Your First Visit to Kalinka Euro Market: What to Try, What to Buy

Never been to an Eastern European grocery store? You're in for something different.

Kalinka Euro Market in Battle Ground has been serving Clark County since 2006. We carry 350+ products you won't find at Safeway or Fred Meyer. Here's how to make the most of your first visit—and what not to miss.

When You Walk In

The first thing you'll notice is the deli counter—it runs along the back and side of the store. That's where everything fresh is. Start there.

Budget at least 30 minutes. Most first-timers spend longer than expected.

The Deli Counter: Start Here

Our staff slice everything fresh to order. Here's what to try:

Kolbasa (Sausage)

The most popular items in the store. Types to try:

• Doktorskaya (Doctor's Sausage) — Russia's answer to bologna, but better. Smooth, mild, slightly sweet. The perfect intro for newcomers. Great on dark rye bread with mustard.
• Krakovskaya — Coarsely ground pork with heavy smoking. Intense, savory flavor.
• Servelat — Semi-dry salami. Firm, rich, great for slicing thin on a charcuterie board.

First-timer suggestion: Ask for a quarter pound each of Doktorskaya and one smoked variety. Most people come back for more within the week.

Smoked Fish

Eastern European smoked fish is worth trying if you've never had it:

• Smoked mackerel — Rich, bold flavor. Pairs beautifully with dark rye and pickles.
• Salted herring — Traditional, tangy, best on bread with a glass of kefir or just on its own.

House-Made Pelmeni

We make pelmeni (Russian dumplings) in-house daily using traditional family recipes. These are not frozen bags from a factory—they're made here.

Available in beef, chicken, and Siberian-style (beef and pork blend). Grab a bag to cook for dinner tonight. Boil in salted water for 6–8 minutes, serve with smetana.

Dairy Section

Tvorog (Farmer's Cheese) — Think ricotta crossed with cottage cheese, but firmer. Eat it with honey for breakfast. Mix with fresh herbs as a savory spread. Use as filling in blini or syrniki (pan-fried cheese pancakes). Very versatile.

Smetana — Eastern European sour cream. Higher fat than the American version—thicker, richer, and more flavorful. Goes on pelmeni, borscht, cabbage rolls, or anything that needs a creamy finish.

Kefir — Fermented milk drink. Tangy, slightly fizzy, packed with probiotics. More probiotic strains than yogurt and easier on the stomach for people who are lactose-sensitive. Drink it plain or blend into a smoothie.

Ryazhenka — Baked fermented milk. The milk is slow-baked until it caramelizes, then cultured. Caramel-brown color, slightly sweet, creamy. Unique flavor you genuinely won't find at a regular grocery store.

Bread Aisle

Borodinsky Rye — Dense, slightly sweet dark rye with coriander and molasses. The definitive Eastern European bread. Best for open-faced sandwiches with kolbasa and mustard.

Black Bread — Staple of every Russian and Ukrainian household. Dark, tangy, satisfying, long shelf life.

Chocolates & Sweets

This section surprises almost every first-timer.

Milka — German-made chocolate. Unbelievably smooth and creamy. We carry 20+ varieties including Alpine Milk, Whole Hazelnut, Caramel, and Oreo.

Alyonka — Russia's most famous chocolate bar since 1965. Creamy milk chocolate, less sweet than American bars, and addictive.

Zefir — Russian marshmallow-like confections. Light, vanilla-flavored, less sugary than American marshmallows. Kids and adults both love these.

Halva — Sesame or sunflower seed confection. Dense, crumbly, sweet. Excellent with tea.

The Pickle Aisle

These are naturally fermented—not vinegar pickles.

Fermented cucumbers — Crunchy, tangy, full of complex flavor. Nothing like American dill pickles. Made with just salt, water, garlic, and dill. Full of beneficial bacteria.

Pickled tomatoes — Whole tomatoes in brine. Softer, deeply tangy, a staple in Russian cuisine.

Sauerkraut — Eastern European style—just cabbage and salt, no vinegar. Authentic and probiotic-rich.

Common Questions from First-Timers

Do staff speak English? Yes. Our staff speak both Russian and English and are happy to answer questions and recommend items.

Can I try before buying? Ask at the deli counter—we're happy to offer samples of the meats.

Is everything imported? Most products are imported from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Kazakhstan. Some items like pelmeni are prepared fresh in-house.

What should I get if I've never tried any of this before? Best starter pack: Doktorskaya sausage + Borodinsky rye bread + a Milka chocolate bar + fresh pelmeni. That covers sweet, savory, and something to cook for dinner.

Getting Here

We're in Main Street Plaza in Battle Ground.

📍 813 W Main St UNIT 110, Battle Ground, WA 98604 🕐 Open daily 10AM – 8PM 📞 (360) 666-6919

From Vancouver WA: About 15 minutes north on I-5, take Exit 9. From Portland: About 25 minutes north across the Columbia River.

Free parking in front of the store.