Ukraine Food Guide

Chicken a la Kiev is not the epitome of Ukrainian food. The hearty beetroot soup known as borscht is; varenniki, a pastry filled with meat, cheese or fruit, is; and holubtsi (cabbage roll) is. Rooted in the peasant traditions of ancient times, when food consisted largely of grains, meat and a few vegetables, Ukrainian cuisine is typical of a cold country- fatty and full of proteins to help people get through the harsh winters. Pork fat is highly prized as a delicacy, and most dishes consist of meat, fat, flour and potato. Desserts too tend to be heavy, often composed of pastry, dried fruit, nuts and honey.

Although vodka- a potent Russian distillate which has now made its way to all corners of the world- is the most popular Ukrainian drink, wine is fast catching on too. The Crimea produces some excellent wines, including an exquisite sweet wine known as Krasny Kamen; Artyomov sparkling wine; and the fortified wines of Massandra.