A recent survey reports that Olivier salad remains a central feature of the Russian New Year table for more than half of respondents. About 56% of Russians prepare this classic dish year after year, a tradition echoed by around 8.2 thousand participants in the study. The dish’s enduring popularity marks Olivier as a symbol of festive gatherings and culinary nostalgia.
Many households also rely on citrus as part of the New Year ambience. Nearly half of those surveyed, 48%, insist that tangerines are essential at the table because the bright scent helps set a festive mood. The presence of citrus is tied to memories of family celebrations and the anticipation of what the holiday holds.
Alongside these staples, 47% of respondents consistently include herring under a fur coat in their celebratory spread. This layered salad remains a centerpiece for many, representing a link to traditional cuisine and holiday ritual. Other popular items in the top tier include red caviar and jellied meat or jellied fish, with 37% and 23% of readers adding them to their plates, respectively.
Rounding out the list of favorites are chicken and crab salad, cited by 13% of participants, and French meat, chosen by 9%. A smaller yet notable portion, 5%, prepare Mimosa salad, while 2% select an alternative option. Those respondents also mentioned other possible dishes such as vinaigrette, beetroot salad with hazelnuts and garlic, and a baked goose as potential additions to the holiday menu.
One participant highlighted a family specialty: stuffed chicken legs, calling it a standout New Year’s dish. This personal touch underscores how traditions can evolve while still retaining a sense of comfort and shared memory around the table.
Earlier findings from the Rosselkhozbank survey placed Olivier salad at the forefront of the main New Year course, with 39% of residents naming it as the top choice. The next most popular option, herring under a fur coat, secured 33% of votes. For some households, hot snacks take precedence, with 14% unable to imagine a holiday feast without baked meats or poultry, illustrating regional and personal variations in celebratory eating.
Notes from the researchers indicate that tastes shift with family size, regional preferences, and what is seasonal when the holiday arrives. The data reflect not just recipes, but the stories and memories that each dish carries for people gathering to celebrate a new calendar year together.
In reviewing these culinary habits, it becomes clear that the New Year table in Russia blends time-honored favorites with personal twists. The dishes chosen—whether creamy Olivier, tangy herring under a fur coat, or a bright platter of citrus—form a tapestry of shared meals, nostalgia, and hope for the year ahead. The conversation around what makes a festive meal resonates across generations, inviting families to add their own signature touches while honoring tradition. For many, the meal is less about perfection and more about togetherness, laughter, and the simple joy of welcoming a new year. Source attributions: kp.ru, Rosselkhozbank findings, and participant anecdotes.