From the caviar to the tongue of the veal, the fans discover the taste of Russia

<img src = "http://www.malaysiandigest.com/images/stories/new3/syareen /22/caviar_Reuters.jpg "alt =" Picture: Reuters "width =" 260 "height =" 189 "style =" margin: 0; Pic: Reuters VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA : Many fans of football knew little or no Russian cuisine before the World Cup, but they tasted the local gastronomy with taste, ranging from luxurious caviar to staples like veal tongue.] 19659007] Russian food is often considered bland and heavy, and indeed many dishes seem destined to get people through the grueling winter rather than to amuse their palates.

But the Egyptian Ahmed Morsy, aged 28, has a new Russian dish every day, meat-filled pelmeni meatballs and beef stroganoff among his favorites.

"I l & # 3 9, love, honestly. It's better than I expected. I do not like the spicy food myself so for me it was perfect, "said Morsy while he was browsing a restaurant menu in the southern city of Volgograd.

" The entire country exceeded my expectations. I had never been to Russia before, I thought people would be cranky and the country would not be so organized. "

Indeed, most fans were impressed by the Russians – some in remote or industrial cities leaning back to help, dispel misconceptions and spread an optimistic atmosphere.

" I thought the Russian food could be weird. I did not find it weird. But I prefer the Uzbek and Azerbaijani barbecue, "said 29-year-old Mamdooh El Eleila, who ordered Kiev chicken, a fried or cooked fillet, was particularly popular with fans who are looking for more spice on their plates. Caviar bars and vodka cocktails were also appreciated

"WE MISS CHILI!"

Yet, some country fans like India and Mexico, renowned for their succulent spicy cuisine, "We have not been impressed, the flavors here are quite salty, and of course, we miss the spice," said Ricardo Garcia, a 32-year-old programmer dressed in the Mexican green soccer jersey.

"We brought spicy sauce from Mexico but we forgot it in our last hostel, suffer a bit, we found ketchup with chili in a supermarket and it helps a little, but this It's not the same thing. "

Her pal Heriberto Gonzalez, however, was much more optimistic

" There are soups ready! Borscht, for example, because they're using the apple of land in a very similar way.Of course, there is a bit of bitter Russian taste, "said Gonzalez, 37, who works in marketing.

"But if I wanted Mexican food, I would have stayed in Mexico!"

However, he said that local servers and chefs had also pushed – via Google Translate – to try local rates, including Russian lamb and buckwheat.

"I was at a buffet and the staff encouraged me to try Russian food.I liked it.I did not even know what they ate in Russia" said Nasr, 31, who lives in Canada

"In Canada, we have Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern food, but I have never seen Russian. go get a Russian restaurant – I hope I can find one! "He laughed, adding that anyway he planned to return to Russia as a tourist.

– Reuters