What Are the Most Popular Dishes in Ukraine?

Ukrainian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and rich flavors. According to culinary reviews and sociocultural studies, the most famous and beloved dishes among Ukrainians and visitors include borshch, varenyky, holubtsi, deruny, salo, mlyntsi, and syrnyky.

Borshch is a symbol of Ukrainian cuisine and the most popular first course in the country. The most famous variety is red borshch, made with beetroot and a mix of vegetables (typically cabbage and potatoes, among others) and meat, creating a unique flavor. It is traditionally served with sour cream and garlic pampushky (small soft bread rolls). Many people also enjoy it with rye bread and salo.

Borshch can also be made without meat, making it suitable for fasting periods or vegetarian diets. Regional variations may include mushrooms or even fish instead of meat. Another popular type is green borshch, which is made without beets or cabbage but includes sorrel.

Every Ukrainian cook has their own signature borshch recipe, influenced by regional traditions and personal tastes. However, one thing remains certain—borshch is not a soup! Calling it soup might offend Ukrainians. In 2022, Ukrainian borshch was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Salo, or pork fat, is an essential part of Ukrainian cuisine. It can be eaten raw, salted, pickled, smoked, or fried and is often paired with bread, garlic, horseradish, or mustard. Salo symbolizes hospitality and prosperity and is used in many traditional dishes. However, not all Ukrainians eat salo, so it’s best to avoid calling them “salo-eaters.”

Varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings) are boiled dough pockets with various fillings. The most common savory fillings include potatoes, cabbage, and meat, usually served with sour cream, butter, or fried onions and bacon (shkvarky). Sweet varenyky, filled with cheese or cherries, are typically served with sour cream.

Holubtsi are cabbage rolls stuffed with a filling of minced meat and rice. They are simmered in a tomato or sour cream sauce and have various regional variations.

Deruny are potato pancakes fried until crispy. They are served hot with sour cream or mushroom sauce.

Pancakes (mlyntsi) are thin pancakes made from flour, milk, and eggs. They can be eaten plain with sour cream (sweet ones with honey or jam) or filled with different ingredients. Filled mlyntsi are called nalysnyky.

Syrnyky are small pancakes made from cottage cheese, fried to a golden brown. They are served for breakfast or dessert with sour cream, honey, or jam. They have a delicate texture and a delicious taste.

You may already be familiar with Chicken Kyiv, as it is famous beyond Ukraine. This dish consists of chicken fillet stuffed with butter and herbs, breaded and fried until golden. When cut open, the melted butter flows out, making the meat even juicier. However, not all Ukrainians cook Chicken Kyiv at home—it is more commonly found in restaurants.

Ukrainian cuisine reflects a blend of cultural traditions and historical influences, offering a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes. At the same time, Ukrainians enjoy international food, and many restaurants specializing in Italian, Japanese, and other global cuisines are just as popular as those serving traditional Ukrainian dishes.

For more information on Ukrainian cuisine, we recommend visiting these resources for the information in English: visitukraine; yizhakultura; discover.ua and here for the information in Ukrainian.