Chef Ruzilya Serkova Prepares Chak-Chak for BRICS Summit
At the recent BRICS Summit held in Kazan, a traditional Tatar delicacy known as chak-chak was served to high-ranking guests. The head chef of a local restaurant, Ruzilya Serkova, meticulously prepared 130 kg of this sweet treat, showcasing the culinary heritage of Tatarstan. Despite her 39 years of experience, Serkova expressed nervousness about the significant responsibility. Preparation began a week prior, involving deep-frying dough balls and soaking them in syrup to achieve the perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The chak-chak was not only presented at the airport but also served at the Kazan Expo building and dining venues for summit participants. Each guest received a generous portion, with trays containing 3 kg of chak-chak and souvenir gift sets weighing 300 g. Videos circulating online show world leaders enjoying the delicacy, although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi only touched it, while Chinese President Xi Jinping noted its similarity to a version prepared in China. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko humorously remarked about the food's impact on his diet.
A Taste of Tatar Cuisine
In addition to chak-chak, the summit featured a variety of Tatar dishes. Radik Abdrakhmanov, Vice President of the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Tatarstan, noted that belish, a meat and potato pie, was also popular among guests. The culinary team tailored their offerings based on the guests' preferences, ensuring a diverse menu that included items such as borscht with horse meat and various duck and goose dishes. For instance, Turkish guests were recommended beef and lamb options due to dietary restrictions concerning horse meat.
To further engage guests, the restaurant complex offers master classes for those interested in learning how to prepare chak-chak. Serkova emphasized the importance of love in cooking, stating that a dish made with care is always the best. Despite the busy schedule during the summit, the chefs felt honored to serve such distinguished visitors.
Traditional Recipe Shared
Ruzilya Serkova shared her classic recipe for chak-chak, which involves a blend of eggs, sugar, milk, and flour. The dough is rolled out, cut into strips, and deep-fried before being drizzled with a syrup made from honey and sugar. This traditional approach ensures that the chak-chak retains its authentic taste, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Tatarstan. Serkova's dedication to her craft and the cultural significance of the dishes served at the summit highlight the importance of food in fostering international relations.
