Where to Have Pyshki in St Petersburg
For locals in St Petersburg, pyshki are not just another dish, they are pretty much a part of life. Hot and soft, the doughnut-like sweet treats are enjoyed best with a glass of burning hot tea or coffee–a dream come true during cold autumn or winter days. Pyshki became popular in the 1960s and quickly became an integral part of St Petersburg culture. Pyshechnaya (cafes that serve pyshki) are a tasty local alternative to international fast food; you will always find something tasty to eat that is served quick and is budget-friendly. Here are seven cafes that have perfected their pyshka game.
Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food, Dessert
This is one of the oldest pyshechnaya cafes in the city–it has been operating for over 50 years. What’s impressive is that the recipe and the quality of its pyshki didn’t change during those years.You can expect to get warm, soft sweet pyshki that taste just like the batches that emerged from the kitchen five decades ago. Served with tea or coffee, these extremely tasty treats remind generations of St Petersburgers of their childhood.
Leningradskie Pyshki
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food
If you want to feel the nostalgic vibes of the Soviet era, visit this place. The interior design and the music selection is reminiscent of the USSR, and the prices seem to have stayed the same as well (sometimes you can get a pyshka for just one ruble). The pyshki are big and their fluffy powdered sugar rounds melt in your mouth.
King Pyshka
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food
For those who want to try a pyshka, but don’t have time to track down a specific cafe, we recommend King Pyshka. This pyshechnaya chain has several locations throughout the city. On the menu you will find pyshki with different fillings, as well as soups, salads, Russian pirogi and main course dishes.
Pyshka Pyshka
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food
This calm and cozy place on Vasilievsky Island offers all kinds of Russian pastries like pyshki, pirogi, kulich (Easter bread), vatrushka (a circle of dough with cheese and raisins in the middle) and bread. The menu is diverse with sweet and salty choices, so everyone will find something to their liking. A small tip: just like in many pyshechnaya, this venue doesn’t accept credit cards, so bring cash.
Pyshki in Gostinyi Dvor
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food
Right in the heart of St Petersburg, in one of the oldest shopping malls in the city, is one of the best pyshechnaya in town. Pyshki are baked here using traditional recipes and the place is extremely popular, so be sure to come early. They have been known to run out of pyshki before the end of the day.
Pyshechnaya on Sadovaya
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food
Another historical pyshechnaya is located on Sadovaya street. Pyshki here are traditionally big, soft and piping hot, topped with powdered sugar and served with tea, coffee or hot cacao. The place is very popular, so don’t get surprised if you see a line coming out the door during peak hours.
Pyshechka
Cafe, Russian, Fast Food
Once just a St Petersburg street food, pyshki became so popular that they inspired the famous restaurant project Ginza to open its own pyshechnaya. Following restaurant standards, the place still has a cosy pyshechnaya atmosphere and, of course, delicious varieties of pyshki on the menu.
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