Sasha Meets Russia: Flavours of the East. Kalmykia: Europe’s Buddhist Republic

Sasha, an American with Russian roots, continues her journey across Russia. This time she heads to Kalmykia – the only Buddhist region in Europe.

One of the region’s most striking sights is its camels. Here they are regarded as sacred. Sasha meets a camel named Fedya, who not only allows her to pet him but even happily takes his guest for a ride.

Sasha arrives in Kalmykia just as the republic is celebrating Zul, a festival marking the beginning of winter and the start of the New Year. To experience the celebration properly, she visits a local family. Together they brew jomba tea with salt and butter and make the ‘boat of life’ – a traditional festive dish symbolizing the continuation of the family line. In Elista’s restaurants, Sasha also tries ‘beregi’ – juicy Kalmyk dumplings traditionally eaten by hand – and even camel meat!

Did you know that during Zul, the first portion of food is taken to the altar as a spiritual offering? Or that Kalmyk tea was once brewed in mutton broth? Discover this and much more in this episode!

Watch “Sasha Meets Russia: Flavours of the East. Kalmykia: Europe’s Buddhist Republic” on RTD website and on RT’s live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT’s schedule page.