The article discusses the changes in the names of dishes in the late XIX – early XX c. The basis for comparison are the two «culinary bibles»: E. Molokhovetsʼ book and The Book of tasty and healthy food. Significant social changes, dismantling of the social system required new nominations, new means of expression. Names of dishes not only reflect changes in the language, but also show different motivating authors, the system of values of certain epoch. Mention the names of dishes of a national cuisine give an idea of the cultural relations of the country, in the Soviet period of history, in addition to it, characterizes political situation.