Today, there are a huge number of establishments offering fast food. You can go to McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, or buy shawarma, hot dogs, sausage rolls, chebureks, and much more on the street. Surprisingly, fast food originated thanks to the Russians! In 1814, when Russian troops occupied Paris, Cossacks often rushed into local cafes, urging waiters with the words "quick, quick!" It was frightening to refuse bearded men in blue uniforms with pikes and sabers, so chefs tried to prepare something tasty and simple on the fly. After the Russians left France, the trend for such establishments, called "bistros," remained in Paris. The idea of "fast food" appealed not only to the French but gradually spread to Germany, Austria, and then to us.

Delicious, quick, and inexpensive meals could be found not only in traditional taverns. Every market had so-called "gluttonous rows," where people satisfied their hunger with pancakes and blinis fried right on the street. Sometimes, entire towers of freshly baked pancakes rose on the tables. For an extra charge, you could add fillings: cabbage, minced meat, or cottage cheese. There were also mobile food stalls set up during mass festivities or on major holidays when the whole city was celebrating.

It is worth mentioning the street vendors and peddlers. They had their own pre-revolutionary version of a burger: a large sandwich with a meat patty, onions, greens, tomatoes, or fish, depending on the region and the chef's imagination. Everyone could choose their filling to taste. They also sold pies, pretzels, bagels, and cookies. On average, such fast food cost 5-6 kopecks. Gingerbread was also sold, which children especially loved, particularly mint gingerbread in the shape of fish. Overall, fast food in the Russian Empire amazed with its variety.