The tea of many names Fireweed – what’s behind the name? Many of us have wondered about the reason behind the name of a particular tea, but very few of us have ever discovered the answer. Fireweed is not the only name this herb is known by. The scientific name for fireweed tea or Ivan … Read more

As a Russian banya is a unique experience for many people, we have decided to run through the most frequently asked questions to explain how it works. Why do I need to wear a hat inside the steam room? Steam and high temperatures are good for the body, but not for the vessels inside the … Read more

It is a well-known fact that beer is a drink that is enjoyed all over the world. Well, Russia is no exception as it is the second most popular alcoholic beverage after vodka. The history of beer in Russia dates back almost 2,000 years to the Ancient Slavs. Surprisingly, in their language, ‘pivo’ (beer) and … Read more

Here at Banya No.1, we offer a wide range of traditional Russian food and drinks. One of the most delicious ways to quench your thirst between detoxifying Parenie sessions is to have a glass of the refreshing and fizzy organic drink called Kvass. Kvass is a fermented, non-alcoholic beverage commonly made from rye bread. The … Read more

Although a banya, hammam, steam room and sauna each have their own characteristics, the outcome is nearly always the same: sweating. However, there is no need to be alarmed because in fact sweating is beneficial; indeed, it is the body’s inbuilt way of keeping us cool. Of course, we have not yet developed a way … Read more