"A Cup of Tea?" — 4 things to know about Russian tea time  

Brew it bold, chat it cold
Forget quick sips and rush. In Russia, tea is brewed as strong as the bonds it creates. A full teapot means settling in, savoring good company, and filling the air with laughter and thoughtful conversations. And what’s tea without something sweet and homemade?

A spoonful of jam — Russian soul fuel
Sugar is nice, but jam? Now we're talking. Russians serve tea with spoonfuls of fruity goodness: raspberry, blackcurrant, maybe even strawberry. Dip a spoon in, add a little to your tea, and let the cozy sweetness wrap you up better than the thickest winter coat.

Bagels, pancakes, and vatrushkas galore!
Tea in Russia is never lonely — it’s surrounded by a parade of treats. Crunchy sushki bagels, fluffy pancakes, and vatrushki, those cottage-cheese-filled pastries, make any tea table feel like a celebration. If someone hands you a honey-drizzled pancake, congratulations! You’re now an honorary family member.