Galician cuisine, of which Lviv is a prominent representative, incorporates not only Ukrainian culinary traditions but also influences from Romanian, Jewish, Austrian, and Polish cuisines. Therefore, when visiting one of Ukraine's most beautiful cities, don't limit your plans to cultural activities alone. Make the most of your trip by embarking on a delightful gastronomic journey. Lviv's national cuisine and culinary traditions deserve your attention.
Sweet Delicacies
Strudel
Given Lviv's strong Austrian influence, it's no surprise that you can enjoy a cup of coffee paired with strudel in the city. Local pastry shops offer various versions of this delightful treat. The most popular choices include Galician strudel with walnuts, adorned with cherry sauce, and apple strudel drenched in fragrant vanilla sauce.
Chocolate-Covered Salo
One of Lviv's unique sweet offerings is chocolate-covered lard. While this combination may not initially sound appealing to many, Lviv locals insist that unsalted lard is used to create a delicious treat. Underneath the chocolate layer, a product familiar to all Ukrainians gains unexpected and savory flavor notes.
Lviv Cheesecake
Lviv cheesecake is perhaps the city's most popular dessert, gaining widespread recognition throughout Ukraine, much like the Kiev cake. Every reputable Lviv establishment has its own special recipe for crafting this delectable and healthy treat. Some cafes serve fluffy cheesecake with fruit accents, while others present it beneath a generous layer of caramel or chocolate glaze.
Andruti
Speaking of sweets, we can't overlook "andruti," Lviv's response to Austrian treats. Andruti is a type of waffle cake with layers coated in various sweet creams.
Delicious Meat and Fish Dishes
Lviv Sausages
Lviv sausages are a well-known specialty that you can savor in any restaurant or eatery in this Ukrainian city. Typically, they are served with a side of potatoes, but the presentation can vary. Lviv's chefs often serve this dish in the shape of appetizing hearts or as a unique roll.
Forel (Trout)
The crystal-clear waters of the Carpathian Mountains provide an ideal environment for the "wild" trout. For those embarking on a gastronomic journey and wondering what to taste in Lviv, we highly recommend trying Lviv cuisine featuring mountain trout. Tourists particularly enjoy fish baked with mushrooms in a rich sour cream sauce.
Mushrooms
Lvivians have a special fondness for mushrooms. Most dining establishments offer dishes like "yushka" with mushrooms and mushrooms in a crispy batter. Many tourists also appreciate "zyatski" (draniki) served with mushroom "mochanka."
Drinks in Lviv
Anyone who has visited Lviv even once knows that coffee is the beloved beverage in this city. The rich and invigorating aroma of coffee permeates every corner. However, Lviv is renowned for more than just coffee; it offers some unique alcoholic options:
- Shot "Glory to Ukraine": This blue-yellow cocktail can be savored in any of Lviv's establishments.
- Kavivka: An unconventional liqueur crafted from natural coffee.
- Benzinovka: Don't let the name intimidate you. This Lviv drink contains only vodka, apple juice, and cinnamon.
Additionally, Lviv is famous for its live beer, with many establishments boasting their own breweries.
The dishes of Galician cuisine, of which Lviv's culinary traditions are a vivid representation, rely on locally sourced ingredients. Perhaps, it's the simplicity of "zyatski" and "strudel" that holds the secret to their popularity. These Lviv national dishes evoke feelings of homey comfort and warmth.
