Samovar

Intermediate 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

A large, ornamental metal container used in Russia and Eastern Europe to heat and dispense hot water for tea, featuring a spigot at the base and a chimney-like tube in the center. It serves both practical and ceremonial functions in tea culture.

Example Usage

The Russian family gathered around the ornate samovar in the living room, each pouring hot water for their tea.

Origin

From Russian 'самовар' (samovar), combining 'само' (self) and 'вар' (boil)—literally 'self-boiler.'

Fun Fact

Traditional samovars are often passed down through generations as family heirlooms and can be made of brass, copper, or nickel-plated steel.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms