Cooking banosh in Ukraine. Photo courtesy of Active Ukraine

What foods do you know from Ukrainian cuisine? Is it the borshch that first pops up in your head? No doubt, it is the main representative of Ukrainian culinary talents abroad, beside pierogi, or varenyky as they are called here, and vodka or horilka. However, Ukrainian cuisine extends much farther than that! You won’t find the scrumptious gems in most restaurants or cafes. Ukraine’s top secret foods are best cooked at home, by the hard-working hands of our babusya (more commonly known as babushka), and in the welcoming guesthouses of rural Ukraine.

This week we are bringing to you our stories and tips on how to experience Ukraine as a local. Having recently joined the Local Travel Movement – a not for profit platform started by people from companies founded on a passion for Local Travel and commitment to Local Travel values – we are proud to encourage our travelers to go off-the-beaten track, join the local families, visit the local houses and experience the real, genuine and unspoiled Ukraine  – “…Europe’s greatest unknown.”

Comfort foods
What follows is a summary glimpse. For full descriptions and excellent pictures, read the full article.

Borshch – This traditional soup, made out of beet root and up to 20 other ingredients, is a staple dish in every Ukrainian family.

Varenyky – More commonly known as pierogis, these are what bread is to most other nations.

Banosh with brynza – This traditional food of highland shepherds is essentially corn flour cooked in sour cream with the tasty addition of brynza – local salty sheep cheese – and other ingredients.

Uzvar – This refreshing beverage is actually a compote made out of dried fruits.

Paska – This sweet egg bread is the favorite staple of Ukrainian Easter breakfast tables.

Bread, grandmas and local bazaars
Get inspired with delicious photography! Read the full article for more about food: where it comes from and where it goes, as seen by Ukrainian photographers.

To learn more about local travel in Ukraine, visit the Active Ukraine website