What are chak-chak, korovai offered to PM Narendra Modi in Russia’s Kazan?

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Russia’s Kazan on Tuesday to attend the BRICS summit, he was treated with plates full of traditional Russian delicacies. Dressed in bright Tatar attire, local women held chak-chak and a korovai loaf to welcome PM Modi, who’s 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 Russia’s Tatar and Bashkir regions, where Kazan is located.

Kazan is the fifth-largest Russian city located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kazanka rivers, and is known to have a heavy Turkic influence.

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

IT’S NOT A MOA OR A LAI, IT IS CHAK-CHAK

Chak-chak is a sweet made of fried pieces of wheat dough shaped like Ratlami sev. Chak-chak can be round or cubical.

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, is considered the national sweet of Tatarstan.

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

“Chak-chak is not only a staple at everyday gatherings but also plays a significant role in traditional celebrations, including weddings,” Yekaterinburg-based Emilia tells India Today Digital. Yekaterinburg is a city in Russia’s trans-Siberian region.

“Chak-chak also symbolises a strong and large 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 loaf of bread decorated with floral patterns.

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

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

“In most cases, the bread is served at wedding celebrations as a treat for all guests,” she adds.

It also represents unity, prosperity, and fertility and is made 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.

The preparation of korovai involves multiple layers of dough, which are woven together to create a beautiful loaf. This bread is usually baked in large quantities and is a central element in Russian marriage rituals, where it is shared among the guests as a symbol of the newlyweds’ future together.

There are many interesting traditions connected with the loaf. For instance, in the past, tasting a piece of loaf with salt symbolised entering into friendly relations with the host, as well as sharing in all his burdens and cares, according to Emilia.

As the Brics leaders break bread in Kazan to strengthen their ties, it subtly conveys that in diplomacy, sometimes the best way to bond is through a loaf of bread and a little honey.

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