The first mention of Suzdal, one of Russia’s oldest cities, can be found in manuscripts dating back to 1024. Citizens of this historic city are careful to preserve their national traditions – including culinary ones. Russian cuisine is both versatile and diverse and it has evolved over many centuries, borrowing traditions from other cultures and ultimately enriching its own. In ancient Rus’ food was traditionally prepared in the oven, which was always kept at a specific temperature. A wide variety of nutritious and delicious dishes, such as chicken stew, still serve as the foundation of Russian culinary tradition today.