I recently caught up with New York City–based rapper Simply Vika, and from the moment we started talking, I was drawn to her unapologetic, girl-power energy. Naturally, I found myself inspired in the kitchen, drawing on her Russian roots to make something simple, nostalgic, and just a little indulgent: delicate Russian crepes topped with a silky condensed-milk drizzle and fresh raspberries. Check out the recipe below, but first, let’s get into Vika’s story.

Vika recently released her album Diaries on February 20th, and after listening to all her music, tracks like “Enigma,” “Empty Eyes,” and “BiGiDi BiGiDi,” had me hooked. “Enigma,” in particular, has been on repeat—it’s one of those songs that draws you in instantly and sticks with you. Her journey with music began early. Coming from a musical family, she was introduced to the arts as a child. At seven, her mom enrolled her in dance, but it didn’t quite connect—and importantly, she wasn’t forced to stay in something that didn’t feel right. Instead, she found her way into a city choir, where everything changed. Through that choir, Vika trained vocally and started performing with a group of girls across Israel, where she grew up after being born in Russia. Those early experiences—traveling, performing, and developing her voice—laid the groundwork for what would eventually become her career. By 2018, she knew she wanted to take music seriously. That’s when she began writing more intentionally, honing her craft and stepping into her identity as an artist.

Her influences are a powerful mix. From a young age, she listened to Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Eminem—and you can hear that blend in her music today. The lyrical precision and wordplay clearly show Eminem’s influence, while Rihanna’s fearless, commanding presence appears in Vika’s energy and confidence. But Diaries wasn’t created under easy circumstances. Over the past two years, Vika faced a deeply personal and tough chapter, including a divorce that left her feeling emotionally and creatively stuck. For a while, she couldn’t make music at all. Instead, she turned to poetry—writing to process her experiences without fully revealing them. Eventually, she returned to music with a different mindset. There was no pressure to produce a hit, no expectations about genre or sound. She simply started writing—for herself. And in that freedom, everything began to flow again. Song after song came together, eventually forming what would become Diaries. At first, she didn’t even plan to release an album. But as the songs grew, it became clear—they told a story. Not in a literal, overly personal way, but through an emotional arc that felt honest and universal.

Diaries is exactly that—a journey. It starts in a darker, more introspective space with tracks like “Monsters,” which explores insecurities and the inner voices that hold us back. It ends with “Another Try,” a song rooted in resilience, pushing forward, and choosing to keep going no matter what. While the album is deeply personal in its origins, Vika is intentional about not making it solely about her. Instead, she hopes listeners see themselves in it. Because at its core, Diaries is about something we all experience—the reality that none of us are perfect, that we all struggle, and that those struggles don’t disqualify us from our dreams. Her message is simple but powerful: keep going.

Looking ahead, Vika’s vision is broad. She aims to perform on large stages, travel, and connect with people around the world through her music. But her creativity doesn’t end there—she also plans to publish more poetry books and display her photography in gallery exhibits. She’s a true multi-hyphenate, creating a world that goes far beyond just music. At the core of everything she does is one goal: to inspire people and help them believe in themselves. And after listening to Diaries, it’s clear—that’s exactly what she’s accomplishing. Be sure to check out Simply Vika’s latest album, Diaries, available now on all streaming platforms.

When it comes to food, Vika keeps things pretty simple but personal. She’s flexible overall (with one exception: no peas), but when I asked about something nostalgic, she didn’t hesitate—Russian crepes. It’s a dish closely tied to her mom—thin, delicate crepes drizzled with condensed milk. In her words, it’s like the Russian version of pancakes with maple syrup, but lighter, softer, and a bit more indulgent. Like many of our favorite childhood dishes, it’s not something easily replicated. Her mom doesn’t follow recipes—just instinct, a little of this, a little of that, measured by eye. Honestly, this makes it almost impossible to recreate exactly, which I deeply relate to—because it never tastes quite the same when you try.

On a daily basis, Vika focuses on maintaining balance. She has a sweet tooth, so she’s mindful about keeping her snacks clean—often making her own with ingredients like peanut butter, maple syrup, dates, and honey. Nothing overly processed, just simple, nutrient-rich combinations that still satisfy her cravings. Living alone, her meals are straightforward: buckwheat with meat, rice with vegetables, chicken—whole, nourishing foods that are easy to prepare. But what I love most is how she approaches cooking. It’s intuitive. Experimental. She’ll open the fridge, see what’s inside, and create something from it. No two meals are ever exactly the same. For her, cooking isn’t just about eating—it’s a form of therapy.

Even her sweets reflect that same mindset. Instead of reaching for packaged snacks, she makes her own—homemade chocolate treats, sugar-free desserts, and even ice cream, all crafted from natural sweeteners like dates and honey. It’s indulgence without the guilt. Thoughtful, balanced, and still fun. And when it comes to dessert, she prefers gelato—especially unique flavors. Salted caramel, cookie dough, and one standout combination: chocolate with pretzels. That perfect blend of sweet and salty.

So, when I stepped into the kitchen for this feature, it felt natural to start with her roots. I made a batch of Russian crepes—simple, soft, and surprisingly easy once you get into the rhythm of it. Finished with a drizzle of organic condensed milk (a small nod to keeping things clean, in her spirit) and topped with fresh raspberries for that pop of color—something that felt very Vika. That hot-pink energy she has was brought to the plate. And when I was shooting, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The sun started to set, casting this warm, glowing light over everything. It felt symbolic—like a quiet reflection of her journey. Moving through something heavy and coming out on the other side with softness, warmth, and a sense of hope. It’s a simple dish. But it carries something more. Something nostalgic, healing, and like Diaries, feels both personal and universally understood.

Whether you dress them up with fruit or keep them classic with just condensed milk, these crepes are the perfect pairing while you listen to Diaries. Check out the recipe below! 

Russian Crepes with Sweet Condensed Milk & Raspberries

*Serves: 6–8 crepes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tablespoon pure cane sugar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon grass-fed melted unsalted butter (plus more for the pan)
• ½ teaspoon Madagascar vanilla extract
• ½ cup organic sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh raspberries

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Add flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and Madagascar vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined and silky.  The batter should be thin—almost like heavy cream. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes (this helps create tender crepes).
2. Warm a nonstick skillet or pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.
3. Pour about ¼ cup batter into the pan, immediately swirling to spread it thin.
4. Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges lift slightly and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip and cook another 60 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter, stacking crepes as you go.
5. Fold or roll the crepes and place on a plate. Drizzle generously with organic condensed milk and top with fresh raspberries.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!