Discover the rich and diverse world of food in Ukraine. From traditional dishes to modern culinary delights, explore the flavors that define Ukrainian cuisine. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of history and taste, as we take you on a gastronomic adventure through the heart of Ukraine.
Food in Ukraine
Embark on a delightful exploration of the vibrant and flavorful world of food in Ukraine. This article unravels the tapestry of Ukrainian cuisine, offering insights into traditional dishes, regional specialties, and the cultural significance of food in this Eastern European gem.
Delve into the soul-warming comfort of traditional Ukrainian dishes. From the iconic borscht, a beetroot-based soup bursting with color and flavor, to varenyky, dumplings filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, every bite tells a story of tradition and heritage.
1. Varenyky
Other than borscht, there’s no better way to start this Ukrainian food guide than with varenyky, the Ukrainian version of the popular Central and Eastern European pierogi. Dumplings are an important part of many cuisines and with this stuffed dumpling being a national dish of Ukraine, the varenik is no exception.
Varenyky are stuffed Ukrainian dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients like potatoes, ground meat, sautéed cabbage, mushrooms, and cheese. They can also be made with dessert fillings like fruit and sweet cheese. The dumplings are typically formed into half-moon shapes before being boiled and served with smetana (sour cream).
Ukrainians love sour cream and always eat it with varenyky. According to this Ukrainian food blogger, they wouldn’t even bother making it if they were out of sour cream. Varenyky are very similar to Polish pierogi but they’re usually smaller and made with a thinner dough.
Varenyky are such an important part of Ukrainian cuisine that a festival is held in Bukovel every year to celebrate this beloved dumpling. To Ukrainians, the varenik isn’t just a national dish, it’s a symbol of their culture.
2. Olivye Salad
Olivye salad is what Ukrainians call Olivier salad, a type of potato salad popular in Russia and post-Soviet states. More commonly known as Russian salad, it’s become popular in the cuisines of many other countries throughout the Balkans, Central Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Latin America.
Recipes for olivye salad vary from region to region but its core ingredients are potatoes, eggs, and mayonnaise. Depending on the cook, the salad can be made with any number of supplemental ingredients like peas, carrots, onions, and pickles. It usually contains some type of meat like bologna, chicken, or ham as well. The ingredients are mixed together with mayonnaise and often served at celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings.
It was interesting to learn that modern versions of olivye salad are quite different from the original recipe. Invented by Chef Lucien Olivier, a Russian chef of Belgian and French descent, the original recipe for the salad’s dressing was believed to contain a version of mayonnaise made with French wine vinegar, mustard, and Provençal olive oil, among other ingredients.
Chef Olivier introduced the salad at his famous Hermitage restaurant in Moscow in the 1860s. It was an instant hit and became the restaurant’s signature dish. The recipe was a well-guarded secret but it contained ingredients that aren’t used in the versions of today like grouse, smoked duck, veal tongue, caviar, and crayfish tails.
3. Borscht
As described, borscht is the most famous dish in Ukrainian cuisine. Like varenyky, it’s a national dish of Ukraine. Known for its distinctive deep red color, it refers to a type of Ukrainian beet soup made with beef, cabbage, and a variety of root vegetables.
Borscht (or borsch, bortsch) is a Slavic dish popular throughout Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It features prominently in Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian cuisines though it’s generally believed to be Ukrainian in origin. The earliest recorded mention of borscht dates back to the late 16th century, to the diary of a German traveler who encountered the dish during a visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
There are as many recipes for borscht as there are Ukrainian cooks, but it’s typically made with beets combined with meat (usually beef or pork), kvas (beet sour), and a variety of sautéed or boiled vegetables like cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. It’s a sweet, tangy, and earthy soup that can vary in thickness and be served hot or cold, usually with a sour cream garnish and dill.
4. Zelenyj Borshch
Zelenyj borshch translates to “green borscht” and refers to a type of sour-tasting Ukrainian soup made from leafy vegetables. Sorrel is most commonly used though it can be made with other vegetables as well like spinach, chard, nettle, and orache.
Even though it isn’t made with beetroot, zelenyj borshch belongs to a family of sour-tasting soups identified as borscht. Other examples include white borscht and cabbage borscht. However, since they aren’t made with any beets, they aren’t considered true borschts.
In Slavic cuisine, an ancient soup made from hogweed spawned an array of tart soups made from a variety of souring agents. Green borscht, white borscht, and the red beet-based borscht were among those soups. However, borscht made with beets became so popular that it ultimately eclipsed all the others in terms of being associated with the term “borscht”.
Like beet-based borscht, zelenyj borshch is based on a meat or vegetable broth and typically served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. It’s usually garnished with dill and served with sour cream.
5. Solyanka
After a night of partying and drinking horilka in Kyiv, nothing will silence that pounding headache better than a bowl of solyanka. Touted as a hangover cure, it refers to a Russian meat soup that’s also popular in the cuisines of Ukraine, Germany, and former Soviet states.
Traditionally, solyanka is made with different types of meat like beef, ham, bacon, sausage, and chicken, but seafood and vegetarian versions are common as well. Pickled cucumbers are simmered in chicken broth before being mixed together with the proteins and other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, olives, carrots, capers, and pickle juice.
The large amount of pickle juice that goes into a typical solyanka recipe is what makes it an effective hangover cure. Like borscht, it’s often served with sour cream, dill, and lemon wedges.
6. Okroshka
If you have a taste for cold soups, then you’ll probably enjoy okroshka. It’s a traditional soup of Russian origin made with mostly raw vegetables like cucumber, radish, and spring onion mixed with kvas, boiled potatoes, eggs, sour cream, and dill. It’s often made with some type of meat as well like ham, sausage, beef, or veal.
Okroshka is fairly easy to prepare. The various ingredients are finely chopped and then mixed with kvas, which is a type of sour beverage made from fermented rye bread. It’s a common ingredient used in many cold Russian soups. Okroshka is traditionally made with kvas but other types of fermented liquid like kefir can be used as well.
Popular in summer, okroshka is always served chilled, sometimes with ice cubes added in to keep it cold during hot weather.
7. Guliash
Guliash refers to the Ukrainian version of goulash, a meat and vegetable stew seasoned with paprika and other spices. It’s originally an Hungarian dish that’s become popular in the cuisines of many countries throughout Central Europe.
Recipes vary but Ukrainian guliash is typically made with cubes of beef browned in oil or lard with onions, garlic, paprika, and seasonings. Water is poured in and the mixture is left to simmer until the beef becomes nice and tender. Depending on the cook, other ingredients like soup vegetables and spices may be added as well.
8. Pampushka
With so many delicious soups featured in this Ukrainian food guide, it’s only fair that we showcase equally tasty breads to pair them with.
Pampushky are small yeast-raised Ukrainian buns or doughnuts made with wheat, rye, or buckwheat flour. They can be savory or sweet, baked or fried.
Savory pampushky are usually topped with garlic oil and served as a side dish with salo and borscht. You can think of them as the Ukrainian version of garlic bread. They aren’t made with a filling unlike sweet pampushky which are dusted with powdered sugar and stuffed with various ingredients like fruits, berries, jam, and povydlo (plum spread).
9. Bublik
Bublik refers to a traditional Eastern European bread roll popular in the cuisines of Ukraine, Russia (baranka), Belarus (abaranak), Lithuania (baronkos), and Poland (obwarzanek). Similar to a bagel, it’s made with yeast-leavened wheat dough that’s shaped into a ring and then poached briefly in water before baking.
Bubliki are generally larger than bagels with a denser and chewier texture. But unlike bagels, they aren’t typically viewed as breakfast food. Instead, they’re eaten more as a snack or as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Bublik can be savory or more sweet and infused with ingredients like poppy seeds, sesame seeds, grated cheese, and onion juice. They can be enjoyed as is, dipped in tea, or paired with jam, sour cream, and other dips.
It’s believed that bubliki were invented by the Jewish population in czarist Russia but derived its present form in Ukraine. Hanging on strings by the dozen, they were originally sold as a type of street food in Ukraine.
10. Korovai
If someone asks if you’d like to attend a wedding in Ukraine, just say “I do”. It’s probably one of the few chances you’ll get to try korovai, an elaborately decorated type of bread that plays a vital role in the wedding traditions of Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania.
Korovai (or karavai, kravai) refers to wedding bread. Baked in lieu of a cake, it dates back to ancient times and was gifted to the bride and groom before their wedding as a blessing. It’s traditionally baked from wheat flour and embellished with symbolic elements like birds, animals, pine cones, the sun, and the moon.
As you can probably tell just from looking at it, it takes a village to make korovai. It’s steeped in tradition and is usually prepared in the home of the bride by married women called korovainytsi or breadmakers. They were typically invited in odd numbers, usually seven from seven different places, and were encouraged to sing folkloric songs to guide them through the breadmaking process. No widows were invited out of fear that their fate would be passed on to the couple.
Designs vary but certain embellishments carry symbolic meanings. The loaf’s two main birds (made out of dough) for example, symbolize the couple while the other birds represent family and friends. Flowers symbolize beauty, grapes represent wealth, and a periwinkle wreath celebrates the intertwining of their families.
Once the design is complete, the korovai is blessed before being placed in the oven by a happily married man. A cracked or malformed korovai is considered ominous while a well-risen bread is a sign of a prosperous marriage.
So important is korovai to the Ukrainian wedding tradition that it can even take the place of a ceremony! In times of hardship, when a wedding wasn’t possible, the blessing and sharing of korovai was often enough to constitute a marriage in the eyes of the community.
During the wedding, the korovai is prominently displayed close to the altar. Everyone gets a slice but the top part of the loaf symbolizes the moon and is reserved for the bride and groom. In a humorous twist, couples are known to break off a piece of bread and whoever comes away with the bigger piece is predicted to be the head of the household.
11. Paska
Paska refers to a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread. It literally means “Easter” and is consumed in many Eastern European countries like Ukraine, Armenia, Romania, Russia, Georgia, Belarus, and Moldova. It’s a common tradition in countries with a predominantly Eastern Orthodox religion or cultural ties to the ancient Byzantine Empire.
Paska can be prepared in many ways and take different forms, but it’s typically made with eggs, butter, flour, milk, and sugar. Depending on the baker, it can contain other ingredients as well like raisins, candied fruit, cherries, vanilla, and saffron. Like korovai, paska can be decorated with religious symbols and is often topped with an egg white glaze, poppy seeds, and/or candy sprinkles.
In Ukraine, Easter baskets are traditionally filled on Holy Saturday with paska, Easter eggs, kovbasa (Ukrainian sausage), butter, salt, and other ceremonial Ukrainian foods. The food is blessed the following morning on Easter Sunday and then taken home to be shared among family.
12. Mlyntsi
Are you familiar with blinis? They refer to thin Russian-style leavened pancakes made from wheat or buckwheat flour. These pancakes are equally popular in Ukraine where they’re known as mlyntsi.
Mlyntsi are a hugely popular Ukrainian dish that’s been enjoyed since pre-Christian times. Like Russian blini, they’re commonly served with savory ingredients like sour cream or caviar but they can be enjoyed as a dessert as well, usually with sweet cream and fruit preserves.
Depending on what they’re paired with, mlyntsi can be enjoyed at any time of the day – for breakfast, as an appetizer or main course, or for dessert. They can be filled with a variety of savory and sweet ingredients like cottage cheese, stewed cabbage, mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, fruits, and berries. Stuffed versions of mlyntsi are known as nalysnyky.
As described, nalysnyky refers to a stuffed version of mlyntsi. They can be rolled into tubes or folded into rectangles or triangles and filled with any number of ingredients. One of the most popular versions of nalysynky in Ukraine is filled with cottage cheese and served with sour cream.
13. Syrniki
Syrniki refer to fried pancakes made with quark (curd cheese). They’re popular in the cuisines of many Eastern European countries like Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Latvia, and Serbia. The name syrniki is derived from the Slavic word syr, meaning “curd cheese”.
Syrniki are made with soft curd cheese mixed with flour, eggs, and sugar. Sometimes, other ingredients like raisins and chopped fruit are added to the batter. The mixture is then molded into patties and pan-fried in vegetable oil or butter until both sides are lightly browned.
Syrniki are traditionally sweet and eaten for breakfast or dessert, but they can be made into a savory dish as well. They’re often dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam, fruit preserves, sour cream, or melted butter.
14. Deruny
Fried potato pancakes are common in many cuisines and Ukrainian food is no exception. Similar to Russian draniki or Jewish latkes, deruny refers to the Ukrainian version of potato pancakes made with finely grated potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, and sour cream.
To prepare, potatoes and onions are grated and mixed with flour, eggs, sour cream, and seasonings. Depending on the cook, other ingredients like ground meat, cabbage, and mushrooms may be added as well. Spoonfuls of the batter are then fried in a skillet until both sides turn a nice golden brown.
Like many of the dishes in this Ukrainian food guide, deruny are often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream, either for breakfast or as an appetizer or side dish.
15. Salo
Salo refers to cured slabs of pork fatback. It’s an unctuous but popular dish consumed in many European countries like Russia, Hungary, Czechia, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and Slovakia. It’s especially popular in Ukraine where it enjoys cult-like status and is considered by many to be a national dish.
Salo can be made with or without skin and typically contains little to no fat. Methods vary from country to country and cook to cook, but salo is typically prepared by curing slabs of fat in salt and different spices and herbs like paprika, bay leaves, garlic, coriander, and black peppercorns. In some cultures, it can also be smoked and aged.
Salo can be eaten raw or cooked (salted, boiled, smoked, fried) and makes a great accompaniment to rye bread and horilka. It’s also used as an ingredient to make dozens of Ukrainian dishes like borscht, forshmak (salo with garlic), varenyky, deruny, and kruchenyky (meat rolls).
So deep is the Ukrainian love for salo that two festivals are held in its honor every year. The Salo Festival is celebrated in Poltava every February while a second festival called “With Love to Salo” is held in Lutsk every September.
The latter festival claims to be responsible for setting four salo world records – the biggest salo sandwich, the fastest salo consumption, the biggest salo football, and world’s the first ever “pig and salo monument”, whatever that may be.
16. Holubtsi
Holubtsi refers to the Ukrainian equivalent of sarma or stuffed cabbage rolls. It’s a hugely popular dish consumed in many countries throughout the Balkans, Central Europe, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East. Recipes for cabbage rolls vary but they typically consist of pickled cabbage leaves wrapped around a variety of meat or vegetarian fillings.
In Ukraine, the preparation for holubtsi varies throughout the country. A filling made with corn grits is used in some regions while buckwheat groats are preferred in others. The cereals are lightly cooked and combined with other ingredients like minced meat, pork cracklings, fried onions, and spices before being wrapped in the cabbage leaves.
Depending on the season, cabbage leaves can be replaced with fresh beetroot leaves or young grape leaves. They can be made into different sizes and shapes and stewed in a variety of sauces and broths.
Regardless of where they’re from or how they’re made, holubtsi are a beloved dish and considered an everyday type of food in Ukraine.
17. Kotleta Po-Kyivsky
Kotleta po-kyivsky may not ring a bell for many people, but perhaps you’ll recognize it by its English name – chicken kiev. Named after the Ukrainian capital, it’s a popular dish in Russian and Ukrainian cuisines and has become well-known in many English-speaking countries as well.
Chicken kiev consists of a pounded chicken breast stuffed with cold herb-infused butter. It’s coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before being deep-fried or baked. It’s commonly served with vegetables and potatoes and is known for its filling of melted butter that oozes out when you slice into the football-shaped chicken meat.
These days, chicken kiev is stuffed with cold herbed butter but early versions of the dish were filled with a more complex stuffing similar to a quenelle. Classical versions of the dish were also made with the bone still attached, unlike modern versions which are more commonly made with boneless chicken fillets.
18. Lviv Syrnyk
If you have a keen interest in history and culture, then you need to make a stop in Lviv. It’s the largest city in western Ukraine and one the country’s main cultural centers. Aside from its gorgeous architecture, the city is famous for its coffee, chocolate, beer, and this delicious dessert known as Lviv syrnyk. Syrnyk in Ukrainian means “cheesecake”.
Lviv syrnyk is the most popular dessert in western Ukraine. It refers to a type of Ukrainian cheesecake made with eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, sugar, and a high fat content cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese). Glazed with chocolate and often topped with nuts or berries, lviv syrnyk is known for its light, fluffy, and silky smooth texture that’s reminiscent of Japanese-style cheesecake.
19. Ryazhenka
Ryazhenka refers to a type of fermented milk product popular in Ukraine and Russia. It’s made by simmering pasteurized milk on low heat for at least eight hours until it thickens and achieves a pale caramel brown color. Sour cream is then added to ferment the milk before it’s consumed, usually for breakfast or with cake and biscuits as a snack.
20. Horilka
If you’re a fan of Moscow mules or screwdrivers, then you’ll definitely enjoy horilka, the Ukrainian equivalent to vodka. Derived from the Ukrainian word hority meaning “to burn”, it refers to a family of vodka-like spirits distilled from wheat or rye.
Horilka is traditionally made from grains but it can be distilled from other ingredients like potatoes, honey, and sugar beets as well. It contains about 40% alcohol and exists in many varieties, one of the most popular being pertsivka which is a type of horilka infused with chili peppers.
Pertsivka is one of the most well-known but horilka can be flavored with a multitude of ingredients like berries, plums, rose hips, apricots, nuts, and citrus fruits. It’s typically enjoyed in small shots and takes center stage in traditional Ukrainian weddings and feasts.
FAQs - Unveiling Culinary Mysteries
What makes Ukrainian borscht unique?
Ukrainian borscht stands out for its vibrant red color and rich, earthy taste. The use of beets, cabbage, and a medley of vegetables creates a symphony of flavors, making it a staple in Ukrainian households.
Are varenyky and pierogi the same?
While similar, varenyky and pierogi have subtle differences. Varenyky are typically boiled and filled with a variety of ingredients, both savory and sweet. Pierogi, on the other hand, can be boiled or fried, and the fillings may vary depending on regional influences.
Which region is known for its seafood dishes?
The Black Sea coast, particularly the city of Odessa, is renowned for its delectable seafood dishes. From fresh fish to Black Sea shrimp, the coastal region offers a seafood lover's paradise.
What is the significance of kutia in Ukrainian celebrations?
Kutia is a ceremonial dish often served during Christmas in Ukraine. Symbolizing unity and the cycle of life, it typically consists of wheat, honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, creating a sweet and symbolic start to festive meals.
Can you find vegetarian options in Ukrainian cuisine?
Absolutely! Ukrainian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian options, with dishes like holubtsi (cabbage rolls) filled with rice and vegetables, and deruny (potato pancakes) being popular choices for those with vegetarian preferences.
How important is bread in Ukrainian culture?
Bread holds deep cultural significance in Ukraine, symbolizing prosperity and hospitality. It is often presented as a welcoming gesture to guests and plays a central role in traditional rituals and celebrations.
Conclusion: A Feast for the Senses
As we conclude our culinary journey through food in Ukraine, it's evident that Ukrainian cuisine is a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and warm hospitality. Whether indulging in time-honored classics or exploring the exciting fusion of modern gastronomy, Ukraine invites you to savor the flavors that define its culinary identity.
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