Autumn is golden time. The gardens are rich with ripening apples - antonovka, shtrifel and many other sorts. Generally, apples have always been respected in Russia, there is even a church holiday in Russia called Apple Spas...

The Russians have always loved fish, but we mainly used to have it boiled (ukha) and stewed (telnoe)...

Every year a strange holiday is held in hot Spanish Valencia. It is called La Tomatina and is officially recognized to be national patrimony...

Pirozhki and belyashi, pelmeni and manti, shchi and sorpa, chak-chak and gozinaki – this and that, and a lot more...

According to ancient dream books, eating strawberries meant shared love and selling strawberries promised harvest and well-being...

Men are known to be the best cooks. However, it is like being a teacher, I’m afraid. They so rarely decide to be a cook that each one becomes invaluable...

Cheeses can be soft and firm, cheap and expensive, exquisite and simple, blue and with various additives, sweet and spicy...

The Norwegians are deservedly proud to be the world’s leading suppliers of salmon. Altough the Norwegian herring is just as popular far beyond Scandinavia...

Bread has always been respected in Russia. No real Russian dinner is possible with a good loaf of wheat or rye bread. However, bread enjoys the same respect in many other world cuisines. Besides, it is not only used as a nourishing complement to a bowl of soup, but also as an ingredient for many tasty, healthy and unusual dishes...

The English are used to looking down on their own cuisine. When asked about their favourite national dish, they often shrug awkwardly, smile and say they prefer tea for lunch and tea with milk for dinner. However, their highland neighbours Scots, who are proud people valuing their independence, are not so modest...