Exploring Belarus: Unique Shopping Experiences And Local Treasures

Belarus has a lot to offer visitors, from its food and drink to its fashion and beauty products. The country is famous for its linen fabrics, which are used to make everything from clothes to homeware, and its unique products made from straw, clay and wood.

For foodies, there are organic dairy and meat products, a variety of potato dishes, delicious bread, and traditional alcoholic drinks such as krambambula (a vodka flavoured with honey and spices) and zubrovka (bison glass vodka flavoured with herbs). There are also sweet treats like sugared cranberries and zefir (a marshmallow-like dessert made from apples, sugar and egg whites).

Fashionistas can pick up designer accessories from brands like Killtoday and Minsker, or stylish clothes from local streetwear brands like LSTR Adzienne. Silver jewellery decorated with traditional Belarusian ornaments is another popular choice.

When it comes to beauty, Belarusian cosmetics brands like Belita Vitex, BelKosmex and Belor Design are known for their high-quality, affordable products.

There are also plenty of unique souvenirs to choose from, including straw spiders (believed to protect the house and bring happiness), ceramic crockery, and wooden utensils and figurines.

Food and drink: cranberries in sugar, zephyr, chocolate, vodka, and herbal liqueurs

When it comes to food and drink, Belarus has a lot to offer. Here are some unique and delicious treats to try and buy when visiting the country:

Cranberries in Sugar

Cranberries in sugar are a classic Belarusian sweet treat. These small balls consist of whole cranberries coated in powdered sugar, creating a delightful combination of sour berries and sweet glaze. They are a healthy and tasty snack for both children and adults. In addition to the classic version, you can also find cranberries with different flavours such as cinnamon, cocoa, ginger, and cardamom. Cranberries in sugar can be easily found in any food store across Belarus and make for a great souvenir or gift.

Zephyr

Zephyr is a popular sweet confectionery product in Belarus and other Slavic countries like Russia and Ukraine. It is made from sugar, fruit puree (usually apple), egg whites, and pectin or agar-agar. Zephyr is often enjoyed with tea or coffee and comes in various flavours. In addition to the classic white zephyr, you can find zephyr coated in milk or white chocolate, as well as zephyr with marmalade filling. It has a dense and resilient texture, and when broken, it should be slightly moist without grains of sugar. You can buy zephyr in supermarkets or specialised brand stores, either packaged or sold by weight.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a beloved ingredient and treat in Belarus. The country has a strong tradition of local chocolate manufacturing, and it is common to find chocolate desserts in the main cities of Minsk, Homyel, Mahilyow, Vitebsk, Grodno, and Brest. Belarusian chocolate comes in a variety of flavours, and it is enjoyed as a tasty treat on its own. If you're looking for a gourmet gift, luxury Belgian chocolates are also available in Belarus and are sure to impress.

Vodka

Vodka, or "garelka" (burnt wine), is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Belarus. It was first served in the country during the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 15th century and has since become an integral part of Belarusian culture. Vodka is typically served on special occasions, and Belarusian liquor producers offer a wide range of varieties, including classic vodkas and vodkas with additives like spices, buds, and nuts. Some unique types of vodka you can find in Belarus include vodka made from bread, vodka with extracts of birch buds, and vodka with pepper and honey. Vodka can be purchased at shops, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, and it also comes in decorated souvenir bottles.

Herbal Liqueurs

In addition to vodka, Belarus has a rich tradition of herbal liqueurs. The oldest Belarusian alcoholic beverages were based on honey and beer, and liqueurs were commonly served in the houses of the Belarusian gentry. Today, you can find a variety of traditional liqueurs, nastoikas, and nalivkas (strong alcoholic beverages based on vodka and enhanced with herbs, berries, honey, spices, and sugar) in restaurants and rural tourism estates. Some popular varieties include krupnik, zubrovka, krambambulya, and troyanka. Nastoikas and balsams, which are strong alcoholic beverages with extracts of herbs, buds, berries, spices, and honey, are also widely available. Belorusky, Charodei, and Polesie are popular brands of balsams.

Clothing: stylish clothes, knitwear, lingerie, flax, and leather accessories

Belarus is known for its stylish clothing, footwear, and accessories. The country's clothing brands offer a wide range of options for women, men, and children, including outerwear, underwear, lingerie, hosiery, and furs.

Knitwear

Well-known Belarusian brands Svitanok and Kupalinka produce stylish collections of hygienic, breathable knitwear for newborns, toddlers, teenagers, and adults. Their collections include thermal underwear, jumpers, dresses, and clothes for pregnant women.

Lingerie

Milavitsa is one of the best-known lingerie brands in Belarus and across the CIS, with over 600 chain stores in 20 countries. The brand caters to women aged 25 to 55, offering a wide assortment of classical, fashion, and beachwear collections. Milavitsa's product portfolio includes bras, knickers, shapewear, nightwear, homewear, and swimwear, with sizes ranging from 70A to 120F.

Flax

Flax is a symbol of Belarus, represented on the state emblem, and the country is a leading global region for flax crops. The climatic conditions in Belarus are ideal for growing flax, and the plant thrives regardless of rainfall, growing without much fertiliser. Belarusian fashion designers showcase a wide range of interesting models made from green fabric produced by the Orsha Flax Mill, one of the key flax producers in the CIS.

Leather Accessories

When it comes to leather accessories, Belarus offers several options. Belwest, a popular footwear brand in the CIS and Baltic states, produces over 2 million pairs of leather footwear per annum. The Belarusian leather footwear company Marko is one of the largest manufacturers in the CIS, making about 4 million pairs of footwear annually. Additionally, brands like Galanteya and Mattioli offer bags and leather fancy goods, while Accent Gloves specialises in gloves.

Homeware: towels, tableware, interior items, and textiles

Belarus is known for its beautiful homeware and textile products, which are popular among locals and visitors alike.

Tableware

Belarusian tableware includes crystal and glass, porcelain, and ceramics. The country's only porcelain tableware manufacturer is the Dobrush Porcelain Factory, which produces the well-known brand Belaya Rus Porcelain. Neman Glassworks, based in the town of Berezovka, offers a range of glass and crystal products, including tableware, interior design glass, and accessories for floristry. For a more traditional option, ceramic products from Radoshkovichi, including tableware, interior decorations, and souvenirs, are a great choice.

Textiles

When it comes to textiles, Belarus has a lot to offer. The country's largest textile manufacturer, Mogotex, provides fabrics and sets for interior decoration. Belarusian Linen, produced by the Orsha Linen Mill, is another popular brand for natural table and bed linens. For towels and bathrobes, Rechitsa Textile is a well-known brand that offers hygienic terry towels and bathrobes.

Interior Items

In addition to tableware and textiles, Belarus also offers a range of interior items. These include fabrics and sets for interior decoration from Mogotex, as well as interior design glass and accessories from Neman Glassworks. Belarusian carpets, such as those from Vitebsk Carpets and Brest Carpets, are also popular among visitors to the country.

Towels

As mentioned, Rechitsa Textile offers a range of hygienic terry towels and bathrobes. French-style linen towels, which are thick and rustic, can also be found in Belarus and are perfect for adding a touch of charm to any bathroom.

Jewellery: silver jewellery with traditional Belarusian ornaments

Silver jewellery with traditional Belarusian ornaments makes for a beautiful and meaningful souvenir from Belarus. Belarusian jewellery is famed for its quality, with a mandatory stamp of certification from the Belarusian assay supervision inspection.

Etsy offers a range of silver jewellery with traditional Belarusian ornaments, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. These pieces often feature the national emblem of Belarus, the Pahonia coat of arms, or the colours of the Belarusian flag. Some jewellery also incorporates the traditional cornflower symbol of Belarus.

For those seeking a more luxurious option, famous Belarusian jewellery brands such as Kristall (Gomel) and Zorka (Minsk) offer fine jewellery made of precious metals and stones. These brands are known for their delicate and beautiful designs, including rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, brooches, and chains.

Silver jewellery with Belarusian ornaments is a wonderful way to showcase the unique culture and heritage of this country, making it a memorable gift or keepsake from a trip to Belarus.

Books: 'This Country Called Belarus' and 'Paganstva'

Books: This Country Called Belarus and Paganstva

When in Belarus, one of the best souvenirs to bring back is a book. Even children in Belarus know that "a book is the best gift". For those interested in learning about the country, there are two books that stand out: *This Country Called Belarus* and *Paganstva*.

• This Country Called Belarus is an illustrated history book by U.A. Arloŭ, published in 2013 by Kalligram. It is a heavy book, exciting like a good novel and beautiful like a National Geographic magazine. It tells the story of Belarus and has both Russian and English versions available. The book is recommended by knowledgeable people and can be purchased at the Central Bookstore (Nezavisimosti Ave. 19) or Logvіnau bookstore (Nezavisimosti Ave. 37a).
• Paganstva, by Andrey Lenkevich, is a powerful photo album about pagan traditions. For many present-day Belarusians, these traditions may sound like fairy tales, but they are actually the basis and integral part of the life of many local villages. This book can also be purchased at the Central Bookstore or Logvіnau bookstore, or online at oz.by, the biggest online shop for books, gifts, souvenirs, and more.

Both books offer a unique insight into the culture and history of Belarus and make for great souvenirs or gifts.

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