Studying MBBS in Russia has become one of the most popular choices for Indian and international students. With affordable tuition fees, globally recognized universities, and English-medium courses, Russia attracts thousands of students every year.
While tuition fees and accommodation are well-structured and predictable, one of the most significant aspects of student life abroad is food expenses. For Indian students in particular, food is not just about cost but also about culture, taste, and daily comfort.
In Russia, MBBS students usually have two major food options:
Indian Mess Services – run by Indian communities, offering Indian-style meals.
Local Russian Food – available in hostels, canteens, and supermarkets, where students can cook or buy ready-made meals.
The debate over whether Indian mess or local food is better often revolves around cost, taste, health, and convenience. This article explores both options in detail and provides a clear cost comparison to help students and parents plan effectively.
An Indian mess is a meal service established by Indian communities or entrepreneurs near universities with a high number of Indian MBBS students. These services prepare traditional Indian meals, usually offering dal, rice, chapati, vegetables, chicken, or egg curry on a daily basis.
Subscription-based plans (monthly or semester-wise).
Meals are served at fixed times, usually lunch and dinner.
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Menu similar to Indian home-style food.
Monthly package: 8,000 – 12,000 Russian Rubles (₹8,000 – ₹12,000 approx).
Per meal: 250 – 350 Rubles (₹250 – ₹350 approx).
Includes two to three meals a day, depending on the mess provider.
Local food in Russia includes meals prepared from ingredients bought at supermarkets or eaten at university canteens and local restaurants. Students can cook their own food or explore Russian cuisine.
Soups (Borscht, Solyanka, Shchi) – affordable and filling.
Pelmeni (dumplings) – quick and cheap meal option.
Kasha (porridge) – commonly eaten for breakfast.
Bread, dairy products, chicken, and fish – easily available in supermarkets.
Cooking at hostel:
Monthly groceries: 5,000 – 7,000 Rubles (₹5,000 – ₹7,000 approx).
Covers rice, pasta, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and dairy.
University canteen meals:
Per meal: 150 – 250 Rubles (₹150 – ₹250 approx).
Monthly (two meals daily): 7,000 – 9,000 Rubles.
Restaurants and cafes:
Per meal: 500 – 800 Rubles (₹500 – ₹800 approx).
Used occasionally, not daily.
| Aspect | Indian Mess | Local Russian Food (Groceries & Cooking) | University Canteen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Expense | 8,000 – 12,000 Rubles | 5,000 – 7,000 Rubles | 7,000 – 9,000 Rubles |
| Per Meal Cost | 250 – 350 Rubles | 150 – 200 Rubles (self-cooked) | 150 – 250 Rubles |
| Food Type | Indian dishes (dal, chapati, curry) | Russian & mixed cuisine | Simple Russian meals |
| Convenience | High – no cooking required | Medium – requires cooking time | High – served in canteen |
| Nutrition & Variety | Balanced Indian diet | Flexible, depends on cooking | Limited menu options |
| Cultural Comfort | High – Indian taste | Medium – new adaptation | Medium – different from Indian taste |
Taste of Home – Students get Indian food daily, reducing homesickness.
No Cooking Required – Saves time for studies and practical work.
Consistency – Fixed menu ensures regular balanced meals.
Vegetarian Options – Easier to follow a vegetarian diet compared to local Russian food.
Community Feeling – Students often eat together, fostering friendships.
Higher Cost – More expensive compared to self-cooked food.
Limited Variety – Repetitive menu may feel monotonous over time.
Fixed Meal Timings – Students must adjust schedules to mess timings.
Less Cultural Integration – Students may miss the chance to explore Russian food and culture.
Cost-Effective – Cooking with local ingredients is significantly cheaper.
Flexibility – Students can eat at their convenience, not tied to fixed timings.
Exposure to Russian Culture – Helps students adapt better to the host country.
Variety – Students can try different dishes and customize meals.
Healthier Choices Possible – Students control ingredients, oil, and spices when cooking.
Taste Adaptation – Indian students may take time to adjust to Russian flavors.
Cooking Time – Preparing food daily may consume study hours.
Limited Vegetarian Choices – Russian cuisine is meat-heavy, posing challenges for vegetarians.
Initial Learning Curve – Students unfamiliar with cooking may struggle initially.
Over 6 years of MBBS in Russia, the food cost difference becomes significant.
Indian Mess: 10,000 Rubles × 12 months × 6 years = 720,000 Rubles (~₹7,20,000).
Local Cooking: 6,000 Rubles × 12 months × 6 years = 432,000 Rubles (~₹4,32,000).
University Canteen: 8,000 Rubles × 12 months × 6 years = 576,000 Rubles (~₹5,76,000).
Clearly, cooking locally saves ₹2–3 lakhs over the course of the MBBS program compared to Indian mess services.
Indian mess ensures familiar spices and flavors but may use more oil to maintain taste.
Cooking yourself allows more control over nutrition.
Indian mess saves time – students focus entirely on academics.
Cooking requires 1–2 hours daily, which can affect study schedules.
Indian mess keeps students connected to their roots.
Local food helps students integrate with Russian peers and culture.
Mess services may close during vacations or holidays.
Cooking skills ensure independence at all times.
First Year Students – Prefer Indian mess as they are still adapting to the new country.
Middle Years (2nd–4th Year) – Many shift to cooking with friends to save money.
Final Years – Students often mix both options: mess for convenience during exams and cooking otherwise.
Try Both Options Initially – Experience Indian mess and local cooking before choosing long-term.
Form Cooking Groups – Share cooking responsibilities with roommates to save time and money.
Buy Groceries in Bulk – Supermarkets like Auchan, Perekrestok, and Metro offer discounts.
Balance Diet – Mix Indian and Russian food for both taste and nutrition.
Budget Planning – Set aside monthly food allowance separate from tuition and hostel fees.
For MBBS students in Russia, food expenses can significantly impact the overall budget.
Indian mess provides comfort, saves time, and ensures a homely environment but comes at a higher cost.
Local Russian food and self-cooking are cheaper, flexible, and provide cultural exposure but require effort and adjustment.
Cost-wise, local cooking wins by a large margin.
Convenience-wise, Indian mess is better for beginners and during exams.
The best solution lies in balancing both options – relying on Indian mess during busy academic periods and cooking locally during normal schedules. This way, students enjoy the best of both worlds while managing costs effectively.