanic origin.

A series of picturesque waterfalls on the Vilyui River. They are especially beautiful in summer, when streams of water rush with a roar from a height, surrounded by green slopes and rocks. This corner of nature attracts not only tourists, but also photographers looking for perfect shots.

The Yakut diet is rich in protein and fat, which provides them with the energy and nutrients needed in the harsh climates. The conventional Sakha people’s cookbook represents a blend of traditions from Mongolia, Buryatia, Russia, and the indigenous peoples of northern Russia, such as the Chukchi, Evenks, and Evens.

Main characteristics of local cuisine:

A minimum of vegetables and fruits. They are simply not there; only a few types of frost-resistant mushrooms and berries grow in Yakutia.

Maximum animal products. Yakuts prefer horse meat, venison, beef and wild birds, and also eat a lot of freshwater fish – sturgeon, omul, grayling, whitefish and pike are on their menu.

The carcasses are eaten whole.: all offal is used in cooking, as well as exotic things like oxtails, intestines (and even moose lips!).

Variety of dairy products. Fresh whole milk is rarely consumed, but kumis, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and traditional desserts are prepared from it.

Freezing as a cooking methodThe method is dictated by the environment and allows meat and fish to be preserved for several months, retaining their freshness and nutritional value.

During the filming of the new episode of the Food.ru project, locals told and showed how they prepare their favorite dishes every day. Among them are a fresh milk drink byippah, wild duck soup and homemade noodles, lake fish baked in sour cream and fluffy homemade pancakes.

Additionally, classic Yakut specialties that you should definitely try when in the Sakha Republic include:

Of course, the easiest way is to make Yakut friends and come to visit them to fully immerse yourself in the culture. But if you don’t have such connections yet, it doesn’t matter. In the capital of the Republic there is the first center of Yakut cuisine – the ethnographic restaurant “Mahal”, where you can get an unforgettable gastronomic experience. We also recommend the Chochur Muran establishment, where they cook according to old traditional recipes. And the release of the series about Yakutia is scheduled for the second half of 2024 – watch it in full on the Food.ru channel on Zen if the themes of gastronomy and travel are close to you.