"The diversity of food cultures within the former Soviet Union, with more than 100 distinct nationalities, is overwhelming, but Food Culture in Russia and Central Asia distills the main elements of contemporary cuisine and food-related customs for students and food enthusiasts. Vibrant descriptions of the legacy of the Silk Road; the classic foods such as kasha, pirogi, naan (flatbread), pickles, and shashlyk (shish kebab); the over-the-top Moscow theme restaurants; and meals at the dacha and tea time are just some of the highlights."--BOOK JACKET.