Draniki
Belarus's crispy grated-potato pancakes
Think of it as: Like a hash brown that grew up and got its own holiday
Belarus loves potatoes. Like, a lot.
What does it taste like?
Savory, toasty potato with tangy sour cream.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureCrispy outside, soft inside
What is it?
Pancakes made from grated potato, fried until golden. They're Belarus's national dish, and Belarusians take their potatoes seriously. Served with a dollop of sour cream.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
Eaten hot with sour cream, sometimes stuffed with mushrooms or meat, or dunked in machanka (a meaty gravy).
Watch it
More videos on YouTubeWhere is it from?
🇧🇾Belarus
CapitalMinsk
Populationabout 8.9 millionestimate (unverified)
IndustriesMachinery and trucks, Potash fertilizer, Agriculture
Famous peopleMarc ChagallPainter, born in VitebskSvetlana AlexievichNobel Prize–winning writer
HelloDobry dzen
CurrencyBelarusian ruble
Fun factAbout 40% of the country is forest, including an ancient woodland home to European bison.
The flag🇧🇾 Red and green with a traditional embroidered pattern along the left side.
From Tokyoabout 8,130 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Minsk
Getting there14+ hours (with connections)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay to September, when it's warm and green. Also tryMachanka (meaty gravy)Kalduny (meat-filled potato dumplings)
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeMay to September, when it's warm and green. Also tryMachanka (meaty gravy)Kalduny (meat-filled potato dumplings)
🇧🇾 Sounds & life in Belarus
Добры дзеньHello（Dobry dzen）
Cyrillic
Cyrillic
Right now…
Anthem"My, Belarusy" (We, Belarusians)
MusicFolk rock Made famous by the band Pesniary
Listen on YouTube SportIce hockey (soccer is popular too)
Victoria Azarenka (tennis, two-time Australian Open champion) World HeritageMir Castle Complex and more National animalEuropean bison FestivalKupalle (early July, midsummer)
MusicFolk rock Made famous by the band Pesniary
Listen on YouTube SportIce hockey (soccer is popular too)
Victoria Azarenka (tennis, two-time Australian Open champion) World HeritageMir Castle Complex and more National animalEuropean bison FestivalKupalle (early July, midsummer)
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes (600 g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp oil
- Sour cream to serve
How to make it (one way)
- Grate the potatoes and onion
- Squeeze out some of the liquid
- Mix in the egg, flour and salt
- Drop spoonfuls into a hot oiled pan
- Fry both sides until golden and top with sour cream
Get the ingredients (ad)
sour creamAmazon