11 Traditional Ukrainian Dishes You Must Try

Ukraine is home to many internationally renowned dishes. It’s incredibly rich and varied — every region in Ukraine has its own popular meals and variations on Ukrainian classics. This cuisine is lesser-known than your usual Chinese and Mexican takeout options, but this food is full of history and delicious flavors that foodies all over will appreciate. If you’re ready to go on a culinary journey like no other, try these 12 must-have traditional Ukrainian dishes.

1. Paska

Prepared in Ukraine on Easter, this sweet bread is generally brought to church on the holiday so it can be blessed. A paska is shaped like a cylinder and made with yeast, milk, butter, sugar, and eggs, topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles. Cheese paska, on the other hand, is made from cottage cheese.

2. Chicken Kyiv

One of the most beloved classics in Ukraine, this breaded butter chicken dish requires a filet of chicken being flattened and wrapped around cold butter. Then, the chicken is coated with parsley, dill, mushrooms, pepper, and grated cheese. It’s dipped in an egg yolk mixture and fried, making a stellar dish that all chicken lovers will enjoy.

3. Varenyky

Known around the world as pierogi, this is the Ukrainian take on these little savory dumplings from Poland. They’re often filled with hearty potatoes, meat, cabbage, and mushrooms. For dessert, cherry varenyky are not uncommon, with a dollop of sour cream on top

4. Kapusniak

The star of this meal, like many other Eastern European dishes, is sauerkraut. It’s rinsed beforehand and gives Kapusniak its clear color, and is usually cooked in a mushroom or meat broth alongside carrots onions, potatoes, and bay leaves with a side of chopped parsley and sour cream.