Draniki are more than just food. They’re a crispy, golden-brown symbol of Belarusian identity – rich with the smell of fried potatoes and always served with a generous dollop of sour cream. The kind grandma used to make: hearty, comforting, and made with soul.
These days, draniki still hold a place of honor on the table, but they’ve evolved too. In Minsk’s restaurants, you’ll find them topped with bacon and poached eggs, paired with braised beef, served alongside house-cured trout – or even reinvented as a “dranburger.” But no matter how modern the twist, the best ones stay true to what matters most: a taste that stirs up nostalgia and pays respect to tradition.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up five places in Minsk where the draniki are good enough to impress tourists – and even pass the test of the toughest Belarusian grandma.
1. Bulbashy – A Modern Classic with Awards to Prove It
Bulbashy has long held a spot at the top of Minsk’s national cuisine scene, and in 2025, it was officially named Best Belarusian Restaurant by Wheretoeat Belarus. The interior strikes a stylish balance: touches of ethnic design without falling into clichés, polished service, and – most importantly – a kitchen that blends tradition with a respect for modern culinary trends.
The draniki here are all about quality ingredients and elegant presentation:
- Topped with sautéed porcini mushrooms, a rich meat sauce, and aged sour cream
- Served with house-smoked trout and a delicate horseradish cream
- Paired with braised Braslav beef brisket and a creamy mushroom sauce
This isn’t just potatoes with sauce – it’s a full-fledged restaurant experience, where every element on the plate earns its place. And yet, despite the accolades, Bulbashy remains the kind of place you’ll want to come back to just for a comforting plate of draniki – like home, only better.
Address: Minsk, 4 Svobody Sq.
Website: @bulbashy.minsk
2. Litviny – A Creative Take on Belarusian Classics
The Litviny restaurant group runs three locations across Minsk, each offering a modern spin on traditional Belarusian cuisine. The menu bridges the gap between rustic village fare and contemporary gastronomy – it’s all familiar, but with a refined twist. If you’re looking to try draniki beyond the cafeteria-style version, this is the place.
Their take on draniki includes inventive pairings and a touch of creative flair:
- Draniki with white sauce, bacon, and a poached egg
- Minsk-style draniki with poultry and mushroom sauce
- Potato kalduny (stuffed dumplings) with ham sauce
This is a perfect spot to introduce Belarusian cuisine to international friends — the taste, presentation, and atmosphere all work together to create a memorable impression. Yet it still maintains that homey heartiness and generous Belarusian spirit. If you’re planning a culinary tour of Minsk, don’t miss our guide to the city’s budget-friendly spots — you’ll discover even more places where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Address: Minsk, 2 Sverdlova Str. | 156/1 Pritytskogo Str. | 119 Pobediteley Av.
Website: https://litviny.by/
3. Kuhmistr – A Restaurant with Soul and a Story
Kuhmistr isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a kind of living museum of Belarusian gastronomy. With antique decor, live music in the evenings, and a menu full of thoughtful notes and context, everything here seems designed to remind you: Belarusian cuisine isn’t just delicious, it’s culturally meaningful. Especially when it comes to draniki.
The menu features both timeless classics and original creations:
- A draniki tasting set with traditional potato pancakes served alongside house-made adjika, sour cream, sautéed mushrooms with onions, and creamy cheese
- Vileika-style kalduny with mushroom sauce and sour cream – hearty stuffed potato pancakes with rich gravy
- The Dranburger with a beef patty – a juicy twist on the classic burger, where the buns are replaced by two crispy draniki
Kuhmistr is the perfect place for anyone wanting to experience the full spirit of Belarusian cuisine – from cozy village warmth to urban wit. And the Dranburger? It’s already a modern Minsk classic.
Address: Minsk, 40 K.Marksa Str.
Website: https://www.kuhmistr.by/
4. Rakowski Browar – Hearty, Homey, and Unapologetically Belarusian
If you’re after a laid-back vibe, a bit of noise and cheer, and the kind of hearty food Belarus is famous for, Rakowski Browar is your spot. With a spacious hall, in-house beer, generous portions, and zero pretense, this is where draniki aren’t for tasting – they’re for feasting.
On the menu:
- Bramboraki with sour cream – crispy draniki with pork belly and fried onions, served with a hefty helping of sour cream and fresh dill
- Homestyle machanka with draniki – the ultimate comfort combo: potato pancakes, ribs, sausage, and a rich mushroom-sour cream sauce
- “Visiting the Mother-in-Law” – pork loin, pork belly, draniki, and, of course, a pickled cucumber – because what’s a Belarusian dinner without a little family humor?
This place isn’t about fine plating – it’s about flavor and vibe. An ideal choice for a filling dinner with friends, or a first deep dive into the real “people’s” Belarusian cuisine.
Address: Minsk, 10 Vitebskaya Str.
Website: https://brovar.by/
5. Vasilki – A Beloved Local Favorite with Consistent Quality
The Vasilki restaurant chain has long been something of an unofficial culinary landmark in Minsk. It’s the place tourists get recommended, where locals take friends from abroad, and where everyone’s happy to drop by for lunch or dinner. With cozy folk-style interiors, speedy service, and reliably tasty food – that’s Vasilki in a nutshell.
Their draniki selection is generous and filling:
- “Fresh off the griddle” draniki with crispy chicken fillet, creamy mushroom sauce, and crunchy bacon
- Draniki with machanka – a truly hearty dish with meaty broth, ribs, homemade sausage, cracklings, and onions
- Draniki with beef goulash – slow-braised beef with vegetables and garlic in a rich, flavorful sauce
Here, draniki aren’t just a side – they’re the main event. Vasilki is perfect for anyone new to Belarusian cuisine or simply looking for a satisfying, no-nonsense meal.
Address: Minsk, 16 Nezavisimosti Av. | 9 Pobediteley Av. | more on website
Website: https://vasilki.by/
Wherever You Are, Draniki Are Always Close By
Minsk knows how to surprise you – even with something as seemingly simple as draniki. Some places stick to the classics, others experiment with presentation, some turn potatoes into edible art, while others just fry them like grandma used to – only better.
So whether you’re after a gourmet tasting set, a hearty “dranburger,” or that perfect machanka to proudly serve a visitor, this city has a spot where the draniki will be exactly how you want them. Or better yet – try all five.
Enjoy your meal!
