Ukrainian cuisine is a combination of flavors and techniques from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. It features hearty dishes that are filling and comforting. Some popular traditional Ukrainian dishes include:
Borscht – a tangy soup made with beets, cabbage, and sometimes beef or pork.
Varenyky – boiled dumplings stuffed with mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut or ground meat.
Holubtsi – cabbage rolls stuffed with beef, rice and onions, topped with tomato sauce and sour cream.
Pyrohy – baked or fried dough pockets filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, or meat.
Kasha – a porridge made from buckwheat, millet or oat groats.
Deruny – potato pancakes fried until crispy and served with sour cream.
Kovbasa – a smoked sausage made with pork, garlic, and paprika.
Chicken Kyiv – breaded chicken cutlets stuffed with garlic butter and parsley.
Medovyk – a multi-layer honey cake that is a favorite dessert in Ukraine.
Ukrainian cuisine is influenced by the country’s agricultural heritage, with many dishes featuring ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, beets, and grains. It is also known for its use of dairy products like sour cream and cottage cheese, as well as fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickles. Ukrainian cuisine is hearty, flavorful and perfect for cold winter weather.