SCO Pancake Festival: A taste of home and Russian hospitality

The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit will be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. CGTN Stringer will bring you a series on the culinary culture of member states showcasing how the pancake, a universal thin wrap embracing endless fillings, has taken on different textures and flavors across China, India, Türkiye and Russia.

In this video, Elena Koneva from Russia shares her food story. Her pancakes are made with common ingredients – milk, eggs and flour – yet carry the true flavor of home.

In Russia, every family has its own recipe. Thick or thin, sweet or savory, pancakes are a daily staple. For centuries, pancakes have been at the heart of Russian celebrations. From weddings to memorials and Christmas to Maslenitsa, there are always pancakes on the table. As the proverb goes,  "The first pancake is always a failure." But even those imperfect pancakes still bring joy to families across Russia.

Follow Elena as she flips pancakes and discover how, fresh from the pan and served with a pot of tea, pancakes carry warmth and hospitality passed down through generations.