Russian golubtsy are cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef that is combined with either rice or buckwheat. However, not only rice and meat may be used as a filling, as cabbage stuffed with any ingredient is the only necessary component for the dish to be called golubtsy.

The name of the dish means little pigeons, referring to the 18th-century aristocratic practice of grilling doves. The poor people couldn't afford it, so they started cooking fake doves, or golubtsy. This dish is traditionally accompanied by a dollop or two of sour cream on the side.