The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit is just around the corner, and Tianjin in the Chinese mainland is gearing up for more than high-level talks. Foodies, diplomats and curious travelers will converge at the SCO Pancake Festival—a culinary series that celebrates the universal appeal of the humble pancake across member states.
In Russia, Elena Koneva invites us into her kitchen to explore how a simple mix of milk, eggs and flour carries the true flavor of home. From family to family, recipes vary: some prefer thick, hearty stacks; others master the art of paper-thin crepes. Sweet or savory, these pancakes have been a daily staple for centuries.
But pancakes in Russia are more than breakfast. They star at weddings and memorials, at Christmas gatherings and the vibrant Maslenitsa festival. As the old proverb goes, “The first pancake is always a failure”—yet even those imperfect first tries still bring smiles and laughter to the table.
Fresh from the pan and served alongside a steaming pot of tea, Russian pancakes embody warmth and hospitality passed down through generations. Each bite tells a story of tradition, family bonds and the simple joy of sharing homemade food.
Through stories like Elena’s, the SCO Pancake Festival offers a taste of home and a bridge between cultures. How does your favorite pancake stack up? Share your recipes, memories and photos as cities across Asia and Europe prepare to flip for this delicious festival.
Reference(s):
SCO Pancake Festival: A taste of home and Russian hospitality
cgtn.com
