The preparation for a picnic is a big deal. It’s amazing how much stuff you need to bring with you to have a single meal outdoors! Usually it takes a trip to the biggest supermarket you can find and returning with bags that can barely contain all the items. And you still end up forgetting something. So, what should be on every picnic-goer’s grocery list?

Eat your greens

Since picnics in Russia are only easy to arrange during the warm season, the veggies are seasonal. This means zucchini and eggplants for grilling; tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh snack. Bonus points for fresh greens – spring onions, parsley, or dill.

No one typically bothers to actually make a salad, so you just eat it on the side. Вприкуску (vprikusku), as they say – which means that you’re eating something at the same time without actually mixing it into a dish. Separately, but simultaneously. 

Throw in some protein

The centerpiece of every Russian picnic is shashlik – grilled cubes of meat cooked over hot coals with skewers (шампуры – shampury). You have to either cut up the meat and marinate it for several hours yourself or buy it packaged and ready for cooking at the grocery store.

Basically, any meat will do, but pork, chicken, and turkey are common go-to’s for shashlik. Vegan options include veggies, mushrooms, corn, and tofu or seitan. 

Rehydrating as you please

If it’s a hot day, you’re going to need huge packs of juice, soda, or, for a more authentic vibe, kvass. Too bad all these drinks don’t taste as good after a couple of hours in the sun. Don’t forget to hide them in the shadow!

On a more chilly day, you’re going to need a thermos with tea. Nothing like enjoying a hot beverage outdoors!

What’s for dessert?

Sorry to disappoint you, but probably nothing. Sweets aren’t an essential part of a Russian picnic, I’d say. Probably because sweets don’t hold up well when it’s hot. Plus everyone’s usually pretty full from the main course.

Be sure to pack some snacks, though – chips or flavored croutons (sukhariki) will save you while you’re waiting for other stuff to get cooked.

And as you leave, don’t forget to pack all the trash with you and put out the fire thoroughly! Remember that some wooden areas are prohibited for fire-making, so double-check this in advance.

For more summer leisure ideas, check out our other stories, like the guide to summer in St. Petersburg and our team’s personal recommendations on the topic.