explore UKRAINE

Pierogi, also known as varenyky or pyrohy in Ukrainian, are a traditional dish in Ukrainian cuisine, and their history can be traced back to ancient times in Eastern Europe. Pierogi are a popular dish in many Eastern European countries, including Poland and Russia. A Polish legend has it, that when St Hyacinth of Poland visited Kyiv, Ukraine, he brought back with him varenyky/pyrohy hence the introduction of varenyky to Poland. The legend continues that he feed the masses with his new acquired food.

Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat, rice, and vegetables are common in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The Ukrainian version, known as holubtsi, is made of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and spices. The dish is typically baked in a tomato sauce until the cabbage leaves are tender and the filling is fully cooked. Holubtsi, in Ukrainian language means ‘little doves” – because the folded cabbage looks just like a little sleeping dove!

Meatballs are a popular dish in many countries and cultures around the world. There are meatballs from Italy, Sweden, China, Turkey, Greece, and Ukraine is no exception! Unlike round meatballs, Ukrainian meatballs typically has an oval shaped patties and are fried in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. They made with ground meat, onions, breadcrumbs, milk and seasonings.