Копченое Сало
Smoked Salo (Smoked Pork Fatback)
Yes, keto as served. About 1g net carbs per serving, lower than 9 in 10 Russian dishes.
What it is
A quintessential Russian and Ukrainian appetizer consisting of thick slices of smoked pork fatback, often with lean meat layers. Traditionally cured with salt and spices, then hot-smoked or cold-smoked, it's a rich and flavorful snack. Naturally keto-friendly, it's typically served chilled, often with garlic.
Key ingredients
Pork fatback with skin, salt, garlic, spices (e.g., bay leaf, black pepper), natural smoke.
Optional tweaks
Ensure no sugar is used in the curing or smoking process (highly unlikely for traditional preparation, but good to verify). Request it to be served without any bread, toast, or other high-carb accompaniments.
Say this to the waiter (Russian)
Уточните, пожалуйста, сало без сахара в приготовлении? Подайте без хлеба, тостов и других углеводных дополнений.
Please confirm no sugar is used in curing or smoking. Serve without bread, toast, or other high-carb accompaniments.
Watch out for
Rarely, some commercial smoked salo might contain trace sugars in brines. The primary carb risk is being served with bread or other non-keto sides.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.