A palette of flavors from Russia's Tatarstan region has landed in the heart of San Francisco's SoMa district, with the newly opened AyDea cafe. According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, this corner spot at Sixth and Bryant Streets dishes traditional Tatar pastries and a unique twist on breakfast and lunch items, infusing a slice of Central Russian culture into the city's culinary scene.
The co-owners, Chef Chris Dumesnil and his Tatarstan-native wife, Liliya, spurred by the lack of Tatar cuisine in the area, have refurbished the space previously occupied by a Sushiritto outlet to craft an experience of their heritage. Warm breakfast sandwiches made with zang bread, claimed by Dumesnil to predate the French croissant, grab the morning spotlight with both sweet and savory options. The culinary fusion manifests most notably with what Dumesnil calls the 'Russian quesadilla' – kistibi – a flatbread enfolding braised beef, a staple bound to tantalize taste buds.
Going beyond just pastries, AyDea claims to incorporate a Californian twist to their dishes, according to their website. Offering an exploration into new flavors, the cafe is not just serving food but also gestures a nod to sustainable practices, sourcing milk locally to churn their own butter. This commitment extends to their baked goods and unique coffee offerings, like a citrus-infused dark roast and coffee with house-churned butter.
Already a hotspot after its opening, AyDea seats patrons in a walnut-toned interior that invites curiosity and conversation among its visitors. Chris Dumesnil told the San Francisco Chronicle about the high foot traffic and the customers' burgeoning interest in the distinct offerings. One can indulge in the subtle sweetness of chak chak – fried dough cloaked in honey, likened by the chef to kettle corn or Corn Pops – or savor the crepe-like blinchiki, a fusion of local produce with international flair.
The cafe's deep-rooted connection to Tatarstan is also personal; named after the Dumesnils' children, Ayla and Dea, the spot provides a cultural reference point to Liliya's origins, a necessary anchor, particularly during the challenging times of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. AyDea San Francisco is open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, serving as a bridge between San Francisco and Tatarstan through every bite. For more information on their offerings and location, visit aydeasf.com.
