Dubai’s Growing Love for Eastern European Flavours: A Culinary Trend on the Rise
- Jan. 21, 2025
- FMCG HORECA BUSINESS

Dubai's culinary scene has always been a vibrant melting pot of global flavours, but in recent years, one particular cuisine has been quietly carving out a space for itself — Eastern European fare. From Russian staples like Borscht and Pelmeni to Georgian delights like Khachapuri, the city’s dining scene is slowly but steadily embracing the rich, diverse flavours of the former Soviet Union and its surrounding regions.
One restaurant leading this culinary charge is Chalet Berezka, perched atop the Nakheel Mall rooftop in Palm Jumeirah. This chic venue offers a glamorous atmosphere with immersive dinner shows and sleek interiors, adorned with traditional Russian motifs like birch trees and Khokhloma patterns. While dinner shows are nothing new in Dubai, it’s the menu that truly stands out. Dishes like Herring Salad, Rabbit Pelmeni, Borodinsky Bread, Syrniki, and Pirozhki are just some of the standout items that reflect the city’s growing appetite for Russian, Eastern European, and Balkan cuisine.
The Rise of Eastern European Cuisine in Dubai
Over the past couple of years, there’s been a noticeable shift in Dubai’s restaurant offerings. While the city has always been a haven for international flavours, Eastern European menus have been slowly gaining popularity. Whether it’s the upscale venues on The Palm or more casual eateries tucked away in Jumeirah Lake Towers, the flavours of Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and the broader former Soviet Union are now becoming more common.
This shift is partly driven by the influx of tourists and expats from countries like Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, who often seek out familiar dishes when abroad. Dana Chamma, the marketing director of Tigrus Restaurant Holding (which operates the Georgian restaurant Shvili), explains, "Tourists often look for a taste of home while abroad, and this demand creates opportunities for F&B operators."
Dubai’s thriving expatriate population, particularly Russian speakers, has also played a role in the success of Eastern European dining in the city. Alexandr Fedotov, founder of the Russian-owned restaurant Plumpy, points out that the growing number of Russian expats and tourists has created a demand for more authentic dining options. "When we talk about Russian cuisine, we really mean the cuisine of the former Soviet Union. This includes Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Georgia," he says.
From Tradition to Innovation
It’s not just about traditional dishes. Many restaurants are also innovating by giving classic Eastern European meals a modern twist. For instance, Pechka, a Russian eatery that began as a delivery service in 2020, has quickly expanded into a full-fledged restaurant due to its rising popularity. Now with over 100 dishes on the menu, Pechka even opened a new café in Dubai Marina this year, featuring Russian-inspired décor and a cozy atmosphere.
Similarly, Chaihona, launched in 2023, blends traditional Eastern European flavours with Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian influences, offering a contemporary take on classic dishes. Artemiy Vasilchuk, CEO of Vasilchuki Restaurant Group ME, which owns Chaihona, notes that while Eastern European cuisine was previously underrepresented in Dubai, it is now gaining a broader audience thanks to its comforting, diverse flavours.
Why is Eastern European Cuisine Gaining Popularity?
Several factors are driving the increasing popularity of Eastern European cuisine in Dubai. First, the city’s international tourism sector plays a significant role. Simplified visa processes, improved travel connections, and the allure of Dubai’s cosmopolitan lifestyle have led to a surge in visitors from Eastern Europe. As more tourists from Russia and nearby countries visit Dubai, there’s been a growing demand for familiar, home-cooked flavours, creating a market for Eastern European restaurants.
Additionally, well-travelled Dubai residents, who have visited destinations like Moscow, Tbilisi, or Baku, are returning with a taste for these regional dishes. As they seek out the same flavours they discovered during their travels, they contribute to the growing popularity of Eastern European cuisine.
Another important factor is the city’s diverse expatriate community. Fedotov points out that Russian-speaking residents are a key audience for Russian restaurants, and their growing numbers in Dubai mean that there’s enough demand to sustain these establishments.
The Future of Eastern European Cuisine in Dubai
So, what does the future hold for Eastern European cuisine in Dubai? Experts like Chamma believe that as Dubai’s culinary scene continues to embrace diverse cuisines, there’s definitely room for Russian and Georgian eateries to thrive alongside the mainstream options like Italian, Thai, or Japanese restaurants. The key to success will be offering high-quality food, creating memorable dining experiences, and adapting traditional recipes to local tastes.
For example, some restaurants are already making these adaptations. Pechka’s innovative Vatrushka (cottage cheese pastry) adds playful touches to a classic, while Chaihona’s reimagined Borscht, with modern twists, is a perfect example of how traditional recipes can evolve for contemporary tastes.
Embracing the Diversity of Eastern European Flavours
The growing popularity of Eastern European cuisine in Dubai reflects the city’s ongoing culinary evolution. As more restaurants offer these rich, diverse flavours and innovate with new twists, Dubai foodies can expect to see more and more Eastern European favourites appearing on menus across the city. Who knows — perhaps soon, dishes like Pelmeni, Khachapuri, and Borscht will become as commonplace as sushi and pasta, adding even more variety to this already exciting dining landscape.
As Dubai continues to diversify its food scene, it’s clear that Eastern European cuisine is here to stay — and its rich history, cultural influences, and delicious flavours will only continue to captivate food lovers from all corners of the globe.