May 05, 2021

Shashlik Responsibly


Shashlik Responsibly
Just keep the fire to your grill, please. Photo by Adgery via Pixabay

With the arrival of the extended May holidays, it comes as no surprise that Russian authorities are clamping down on some fire safety protocols. For, as much as Russians seem to enjoy cooking things over a fire in unusual places, they love a good shish kabob (also known as shashlik in Russia) even more. 

The Moscow Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that, as of May 1, individuals who choose to grill shashlik in the forest will be fined up to R4,000 (about $53). This new ruling also puts restrictions and fines on the burning of garbage or any open fire in a wooded area. Of course, grilled meats and cook-outs will still be allowed in less perilous areas, if they are prepared over a proper fire pit or barbeque. 

These new restrictions come as Russia continues to experience more and more challenges with wildfires each summer. So, while these new rules might be a pretty big bummer for summer camping trips, they are probably a pretty good call. 

You Might Also Like

Fire in the Forest
  • September 01, 2019

Fire in the Forest

In the public mind, Russian forests have always been an unlimited resource. Not any longer.
Dacha Life
  • July 01, 2020

Dacha Life

A look at the history and cultural influence of dachas.
Sprouting Spring Celebrations
  • March 01, 2015

Sprouting Spring Celebrations

There has been a proliferation of professional holidays in Russia, and those falling in the spring have a peculiar "bent" toward the military and law enforcement bodies...
A Tender Tartar Dish
  • July 01, 2000

A Tender Tartar Dish

Shashlik a la Tartar is the featured dish this issue, with a delectable plum sauce... No summer could be complete without it.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of Our Books

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.  
Driving Down Russia's Spine

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 
Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

Maria's War: A Soldier's Autobiography

This astonishingly gripping autobiography by the founder of the Russian Women’s Death Battallion in World War I is an eye-opening documentary of life before, during and after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Faith & Humor: Notes from Muscovy

Faith & Humor: Notes from Muscovy

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.
22 Russian Crosswords

22 Russian Crosswords

Test your knowledge of the Russian language, Russian history and society with these 22 challenging puzzles taken from the pages of Russian Life magazine. Most all the clues are in English, but you must fill in the answers in Russian. If you get stumped, of course all the puzzles have answers printed at the back of the book.
Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod: A Novel in Many Voices

Stargorod is a mid-sized provincial city that exists only in Russian metaphorical space. It has its roots in Gogol, and Ilf and Petrov, and is a place far from Moscow, but close to Russian hearts. It is a place of mystery and normality, of provincial innocence and Black Earth wisdom. Strange, inexplicable things happen in Stargorod. So do good things. And bad things. A lot like life everywhere, one might say. Only with a heavy dose of vodka, longing and mystery.
Steppe / Степь

Steppe / Степь

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
PO Box 567
Montpelier VT 05601-0567

802-223-4955