Cuisine - Flavors and Colors of Ukrainian Culture
Ukrainian cuisine is very much a part of the population's culture, lifestyle and customs. Well-known for its great diversity and amazing flavors, Ukrainian cuisine has had a number of influences including Russian, Polish, German and Turkish. Popular ingredients in the cuisine of Ukraine are meat, mushrooms, vegetables, berries, fruit and herbs. As Ukrainians are extremely hospitable their meals are served in very generous quantities.
Some of the best Ukrainian cuisine is actually very simple. Many ingredients are used in what many would consider unusual combinations, creating a unique and sumptuous dish. Considered the “breadbasket of Europe”, bread is a staple in Ukraine. There are dozens of methods used in preparing breads, which are often used in rituals. Dishes often contain pickled vegetables when these are not in season and certain dishes can only be made when ingredients are available. Pastries and cakes are popular, but not very sweet.
Below we provide you with a list of uniquely Ukrainian cuisine along with a description. Why not visit our recipes page to discover how you too can create these culinary delights.
Aperitifs
Borshch – beet soup often made with meat.
Ukha – fish soup typically with carp.
Hybivka – mushroom soup.
Vinigret – beetroot salad made with beans, peas and onions.
Oseledets – pickled herring salad with onion, sunflower oil and pepper.
Kapustianyi – sauerkraut salad with oil, walnuts and mayonnaise.
Paska – Easter bread.
Korovai – braided bread used in wedding celebrations.
Babka – Easter bread containing dried fruit.
Main Course
Varenyky – boiled dumplings stuffed with fruit, potatoes, cheese and cabbage.
Holubtsi – cabbage rolls stuffed with millet or minced meat with rice.
Blyntsi – crepes served with meat, cheese, fruit or caviar.
Pechenya – roast pork, lamb, beef or veal.
Studynets – jellied meat or fish.
Kotljetys – fish or meat fritters.
Deruny – potato fritters served with sour cream or cottage cheese.
Shashlyk – type of shish kebab usually with marinated lamb and vegetables.
Dessert
Tort – cakes often made with ground walnuts or almonds instead of flour.
Kutia – a Christmas dessert with honey, nuts, poppy seeds and wheat.
Zhely – jellied fruit.
Pampushky – fried dough, similar to doughnuts.
Beverages
Kvas – made from bread with a sweet-sour taste.
Compote – dried or fresh fruit drink.
Kefir – sour milk.
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User Comments & Reviews
2010-08-26 17:49:08
I am no stranger to Ukrainian cuisine, as I have been there and have lots of Ukrainian friends here in Denver. I have never had any Ukrainian food I didn't like, with the exception of shuba, which I believe is Russian. I am very fond of my friends from Ukraine, and hope to visit there again with some of them some day.
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2010-06-18 23:36:32
I lived in ukrain (L'vov)for six years. I have had very much affinited to the ukranian foods. It was twenty yearsago. Still i can't forget their national food specially 'Borsh'. Yes it is realy fantastic. Thank you. Nazmul,Bangladesh Bangladesh
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2010-04-29 17:51:18
My wife & I just returned from Ukraine after an extended stay. The food eaten at various homes was exquisite. The dish I'd like information on was a savory tort, made with what looked like buckwheat crepes, a garlic mayo/sour cream and light spread of liver. It was amazing. As for compliments with Borsch, we were always served black bread, cheese, butter or salo as the borsch was a meal in itself.
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2010-04-26 03:16:51
I was looking for complements to Borsch. I am still not exactly sure what is traditional with borsch - appreciate any suggestions. Thx
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2010-04-15 19:43:27
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2010-03-10 19:10:29
I have never been to Ukraine, but both my parents were born there. I can assure you that Ukrainian food is really wonderfull. Don't be fooled, nothing like russian, because they are just imitators. It's nothing like the real thing. Try it, you'll like it.
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2010-02-15 17:40:41
I live in Ukraine too. I can assure you - Ukrainian borsch have never been Russian dish. Not even close. And it is absolutely different to other Russian dishes (although Russian cuisine is also very rich and tasty!) There are two variants of serving . first variant- you can put some natchinka (apples or meat or cheese or anything you like) inside and close it like an envelope. Second variant- you can serve blyntsi without any natchinka just as they are. "blyntsi" are just pancakes.
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2010-01-25 03:48:25
Ukraine food is really awesome especially the beet soup and the roast mutton.
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2009-11-17 11:49:51
I am writting about ukriane food and culture....But i have no information about ukraine tort : ))) please writte anysting about ukraine information P.S my e-mail is ninii.ninoo@yahoo.com
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2009-11-15 11:06:57
no one is chatting about holupschi,piroski
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