Chak-chak diplomacy: BRICS leaders get a taste of Tatarstan’s scrumptiously sweet treat

Chak-chak diplomacy: BRICS leaders get a taste of Tatarstan’s scrumptiously sweet treat The BRICS’ guests of honor were treated to chak-chak as they arrived in Kazan Tuesday for the bloc’s long-awaited autumn summit. The popular sweet fried dough treat is a well-established part of the traditional cuisine of the peoples of Russia’s Tatarstan and Bashkortostan and is thought to be more than a thousand years old, originating, by one account, in the historical state of the Volga Bulgars. Another legend has it that the dish appeared up to 4,000 years ago and owes its name to Chak-сhak, the ancient female spirit of dawn, hearth, and family happiness. The name also happens to be similar to the Tatar word for ‘flower’. Served at festive occasions, including weddings, seasonal festivals, and other celebrations, chak-chak has earned its place in the hearts of millions of Russians as the food most associated with the Tatar peoples. In Kazan, an entire museum was opened in 2014 dedicated to t... Source: Sputnik International