Discover Traditional Ukrainian Food With These 10 Must-Try Dishes

DISCOVER TRADITIONAL UKRAINIAN FOOD WITH THESE 10 MUST-TRY DISHES

Are you curious about Ukrainian cuisine? The food of Ukraine is similar to that of Russia and it's no wonder - the country is landlocked between Russia, Poland and Romania, but also borders Moldova and Belarus.

Ukriane may share culinary similiarities with some of its neighbors but it has a rich cuisine worth discovering. Join Fine Dining Lovers, as we draw a portrait of the country's gastronomy through 10 flagship dishes of Ukrainian cuisine.

UKRAINIAN CUISINE: THE FUNDAMENTALS

Traditional Ukranian food is based on countryside staples, it is very close to Russian cuisine and it evolves with the seasons. The main ingredients are grains and vegetables, such as cabbages, beets, squash and potatoes, but also meat such as smoked bacon, chicken or beef, usually boiled, stewed, grilled or sautéed.

Ukrainian cuisine also includes many fish, which are mostly smoked or dried.

UKRAINIAN CUISINE: THE APPETIZERS

1. KAPUSTIANYI

This is a cabbage or sauerkraut salad served cold and seasoned with mayonnaise and oil.
2. OSELEDETS

Another must-try dish: marinated herring served with pepper, sunflower oil and onions.
3. PID SHUBOYU

Pid shuboyu is a dish composed of pickled herring and mayonnaise served with a beetroot salad.
UKRAINIAN CUISINE: MAIN DISHES

4. BORTSCH

Bortsch is a soup containing the equivalent of a complete meal with beef, pork, cabbage but also beetroot.

5. PELMENI

Pelmeni are the tortellini of Ukrainian cuisine. These are small pasta pockets stuffed with meat but also potatoes, cheese or mushrooms. This dish is also very popular in Russia.

6. GALOUBTSI

These are large cabbage leaves stuffed with meat.

7. SALO

Salo is a flavorful and very salty piece of lard!

8. VARENIKI

Vareniki are ravioli stuffed 

with meat, cheese or mashed potatoes, served with cream and cherries.

9. THE DIFFERENT BREADS

A meal would not be complete without a little bread. Ukrainian cuisine has many variations including koroval, a traditional bread and woven bread traditionally served at weddings, the pampushki, a stuffed bread usually served with borsch or babka, garnished with dried fruits found in many countries.

UKRAINIAN CUISINE: THE DESSERTS10. HONEY AND FRUIT

Most Ukrainian desserts contain honey, cherries and plums. It can be pancakes or cakes filled with cottage cheese and fruit.

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