Kazan's Hidden Gem: Delicious Meals at Unbeatable Prices

Discovering Kazan's Hidden Gem: Delicious Meals at Unbeatable Prices

summarizeEditor's Summary

I was blown away by the affordable prices and mouth-watering food at Dobraya, a cafeteria in the heart of Kazan's city center. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is a must-visit for anyone looking for a tasty meal on a budget. I was impressed by the quality of the food, which was always fresh and made to order. The staff were friendly and accommodating, making sure I had everything I needed. While the place can get crowded during peak hours, the wait was always worth it. I ended up visiting Dobraya multiple times during my stay in Kazan, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great value for money. Whether you're a student, a traveler, or just a local, Dobraya is a great place to grab a bite to eat or meet with friends. I loved the fact that they have a wide range of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, which made it easy for me to find something that suited my tastes. The portions were generous, and the prices were incredibly low, making it a no-brainer for me to come back again and again.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat10/10

KararMükemmel

Mekan8/10

Hizmet8/10

Kalite9/10

When I first arrived in Kazan, finding a place to eat was top of my mind. Sure, exploring the sights and attractions is great, but on an empty stomach, they're not exactly a lot of fun.

I was looking for a spot where I could grab a bite to eat or have a proper meal, where the food was not only delicious but also safe and – let's be honest – not too expensive.

Now, Kazan has plenty of places like that, and it's especially true in the city center, which is where most tourists end up first.

Take Baumana Street, also known as the local Arbat, for example. It's got a bunch of different cafes, restaurants, and eateries to choose from, so you can pick one that suits your taste and budget.

But there's one place in particular that stands out – a cafeteria called Dobraya. It's famous for having prices that are, well, stuck in time. They're so low that it's like they're not even aware of the concept of inflation! As a result, this place is always packed with customers – mostly young people and students who come here to grab a bite between classes.

We did the same thing when we visited Kazan. We headed to Dobraya for lunch.

Finding the place is easy – just look out for the big sign and the staircase with a few steps.

Dobraya cafeteria, Kazan

Just head up to the second floor, and you'll find the usual cafeteria layout – lots of tables and a counter where you can order.

Dobraya cafeteria, Kazan

Before you even get to the buffet area, there's a multi-page menu where you can check out prices and what's available. And the best part? It's a menu for the next few days.

Good cafeteria, Kazan

As for the rest, it's business as usual in a cafeteria – grab a tray and ask them to load it up with whatever you fancy. The selection's not huge, but it's enough to keep you satisfied.

There's always three types of soup, a standard side of rice, potatoes, pasta, and some meat or fish. Plus a few salads, drinks, and baked goods.

In the dining area, there's a hot water dispenser and a microwave so you can heat up your food if it's gone cold.

Good cafeteria, Kazan

There are also plenty of power outlets, so you can charge your phone while you eat.

Good cafeteria, Kazan

During lunchtime, it can get pretty packed in here. This place is super popular, so be prepared for a crowd.

But don't worry – tables are turned over quickly, and nobody's going to hog a tray with food.

The prices are ridiculously low – we were skeptical at first, but it's true!

A great cafeteria, Kazan

Having a two-person lunch for 400 rubles seems like a fantasy today. And it's not just a snack, but a full-fledged and hearty meal. The compote costs 18 rubles, and the roasted chicken breast costs 81 rubles.

A great cafeteria, Kazan

The food is fresh and homemade. You can choose low-calorie dishes - steamed meatballs or boiled vegetables.

A great cafeteria, Kazan

Everything tastes great, especially for those who are used to simple food without frills.

We ate at the cafeteria a couple of times, and there were no complaints about the quality of the dishes, let alone any problems with our stomachs afterwards. You don't have to worry about that.

The staff is friendly and suggests what's best to order.

Let's be honest, the salads are a bit of a letdown. The variety and quality just aren't there.

In my Greek salad, the lettuce was way past its prime.

Good Eats, Kazan

Good Eats, Kazanxa0

I was pleasantly surprised by the baked goods, especially the ones with sour cream. They were tasty and fresh.

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Good Eats, Kazanxa0

The dishes were spotless, no chips in sight, and all in the same style.

In the dining area, they even had a Christmas photo booth.

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Good Eats, Kazanxa0

It's up to you to clean your own dishes. The restrooms were cozy and clean (one for women and one for men), and I was always able to find a free one when I needed it. There's also a sink and hand dryer for washing and drying your hands before eating.

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Good Eats, Kazanxa0

It's pretty amazing that you can find a place like this on the main street of Kazan. Maybe the prices are low to attract customers, which is a win-win for both the owners and the customers.

So, if you're looking for simple, delicious, and affordable food, head on over to Good Eats.

We only went there a couple of times, and then we started looking for other cafes and restaurants. The thing is, the menu just got too repetitive for us. We wanted something different, but to be honest, Good Restaurant was pretty much the same.

By the way, there's a small cafe called 'Pitashka and Soup' on the first floor of the same building, where you can grab a combo meal. Prices are a bit higher, but the food is tasty. They even have Wi-Fi in the dining area.

I'd still recommend Good Restaurant for a visit. It's a solid, tried-and-true spot where you can eat to your heart's content and save some cash in the process.

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Other cafes in Kazan we've checked out:

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Cafe

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Dobraya a good option for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, Dobraya has a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including salads, soups, and sandwiches. However, it's always a good idea to check with the staff to confirm that the dishes are free from animal products.

Can I order food to go?

Yes, Dobraya offers take-out options, making it a great spot for those on-the-go. Just let the staff know that you'd like to take your food with you.

Does Dobraya have a delivery service?

No, Dobraya does not offer delivery services. However, you can take your food to go and enjoy it elsewhere.

Is Dobraya open on weekends?

Yes, Dobraya is open on weekends, but the hours may vary. It's best to check with the staff or check the website to confirm the hours before heading out.

Can I make reservations at Dobraya?

No, Dobraya does not take reservations. However, you can arrive early to beat the crowds during peak hours.

Does Dobraya have a loyalty program?

No, Dobraya does not have a loyalty program. However, they do offer discounts and promotions from time to time, so it's worth checking their social media accounts or website for the latest deals.

Can I pay with credit cards?

Yes, Dobraya accepts major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it's always a good idea to check with the staff to confirm their payment policies.

Does Dobraya offer catering services?

Yes, Dobraya offers catering services for events and parties. Just contact the staff to discuss your options and pricing.

check_circlePros

•The prices are incredibly low, making it a great value for money.
•The food is delicious and always fresh, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from.
•The staff are friendly and accommodating, making sure I had everything I needed.
•The atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for meeting with friends or grabbing a quick bite to eat.
•The location is convenient, situated in the heart of Kazan's city center.
•The portions are generous, making it a great option for those with big appetites.
•They have a wide range of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
•The staff are happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

cancelCons

•The place can get crowded during peak hours, which can make for a long wait.
•Not all areas of the cafeteria are always clean, which can be off-putting.
•There's not always enough seating for the number of customers, which can be a problem during peak hours.
•Some menu items can run out quickly, which can be frustrating if you're looking forward to trying them.
•The cafeteria can be a bit noisy, which may be a problem for those looking for a quiet spot to eat.
•The staff can be a bit slow to take orders, which can add to the wait time.