Kudymkar Unveils Centennial Coffee Sensation: A Taste of Komi-Permyak Heritage
Kudymkar has introduced a unique addition to its centennial celebrations with the launch of “Чöд Льöм раф” (Chöd Löm Raf), a specialty coffee infused with blackberry and bird cherry. Developed to honor the cultural heritage of the Komi-Permyak Okrug, the coffee was presented at the Basok Parma Tourist Information Center as part of a broader effort to highlight local flavors and traditions.
Bird cherry, a staple of Komi-Permyak cuisine, has been used for generations in pastries and preserves. Now, it is reimagined in a coffee blend that combines ethically sourced Arabica beans with locally foraged blackberries and freeze-dried bird cherry. The result is a smooth, aromatic brew with a subtly tart finish, evoking the essence of the region’s forests. The drink’s name, which translates to Morning Forest Dew in the Komi-Permyak language, reflects the misty woodlands that define the area’s natural landscape.
According to Maxim Chugainov, director of the Basok Parma Tourist Center, the choice of ingredients was intentional, connecting the drink to the region’s culinary identity. “Bird cherry isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a symbol of our heritage. With this coffee, we’re inviting the world to experience the essence of our land,” he stated.
Starting February 24, visitors to Kudymkar will be able to sample the new blend at the Basok Parma center, with plans for wider distribution in cafés across Perm Krai. The launch is part of an extensive centennial program featuring over 160 events, including folk festivals, artisan markets, and a documentary series on Komi-Permyak history.
The celebration also marks the opening of TÖB (Wind), a high-end Komi-Permyak restaurant in Perm’s Hampton by Hilton Hotel. Led by chefs specializing in regional cuisine, the restaurant will showcase traditional dishes such as venison stew with juniper, nettle-infused bread, and desserts featuring the distinct flavor of bird cherry. A spokesperson for the regional tourism ministry emphasized the initiative’s role in preserving local traditions, stating, “Our ancestors lived off these forests—now we’re sharing their legacy with every sip and bite.”
As Perm Krai prepares for its centennial, Kudymkar is positioning itself as a destination for culinary tourism by blending time-honored traditions with contemporary trends. By infusing specialty coffee with native flavors, the town is contributing to Russia’s growing interest in gastro-tourism while reinforcing pride in Komi-Permyak heritage. Visitors eager to experience the festivities will find Kudymkar’s cafés, cultural sites, and scenic trails offering an immersive journey into the history and flavors of the region. “This isn’t just about coffee,” Chugainov added. “It’s about celebrating our roots—and inviting others to discover them too.”
- Kudymkar is a town in Perm Krai, Russia, serving as the administrative center of the Komi-Permyak Okrug, a region historically inhabited by the Komi-Permyak people, one of Russia’s indigenous Finno-Ugric communities. Located approximately 200 km northwest of Perm, Kudymkar is a cultural and economic hub known for preserving Komi-Permyak traditions, language, and cuisine. The town plays a significant role in regional tourism, showcasing local crafts, folklore, and gastronomy. With a population of around 30,000, Kudymkar continues to blend its historical heritage with modern development, making it a key destination for cultural and eco-tourism in Perm Krai.
