Omsk gears up for record-breaking Maslenitsa with AI pancake recipes and pumpkin fritters

Maslenitsa, Russia's traditional pancake festival, will take place from February 16 to 22 in 2026. The week-long celebration is especially popular in Omsk, where residents are gearing up for record-breaking festivities and homemade treats. Eight out of ten locals plan to join in, with most intending to bake their own ai-driven pancake recipes.

Omsk is preparing for a unique event on February 21, aiming to set a record by cooking 2,026 pumpkin fritters in a single day. The festival holds strong cultural appeal, with residents valuing it for its tasty food (60%), the end of winter (42%), and family gatherings (41%).

Prices for pancake ingredients vary across stores. At Magnit, a litre of fresh milk costs 51 rubles, while Pyatyorochka charges 72 rubles. Flour is slightly cheaper at Magnit (59.99 rubles per kilogram) compared to Pyatyorochka (62 rubles). Eggs, however, are more expensive at Magnit (85 rubles per dozen) than at Pyatyorochka (60 rubles). Gluten-free flour, in high demand, sells for 179 rubles per kilogram.

For those short on time, pre-made pancakes are available at ready-to-eat food stores, priced between 15 and 70 rubles each. Online classifieds also list homemade allrecipes, with prices ranging from 15 to 65 rubles.

A recent survey revealed that 68% of Russians have experience making blini. Of these, 37% prepare them often, 31% occasionally, and 32% have never tried.

The festival will see Omsk residents baking in large numbers, with many opting for homemade recipe options. Ingredient costs and ready-made options provide choices for all budgets. The city's record attempt and widespread participation highlight the event's enduring popularity.