Ukraine is a large country that is entirely within Europe and shares borders with seven other nations: Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova to the west, Russia to the south, and the Black Sea to the southwest. Its unique geography, climate, and history have shaped the flavors and traditions of Ukrainian cuisine, which has also been influenced by neighboring cuisines.

A variety of breads and savory dishes comprise the foundation of Ukrainian meals, with many recipes featuring herbs. As a result, these dishes are full of flavor and heartiness. In addition, the country’s fertile soil – called chornozem – allows for abundant wheat, sugar beets, and corn production. The Carpathian Mountains also provide ample pastures for livestock, providing a good source of meat for many traditional recipes.

With its rich history and diverse cuisine, Ukraine is well-known as a culinary delight, with many popular recipes hailing from different parts of the country. These foods can be found in restaurants throughout the country, especially in Kyiv, the capital city.

Traditionally, the first course of a meal in Ukraine is an appetizer or soup, followed by a main course, and finally dessert. As far as table manners go, locals typically hold their fork in the left hand and knife in the right while eating.

One of the most popular appetizers in Ukraine is borscht, which comes in multiple variations and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients. Another common dish is zelenyj borscht, which is made with beets instead of the usual red tomatoes and is often garnished with dill or parsley.

This is a simple yet delicious side dish that you can find in most restaurants and cafes in Ukraine. It consists of roasted eggplants mixed with a variety of different things like raw garlic, onions, salt, and oil. It can be served with crackers or a piece of bread and is a great snack to have when you are hungry.

Another famous food from eastern Ukraine is banush, which is a type of porridge made from buckwheat, flour, milk, and pork fat. It’s usually cooked over a fire, which gives it its signature smokey taste and is often used to celebrate special occasions like New Year, weddings, or birthdays.

Aside from its delicious food, Ukraine has a vibrant culture and is home to several famous landmarks and events. During the 16th to 18th centuries, a large number of East Slavs formed semi-autonomous hosts of peasant warriors – Cossacks – who had a cultural affinity to Muscovite Russia but did not wish to become part of it. This led to the formation of a de facto host nation and armed resistance movements that eventually culminated in a massive uprising against the pro-Kremlin government in February 2014, which was defeated by ruthless Russian forces. The resulting Orange Revolution sparked widespread protests, the collapse of President Vladimir YANUKOVYCH’s stalled EU association agreement, and the rise of opposition leader Volodymyr ZELENSKY to power.