Home Cooking Of Mother Russia

Ms Jane Polesnaya, owner and managing director of Nadezhda Russian Restaurant (right) with Ms Irina Smorgon, the Executive Chef.

Conveniently sitting in downtown Arab Street is the cosy Nadezhda Russian Restaurant. Here you can find traditional Russian cuisine made the way Russian mothers cook it at home.

Ms Jane Polesnaya, owner of the restaurant, believes that when it comes to food, we must "always cook with heart".

Helming the kitchen is Ms Irina Smorgon, the Executive Chef of the restaurant, brought all the way from Russia. With her supervision, Nadezhda serves Russian home cooking that is as close to the real thing as we can get here.

Diners are encouraged to come in groups so they can share the many different dishes and tastes of traditional Russian cuisine.

"In fact, it is the Russian dining culture to share and enjoy different types of food around the table," remarked the warm and friendly Ms Polesnaya.

The restaurant also celebrates some unique Russian festivities, such as Butter Week in late February or early March, Russian Christmas on 6th and 7th January, Russian New Year and Restaurant Anniversary on 14th January, Men's Day on 28th February and Women's Day on 8th March.

The most special and enjoyable one, anticipated by all Russians, is the Butter Week Festival. This is where pancakes with butter and other garnishing are the order of the day.

"You could have big, small, thick and thin versions. They each taste different as well," explains Ms Polesnaya, extending an invitation to one and all to visit the restaurant to try the specialty pancakes during Butter Week each year.

MS JANE POLESNAYA OF NADEZHDA RUSSIAN RESTAURANT SPEAKS...

Which country do you come from?

I am from Belarus, an independent country formerly part of the Soviet Union. All my workers are from Russia. Actually, there is not much difference between the two places in terms of tradition and food. They are the same.

When did you arrive in Singapore?

After we married, my husband got a job posting in Singapore. We arrived in Singapore in 2001.

What made you start this restaurant?

I felt bored staying home as a housewife. Whenever I served Russian cuisine at parties, friends would suggest that I should open a restaurant! Since young, I had always wanted to do business. In 2004, I was very happy when I finally decided on opening my own restaurant.

What does Nadezhda mean?

In Russian, it means ‘Hope’. It is also my mother’s name.

Where is the Nadezhda Russian Restaurant located?

It is located at 140 Arab Street, facing the Golden Landmark Hotel. It is easily accessible by North Bridge Road or Victoria Street or by MRT Bugis Station.

What are the restaurant's operating hours?

We are open daily from 11am to 11pm. Contact us at tel: +65 63962334 for enquiries or for reservations.

Who are your main customers at the restaurant?

Singaporean Chinese are my number one customers, as they make up the bulk of the restaurant patrons. There are also lots of tourists, but only seasonally.

What are the characteristics of Russian cuisine?

There is a lot of steaming and boiling in Russian food. We also like to put mixed ingredients together, such as vegetables, potatoes and meats. I love meat myself. It is difficult to explain Russian cuisine, as it is really neither Western nor Asian but a bit of both in each dish. Well, if you want understand it better, then do come to our restaurant! I am sure you will enjoy it!

Which are the best-selling items on your menu?

All our food are hand-made to traditional methods, so they have the home cooking touch. Our best-sellers are Borsch Soup, Beef Stroganoff, Minskaya and Boyarskaya - which are entrees, and Blinchiki Snow Apple Dessert.

Which is your own favorite food from your menu?

My favorite is the Escallop, a pork steak. As well as Draniki and Blinys, types of pancakes.

Russia's national drink is vodka. How often is it drunk and what foods go with it?

We don’t drink vodka at every meal. We only drink it once in a while with finger food, or in celebration of a special occasion. It traditionally accompanies the eating of caviar.

Is there any special Russian food or drink you would like to recommend?

We have a unique Russian drink made from fermented bread called Kvas. It tastes like a mixture of beer and tea but milder, and has just a touch of alcohol so even children can drink it. It helps the digestion, increases metabolism, is nutritious and good for health. It is a favourite drink of our local customers.

What is your favorite food in Singapore?

I love the Murtabak from Zam Zam Restaurant. I also like Tom Yam soup. I do like spicy food and must have it once a week! I have probably been strongly influenced by the local eating style. When it comes to eating, I am passionate about food and like to try different foods. And I like all Asian cuisines, such as Thai, Indian, Chinese, Malay, Japanese, etc.

Which is your favorite eatery in Singapore?

Usually, I work till 11pm or 12am. Sometimes I work even later. So I can’t really decide on which is my favorite eatery as I have not tried many restaurants, but I try to avoid fast food outlets.

What were the obstacles, if any, when you first started the restaurant?

Oh, there weren't really any obstacles. I must say that the locals are quite adventurous about food and are always interested to try our cuisine, and I am very happy for that. However, there are seasonally slow periods during the year but we manage to cope.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start a food business?

If you have a dream, you can do it.

RECOMMENDED DISHES OF NADEZHDA RUSSIAN RESTAURANT

© Christopher Chong for Foodie Passion. All rights reserved.

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