Zakuski (plural from Russian: закуски [zɐˈkuskʲɪ]; singular zakuska from закуска) are an important part of Russian food culture and a term in many Slavic-speaking countries for cold hors d'oeuvres, entrées and snacks,[1][2] either as a course as it is or "intended to follow each shot of vodka or another alcoholic drink."[3] The word literally means something to bite after.[4] It probably originated and was influenced through the fusion of Slavic, Viking-Nordic and Oriental cultures in early Rus' regions like the Novgorod Republic.[5][6][7]