Though it’s been over a decade since the Chernobyl disaster, and things are normal it is advisable to avoid eating mushrooms and berries (because they tend to absorb radiation quickly).

Regional cooking is based on potatoes, with berries and mushrooms as side dishes.

Belarussian tea is called "chai" and is a black brew. Belarussian "borsch", a soup made with beetroot, is served with hot sour cream. Other excellent specialties are "filet a la Minsk" and Minsk cutlet. "Mochanka" is a thick soup with lard and served with hot pancakes.

Coffee is also readily available. "Beloveszhskaya bitters" are made from over hundred herbs and is an interesting concoction. Soft drinks, fruit juices and mineral water are readily available. Drinks are ordered by the grams or by the bottle. Bars and cafes shut down at 10pm.