Traditional Russian Cuisine

By Lizzy Acker

SE 102nd Ave. & Stark St., 449-1531. pdxrussiancuisine.com. Lunch daily.

It isn't easy to find this cart, which is tucked behind fences in a small pod at the intersection of 102nd Avenue and Stark Street. Hint: It's across the street from a Starbucks, kind of. But a steaming takeout box of pelmeni covered in dill and spices ($7 for chicken, $8 for lamb) will be worth a couple trips around the block. The traditional Russian dumplings are made for winter: they warm you up and inspire post-meal napping, if not a full hibernation. If you need more, and you won't, but you'll want more, the meat bliny ($5 for two pieces) is basically a tasty crepe filled with ground spiced meat. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. You may finish it in your car before you make it home.

Check out Willamette Week's 2016 Cheap Eats guide here.

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