Ukrainian food is a feast of hearty flavors, rustic recipes, and culinary traditions that speak to the heart of this resilient nation. From warming soups to indulgent desserts, Ukraine’s cuisine is a celebration of its culture and history. Let’s dive into the 15 best dishes you simply must try on your culinary journey through Ukraine.
Click the link to see YPT’s Ukrainian Tours.
1. Borscht
No Ukrainian food list would be complete without borscht. This beetroot soup, often served with a dollop of sour cream, comes in countless regional variations, from meat-based to vegetarian. Its vibrant red color and bold flavors make it a national icon.
2. Varenyky
Varenyky, or Ukrainian dumplings, are the ultimate comfort food. Stuffed with fillings like potatoes, cheese, cherries, or even meat, they’re boiled and often served with butter and sour cream.
3. Holubtsi
These stuffed cabbage rolls are filled with rice, meat, and sometimes vegetables, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Holubtsi is a must-try dish, especially during festive occasions.
4. Banush
A staple of the Carpathian Mountains, banush is a creamy cornmeal porridge cooked with sour cream or milk and topped with bacon or cheese. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for cold weather.
5. Deruny
Crispy, golden potato pancakes known as deruny are a street food favorite. Served with sour cream, they’re a delicious snack or side dish.
6. Salo
Salo, cured pork fat, is a delicacy often served thinly sliced with garlic and bread. Pair it with vodka for the full Ukrainian experience.
7. Kyiv Cake
This iconic Ukrainian dessert layers light meringue, hazelnuts, and rich buttercream. The Kyiv Cake is a sweet treat with a long history that you shouldn’t miss.
8. Chicken Kyiv
This world-famous dish of breaded chicken filled with buttery garlic stuffing is a Ukrainian culinary ambassador. Try it where it originated for an authentic experience.
9. Okroshka
A chilled soup perfect for summer, okroshka combines kvass or kefir with fresh vegetables, potatoes, and meats. It’s refreshing and uniquely Ukrainian.
10. Uzvar
More than just food, Ukrainian cuisine includes drinks like uzvar—a sweet, dried fruit compote that is both hydrating and flavorful.
11. Kutia
Often served during Christmas, kutia is a sweet dish made from wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, and nuts. Its symbolism and taste make it a cultural treasure.
12. Pampushky
These fluffy garlic-infused buns are the perfect accompaniment to borscht or a hearty Ukrainian stew.
13. Kholodets
Kholodets, or meat jelly, might sound unusual, but it’s a beloved dish made from meat broth that’s chilled into a gelatinous form.
14. Bograch
A spicy goulash-style stew influenced by Hungarian cuisine, bograch showcases the diversity of Ukrainian food, particularly in Transcarpathia.
15. Syrnyky
Syrnyky are cottage cheese pancakes, lightly fried and served with sour cream or jam. They’re a perfect breakfast or dessert.
Discovering Ukrainian Food
Exploring Ukrainian food is more than a culinary journey—it’s a deep dive into the country’s soul. Whether you’re savoring a simple varenyky or indulging in the decadence of Kyiv Cake, these dishes tell the story of Ukraine’s people, history, and resilience.
Click the link to read about English Street Food.
Make sure you try them all when you visit Ukraine, and if you’re not there yet, consider a food-themed tour to experience the best Ukrainian cuisine firsthand!