Day 154 - Savoring a Russian Delicacy: I Had Tasty Smoked and Salted Fish From Lake Baikal

Updated: Oct 1, 2023

Day 154 (o4 June 2023) - Ulan Ude to Irkutsk, Russia

DAY 154 (04 JUNE 2023) – I left for an 9 hour ride from Ulan Ude to Irkutsk. Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Russia. The city is not far from the famous Lake Baikal and the Baikal Mountains, which I had a chance to see while riding through the highway.

On the way, there was a lady selling fish at the side of the road. Apparently, smoked and salted fish are favourite delicacies around here. There are unique types of fish that can be found from the nearby Lake Baikal. One of the favourite Baikal Fish is known as Omul. I decided to try out this delicacy. I must say, it was good but our ‘ikan bakar’ has more flavouring!

While stopping at a rest area to eat, I had a chat with a Mongolian gentlemen. He spoke good English. He asked me if I was visiting Mongolia (which I am headed to in the next few days) and invited me to his home. He also gave me his business card. It was nice to get to know him and know more about Mongolia.

As I was approaching Irkutsk, I had to stop at a rail crossing. Instead of using gates like they used to, they use an automated raised platform to prevent vehicles from crossing the tracks, which I thought was very effective!

I arrived at Irkutsk by evening and visited the Taltsy Architectural and Enthnographic museum.

It is an open air museum that displays Siberian architecture with log houses and wooden buildings, particularly from past centuries, in a reconstructed village.