Top 10 Ukrainian Meals That You’ll Love

Food has become an inseparable part of Ukrainian culture. In fact, food and community life always go in line with each other. While the meals themselves vary greatly, the community spirit is always there — so here are ten traditional meals that will remind Ukrainians of home. Ukraine brides from Uadates are sure to treat you to these amazing dishes!

1. Holubtsi

Holubtsi are made from rolled leaves of cabbage and meat that is placed inside of them. Usually, this dish is eaten on Christmas and great feasts. At most Ukrainian homes, Holubtsi are served after the second course. The first course generally takes place in the afternoon, while the second course is usually served after dark. Holubtsi is popular and easy to make.

2. Borshch

Borshch (red soup made from vegetables and meat) is the soup typically served with homemade bread called pampushki for breakfast, especially on Easter and Christmas. Ingredients include beef or chicken broth along with vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, beet, and carrot.

3. Pysanka

Ukrainian Easter eggs are called Pysanka (meaning “painted” or “baked” in Ukrainian). They are made in various ways, including hand-painted eggs, pressed eggs, and decorated eggs. Most Pysanky are colorful and usually consist of a decorative design which makes the dish very special in terms of aesthetics.

4. Varenyky

Varenyky are small, round dough pastries filled with savory or sweet fillings, such as cherries, strawberries, mashed potatoes, beef, pork, mushrooms, cream, cheese, or spinach. This dish is very popular among people of all ages. Recipes can vary from one region to another.

5. Olenka

Often found at house parties and in canteens, Olenka (pronounced o-lan-ka) is a type of jelly made with cherries, apricots, or plums. The fruit is simply combined with sugar and cooked, usually for several hours. At that point, it is further cooked with gelatin until it becomes thick, syrup-like, and delicate. This dish is extremely popular among kids.

6. Shchuka

The flavors of a Ukrainian meal are largely determined by how it is cooked. As such, a popular Ukrainian dish that is best left untouched is shchuka, which is made from jackfish meat. It can be fried or boiled – up to your preferences. Usually, it is served with kasha or fried potatoes.

7. Chicken Kyiv

Chicken Kyiv is a baked breaded chicken dish that is enjoyed by many Ukrainians. The recipe may have been based on some Ukrainian dishes. Chicken breast, eggs, and butter are added to the bread crumbs and then fried to a golden brown. The recipe was added to the Ukrainian culinary canon and became known as Chicken Kyiv.

8. Holodets

It doesn’t get much more Ukrainian than Holodets, the traditional meal of cold jelly meat with vegetables. And for good reason, since it originated in the 1700s. Many Ukrainians say the dish is the most beloved part of Ukrainian cuisine. One reason the dish is beloved is that it is made from the freshest ingredients — this means it has to be made at the right time, during the best season.

However, that’s not the only reason Ukrainians love the dish. It’s a simple meal with the main ingredient and simple preparation. You simply start boiling your meat and vegetables in freshwater for 20 minutes. The veggies come out perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, and the meat is tender and flavorful as well. The dish also consists of carrots and onions. These are the perfect comfort food during the winter.

9. Deruni

Deruni are pancakes that are made from potatoes. Similar to Russian pancakes called pelmeni, the dish is most often eaten during the Christmas season. Deruni are served with either butter or vegetables and eggs. While pelmeni are traditionally filled with meat, deruni are made with potatoes. Sometimes mushrooms can be added as well.

10. Nalysnyky

Nalysnyky are sweet pancakes filled with cheese and raisins. They are fried until they become brown. They are served with sour cream. Ukrainians still make and eat nalysnyky as well as other traditional food, but not in the same quantities as before. They are not that easy to make. And this can be the reason why they are not cooked so widely now. However, they are extremely tasty and yummy!