Dishes to try in Kyiv

We have selected the best national dishes that you should definitely try in Kyiv.

Kyiv is the cultural and gastronomic center of Ukraine. Here you can savor national dishes that impress with their simplicity of preparation, minimalistic design, and unforgettable taste. We recommend the top Ukrainian dishes, as well as themed places to try them in Kyiv.

Aperitif

Ukrainians like to treat themselves before meals, which may seem paradoxical. Therefore, an aperitif is a must-try. Among the popular national appetizers, the following are especially appreciated, served as sandwiches on black bread with:

  • Spicy garlic
  • Green onions
  • Salted lard
  • Salted herring
  • Homemade sausage

The average price for such sandwiches in themed establishments is around 80 UAH. You can find them in any cafe or restaurant with Ukrainian symbols.

For a spicier experience, you can try the traditional Ukrainian dish - kholodets with horseradish and mustard. It is served luxuriously at the Petrus-ь restaurant (Kyiv, Esplanadnaya street, 28). Here, you will pay approximately 110 UAH for this cold soup.

First Course

Ukrainian borscht with halushki is a widely known phenomenon worldwide. However, there is no single classic recipe, as each hostess adds her unique touch. Restaurants do the same. Experience the diverse flavors of borscht at these places:

  1. Borschma "Taras Bulba" (Kyiv, Pushkinskaya St., 2-4/7) - starting from 55 UAH
  2. Restaurant "Spotykach" (Kyiv, Volodymyrska Str., 16) - starting from 95 UAH
  3. Cafe "Ostannya Barikada" (Kyiv, Maidan Nezalezhnosti str., 1) - starting from 60 UAH

Don't miss the chance to taste kulesh - a thick soup made from millet, which was a favorite among Zaporizhzhya Cossacks. Also, try banosh and bograch - meat soups from Transcarpathian cuisine. You can find these dishes at the "Kiflik" restaurant (Kyiv, Krepostnaya per., 6). Prices for these first courses start at 65 UAH.

What to try in Kiev

Main Course

Ukrainian cuisine boasts a wide variety of traditional main dishes that are worth trying. Here are some iconic options:

  • Vareniki - available in sweet, classic, and original flavors
  • Deruns - unique potato pancakes
  • Golubtsy - for those who love cabbage and meat
  • Kiev-style cutlets - juicy and hearty

The last option is expertly prepared at the "Pervak" restaurant (Kyiv, Rognedinskaya str., 2) and costs around 180 UAH.

Prices for dumplings (vareniki) in themed restaurants typically range from 40 to 200 UAH per portion. You can enjoy this national treasure inexpensively and deliciously at the dumpling house "Baluvana Galya" (Kyiv, Mechnikova Str., 16), where a portion of dumplings costs 45-75 UAH.

Dessert

Satisfy your sweet tooth with authentic Ukrainian desserts at the "Taras Bulba" tavern (Kyiv, Pushkinskaya Street, 2-4/7). Their bakery offers unique dumplings, tasty pies, and sweets at reasonable prices:

  • Homemade Kiev cake - 64 UAH
  • Honey cake - 66 UAH
  • Smetannik - 56 UAH

To experience all the traditional Ukrainian treats, explore specialty infusions made from sea buckthorn, honey, and various berries. They are expertly crafted at the "Prynada Ukrainian Cafe" (Kyiv, 24, Heroev Stalingrada Ave.), with prices for tinctures starting at 35 UAH. Additionally, you can indulge in exclusive Ukrainian cocktails for 125 UAH and soft drinks starting at 30 UAH.

*Prices mentioned are for 2019.


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