Putin-Themed Café in Siberia Features Obama on Toilet Paper

In a small city deep in Siberia, a new coffee shop has grabbed attention not for its brews—but for its bizarre mashup of Russian nationalism, political satire, and toilet paper featuring Barack Obama’s face. Located in Krasnoyarsk, the café blends coffee service with a highly stylized, tongue-in-cheek tribute to Vladimir Putin, complete with controversial takes on global leaders.

The "President Café" is a Putin-themed coffee shop that serves coffee amid walls covered in images of the Russian leader, while US President Obama’s face adorns its toilet paper—a detail you won’t find in most cafés’ menus.

What Is the President Café?

The President Café, opened in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, is a coffee shop created by two self-described Putin admirers, Dmitry Zhdanov and Svetlana Lautman. The interior is packed with portraits of Putin at various life stages, images of Russian soldiers, ice hockey players, and cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The café also includes a life-sized statue of Putin at the entrance and plays the Russian national anthem daily at noon. Menu items include cocktails inspired by the Russian flag’s red, white, and blue colors.

Why Does It Feature Obama on Toilet Paper?

The café’s restroom, marked with a sign reading "NATO Bloc," offers toilet paper printed with Obama’s face. The walls of the bathroom also display photos of former US President Obama, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel—some of which have been defaced by patrons, including a cartoonish Hitler-style mustache drawn on Merkel. This satirical approach extends the café’s patriotic theme into the restroom, creating a provocative contrast for visitors.

What’s the Goal Behind the Café?

According to co-founder Dmitry Zhdanov, the café is meant to provide Russians with an affordable, comforting space to enjoy food and drink while reflecting on a more “delightful” and patriotic era in the country’s history. He acknowledges current struggles such as economic issues and international conflicts but aims to offer an escape through nostalgia. “I’m a patriot, but I know not everyone is happy,” Zhdanov told local news site Sibnovosti. “We wanted to create a place where people can remember past achievements.”

What Other Details Stand Out?

Beyond the Obama toilet paper and Putin memorabilia, the café serves themed cocktails matching the colors of the Russian flag. The establishment plays the Russian national anthem each day at noon. The décor also includes imagery related to Russian military and sports culture. The overall aesthetic blends political homage with kitschy humor, attracting both curiosity and controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the President Café located?

The President Café is located in Krasnoyarsk, a city in Siberia, Russia. It opened recently and has quickly drawn attention for its distinctive interior and political themes.

Who owns the President Café?

The café is owned by Dmitry Zhdanov and Svetlana Lautman, two individuals who are reportedly admirers of Vladimir Putin. They created the space as a patriotic-themed café with a satirical edge.

Why is there Obama’s face on the toilet paper?

Obama’s face appears on the toilet paper as part of the café’s satirical and patriotic theme. The restroom, labeled "NATO Bloc," also includes images of other Western leaders like David Cameron and Angela Merkel, some of which have been altered by patrons.

What kind of atmosphere does the café create?

The café combines reverent portraits of Putin, Russian military and sports imagery, and a nostalgic, patriotic atmosphere. It plays the Russian national anthem daily and serves flag-colored cocktails, aiming to evoke a sense of historical pride.

Has the Kremlin commented on the café?

According to Sibnovosti, the Kremlin did not respond to inquiries about whether Vladimir Putin plans to visit the café or comment on its existence.

What is the significance of the NATO Bloc sign on the restroom?

The “NATO Bloc” sign above the restroom door is part of the café’s satirical take on geopolitics, linking the restroom area humorously to Western powers, further emphasized by Obama’s face on the toilet paper.