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Review of Swaffham’s Rasputin Russian Restaurant: Hidden gem offering tasty traditional food and exceptional service is well worth a visit




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As someone who enjoys trying out new cuisines, I was intrigued when I stumbled upon Rasputin Russian Restaurant in Swaffham on Facebook.

The food looked tasty and the feedback from locals was good, so one Thursday night, my parents, my partner Shane and I paid a visit to the eatery in Plowright Place, just off of the town's market place.

Tucked just within the shopping mews, you can find Rasputin through an unassuming doorway and up a flight of stairs, decorated with photos of the country whose cuisine we were about to try.

Rasputin Russian Restaurant can be found in Plowright Place in Swaffham
Rasputin Russian Restaurant can be found in Plowright Place in Swaffham
You will find Rasputin Russian Restaurant in Swaffham within Plowright Place
You will find Rasputin Russian Restaurant in Swaffham within Plowright Place

Once inside the restaurant itself, we found that at 6.45pm – just after it had opened for the evening – we were the first customers, so we were able to admire the whole place, which was again decked out with authentic ornaments.

What also stood out to us was the lovely view of Swaffham from the restaurant, which can also boast that it is the first (and as far as we are aware, only) Russian one in Norfolk and East Anglia.

We were soon greeted by the extremely friendly staff and showed to our table, before ordering drinks.

The view of Swaffham from the restaurant
The view of Swaffham from the restaurant
Kvass drink
Kvass drink

My parents both opted for soft drinks (£2.50 each), while Shane went for the Bulgarian Shiraz wine (£5 for 175ml) and I thought I’d try something different, so I chose the Kvass (£2.50) – a fermented rye-based low-alcohol drink.

Before I had a full-sized version though, the staff allowed me to try a sample, and although I wasn’t sure at first, I decided to keep going with it.

And I’m glad I did, as although it had a flavour similar to a flat fizzy drink, it was something different and was pretty tasty.

Having scoured the menu – at which point more diners had come in for the evening – and the meat-eaters of the group had some debate over who was going to have what, my mum chose the Gregory Rasputin Pork (£13), my dad picked the Peter The Great Lamb (£14.50), Shane had the Beef Goulash (£13), and I went for the vegan version of the Wild Mushroom Russian-style Risotto (£12).

Peter The Great Lamb in rosemary and mint sauce, served with fried baby potatoes, broccoli and marinated cherry tomatoes
Peter The Great Lamb in rosemary and mint sauce, served with fried baby potatoes, broccoli and marinated cherry tomatoes
Gregory Rasputin Pork in bread crumbs topped with wild mushrooms and cheese, served with Russian traditional smoked sausage sauerkraut, creamy mash and tomato reduction sauce, and broccoli
Gregory Rasputin Pork in bread crumbs topped with wild mushrooms and cheese, served with Russian traditional smoked sausage sauerkraut, creamy mash and tomato reduction sauce, and broccoli

Despite – from what we could see – there only being two members of staff working that evening, the service was quick, efficient and super friendly and helpful.

Our meals arrived in good time, and we were all excited for our first experience of Russian cuisine.

All the omnivores said their meat was well-cooked and tender, with Dad adding that his meal had “lovely” gravy, and Mum saying that she enjoyed the mushroom and cheese mixture on top of the pork.

Shane said his beef goulash was similar to a good beef casserole, with “tasty” potatoes.

Beef Goulash with carrots, onions in rich sauce, served with fried baby potatoes, broccoli and marinated cherry tomatoes
Beef Goulash with carrots, onions in rich sauce, served with fried baby potatoes, broccoli and marinated cherry tomatoes
The vegan wild mushroom Russian-style risotto, served whole green beans, shoots and cherry tomatoes
The vegan wild mushroom Russian-style risotto, served whole green beans, shoots and cherry tomatoes

As for my barley risotto, it was presented beautifully with a flavour to match. It was delicious, with a hearty and rich taste, and there was a generous portion.

The vegetarian version of the dish would also come with stilton and parmesan, but I’m certain that not having them did not detract from it at all.

All dishes but the pork featured some marinated tomatoes which were a bit of a surprise as they were cold but had an enhanced flavour which we enjoyed.

I felt pretty full from my main – although both Shane and Dad said they could’ve eaten more of theirs – but we all decided we had room for dessert.

The chocolate multi-layered Russian tort
The chocolate multi-layered Russian tort
The Pear and Sultana Semolina Cake
The Pear and Sultana Semolina Cake

Having booked our table in advance and checked what vegan options there were, I was told there was a plant-based pudding of a chocolate salted caramel cake that had to be preordered, which I duly did.

Shane and Mum went for the honey and chocolate versions of the Multi-Layer Russian Tort respectively and Dad chose the Pear and Sultana Semolina Cake, served warm with rum and raisin ice cream, with all desserts priced at £5.50.

Of his semolina cake, Dad said it was “moist” and the ice cream complemented it well.

The honey multi-layer Russian tort
The honey multi-layer Russian tort
The vegan chocolate salted caramel cake
The vegan chocolate salted caramel cake

Mum and Shane both enjoyed their torts, with Mum describing hers as “luxurious and indulgent”. I’m glad that I had preordered my cake, as it was fudgy and had a delicious flavour.

Each dessert was presented beautifully, with a spritz of sauce, a light dusting and a sliced strawberry.

Mum rounded off the evening with a liqueur coffee (£6) and Dad had an English breakfast tea (£3), both served with traditional Russian petits fours.

The liquor coffee
The liquor coffee
The hot drinks came with Russian traditional petits fours
The hot drinks came with Russian traditional petits fours

It brought to a close a lovely evening with delicious traditional cuisine which was topped off by exceptional service and hospitality.

Our total bill came to £96.50, which we thought was great value for money for four mains, four desserts, and six drinks.

Rasputin is without a doubt a hidden gem within Swaffham which is well worth a visit. We are sure to make a return trip soon.

Ratings out of five:

Food: All our dishes were very well presented and boasted delicious flavours. ****

Drink: The drinks menu was extensive, with traditional options and more. *****

Decor: The interior of Rasputin felt authentic and welcoming. ****

Staff: The staff were faultless – helpful and friendly service. *****

Price: We felt it was great value for money. *****



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