A new restaurant aimed at the middle-class in Moscow, Russia, is serving dishes made from a relative of the rat! Some of the dishes conjured up using “nutria” meat are served as everyday burgers and sausages. And why not?

The Nutria Rodent, which is also known as the River Rat, is large in size and sports two orange front teeth, whilst the animals reproduce quickly meaning that they can be easily bred. Back in the 1990’s their fur was used to make coats and the left-over meat used in stews by the lower classes.

The restaurant now using this meat commercially is called the Krasnodar Bistro. Chef Takhir Kholikberdiev tells us, “It’s a really clean animal; not only is it a herbivore but it washes all its food before it eats. And it’s very high in omega-3 acids. A lot of doctors and dietitians recommend it.” Perhaps the NHS might jump on to this given all the proposed cuts?

Tasting rather bland yet served with sauces and garnishes, you could be forgiven for mistaking it for other white meats. Rather like your mother-in-law’s Christmas Dinner.

Nutria is now being served in a number of restaurants and can even be ordered from markets. Apparently easy to cook this could eventually find its way into the homes of everyday Russians. Anything washed back with a stiff vodka. Ypa!