Fat Binds Alcohol
Herring and Fish
Pickled herring, smoked salmon, and salted whitefish belong to the standard picture of the vodka table from Scandinavia to Russia. This stop shows why fatty fish in particular pairs so well with vodka and how it's traditionally prepared.
Why fatty fish belongs with vodka
Herring, mackerel, and salmon contain plenty of fat, which forms a protective film in the mouth. This film softens how sharply the alcohol feels, similar to how milk works with heavily spiced food. That's why fatty fish sits alongside the pickle in almost every zakuski spread. Lean fish like cod barely serves this purpose. The fattier the fish, the more clearly the difference shows while drinking.