The Journal · July 20, 2026

What is borscht? The story of a legendary soup

Borscht is Eastern Europe’s iconic beetroot soup: deep broth, tender beef, crème fraîche. Where to try it in Nice? At Roi Alexandre, rue de France.

What is borscht? The story of a legendary soup

Borscht is a beetroot-based soup, simmered on a meat broth, enriched with vegetables and served with crème fraîche. Its ruby colour and its balance of beet sweetness and gentle acidity make it one of the world’s most recognisable soups.

Where does borscht come from?

Born in the countryside of Eastern Europe, borscht conquered every table, from peasant izbas to imperial dinners in Saint Petersburg. Every family keeps its own recipe: more or less tomato, a bouquet of dill, a hint of garlic pounded with lard…

How do we serve it at Roi Alexandre?

Our borscht simmers for hours on a French beef broth. It arrives steaming, with thick crème fraîche, fresh dill and dark bread. It is the dish our guests mention most in their Google reviews.

“The best borscht I have had on the Riviera” — a review that goes straight to our heart.

Tempted? See our menu or book a table — we are 100 m from the Promenade des Anglais.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is borscht?

An Eastern European beetroot soup, simmered on meat broth and served with crème fraîche and dill.

Where to eat good borscht in Nice?

At Roi Alexandre restaurant, 38 Rue de France, 100 m from the Promenade des Anglais. Our borscht is homemade daily (€17).

Is borscht served hot or cold?

Traditionally hot. Cold summer versions exist; with us, also try okroshka, the Slavic cold soup.

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