Ukrainian cuisine

The people of Ukraine are hearty, generous and hospitable, exactly the same words which could be used to describe both the land and climate of the country. Nowhere is the link between people and the land more pronounced than in Ukraine. The seasons for ploughing, sowing and harvesting set the tempo of life.

Ukrainian cuisine has an age-king history. A thousand years ago Kyivans ate wheat and rye bread, pork, beef, chicken and duck. Dishes of crucian carp, sturgeon, vegetables and fruit were also common.

A typical home dinner begins with zakuska (appetiser) such as zesty sauerkraut salad, tantalising pickled mushrooms, stuffed eggs and assorted cold meats and sausage. A tasty borsch (cabbage soup) will precede a main course of meat, chicken, or fish. Desserts may consist of the delicious Ukrainian honey cake, or the indescribable walnut tart with cream frosting.

Kyiv is justifiably famous all over the world for its chicken Kyiv. Despite the fact that you are in the city after which it is named, chicken Kyiv is rarely available in restaurants here.

Ukrainians are generous hosts. When invited to a meal the guest should anticipate the serving of ample quantities of food. A meal may start with salads and progress through several courses to dessert. A gracious guest will at least sample each dish which is offered. It may be a wise precaution to leave some food on the plate because an empty plate will quickly be refilled by an attentive host. During the meal vodka is a popular drink for men while women tend to prefer wine. It is a good idea not to empty your glass - to do so is to invite yet another refill. Your host will probably be offended if you don't drink at least a few rounds. Ukrainians love to make lengthy toasts. At a birthday party each guest is expected to make a toast in support of the guest of honour. Don't be surprised if the hostess doesn't join the guests at the table. It is common for all to sit at the table while the hostess works in the kitchen. It is a nice gesture to offer assistance although it is likely to be declined.

Traditional Ukrainian food is delicious, but good examples of it are seldom available in state canteens, where food tends to be bland and insipid.

Traditional dishes that we recommend you to try are:

Ukrainian borsch (cabbage soup)

Pampushky (soft rolls soaked in fresh crushed garlic and oil)

Varenyky (small dumplings stuffed with various fillings)

Deroony (potato pancakes)

Holubtsi (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat)

Mlyntsi (stuffed pancakes)

So, as the saying goes - when in Ukraine, dine as the Ukrainians do!

SMACHNOHO VSIM!