What are chak-chak, korovai offered to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan, Russia?

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday, to participate in the BRICS summithe was presented with plates full of traditional Russian delicacies. Dressed in bright Tatar attire, local women held chak-chak and a korovai bread to welcome Prime Minister Modi, who is on a two-day trip to Russia. The dishes served to Modi and other world leaders are culturally and historically significant. They are deeply rooted in the culinary and hospitality traditions of the Tatar and Bashkir regions of Russia, where Kazan is located.

Kazan is the fifth largest Russian city, located at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers, and is known for having a strong Turkish influence.

The sweet and savory Tatar welcome to Modi offers a glimpse into the cultural significance of chak-chak and korovai cake, and their significance and symbolism.

IT’S NOT MOA OR LAI, IT’S CHAK-CHAK

Chak-chak is a sweet made from fried pieces of wheat dough in the shape of Ratlami sev. Chak-chak can be round or cubic.

The ones served to Modi were round and looked like murhi-ka-laai from Bihar, muri-r-moa from Bengal or mua from Odisha.

Chak-chak is a sweet dish originating from the regions of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, it is considered the national sweet of Tatarstan.

To prepare chak-chak, unleavened dough is typically cut into various shapes, often resembling Indian sevs or small balls. These pieces of dough are fried in oil until they are crispy and golden on the outside. The fried pieces are then piled into a mound and doused with a hot syrup made from sugar, honey and water. The generous bath of sweet syrup is really important, as it binds the fried dough pieces together, creating a cohesive and sweet treat.

“Chak-chak is not only a staple in daily gatherings but also plays a significant role in traditional celebrations including weddings,” Emilia from Yekaterinburg told India Today Digital. Yekaterinburg is a city in the Trans-Siberian region of Russia.

“Chak-chak also symbolizes a big, strong family,” said Emilia, adding that the dish has Bulgarian roots.

Bulgaria, before the 1990s, was a close ally of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

KOROVAI: RUSSIAN BREAD WITH SHAPES AND SYMBOLS

The next offering was korovai, a bread decorated with floral motifs.

Traditional bread, with great cultural significance, is a must at weddings in the region. Unlike chak-chak, Emilia says, “Korovai is a popular ritual bread product that has its origins in the East Slavic lands.”

“Earlier, the Slavs worshiped the Sun God. Hence the round shape of the sun,” Emilia told India Today Digital.

“In most cases, bread is served at wedding parties as a gift to all guests,” he adds.

It also represents unity, prosperity and fertility and is done on the eve of holidays.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was impressed by the korovai.

Korovai is typically a round, decorated bread made from wheat flour, often adorned with intricate designs.

Preparing korovai involves multiple layers of dough, which are interwoven to create a beautiful loaf. This bread is usually baked in large quantities and is a central element in Russian wedding rituals, where it is shared among guests as a symbol of the bride and groom’s future togetherness.

There are many interesting traditions related to bread. For example, in the past, enjoying a piece of bread with salt symbolized the establishment of friendly relationships with the host, as well as the sharing of all their burdens and cares, according to Emília.

As BRICS leaders break bread in Kazan to strengthen their ties, it subtly conveys that, in diplomacy, sometimes the best way to bond is through bread and some honey.

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