Okay, so I got obsessed with finding real Ukrainian food lately. You know, the stuff they actually eat back home, not just fancy restaurant versions. It felt impossible, seriously. But I went out hunting, checked a bunch of spots, and honestly, some were misses, but I found gems!
The First Try: That Big Place Downtown
Started where everyone goes – that huge restaurant downtown with the sign all lit up. Big menu, pictures everywhere. Felt polished. Ordered the Borscht and some Varenyky.
Verdict?
- The Borscht looked beautiful, bright red… but tasted… thin? Like tomato soup with some beets thrown in. Missing that deep, earthy richness somehow.
- The Varenyky dough was thick, chewy, almost doughy. The filling was fine, potato and onion, but just… fine. Nothing exciting.
Honestly felt like food dressed up for tourists. Tasty? Okay. Real deal? Nope.
Hitting Up That Eastern European Grocery Spot
Next thought: Maybe the best stuff is homemade? Headed to that little grocery store in the old neighborhood, shelves packed with jars and packets I couldn’t read. No kitchen, obviously, but they had a small chilled section with homemade-looking food.
Grabbed a jar labelled “Borscht” and a container of Potato Varenyky.
- The jarred Borscht poured out thick, deep burgundy. Tasted way heartier, like a stew. Beefy, earthy, beets shining through. Finally!
- The chilled Varenyky… microwaved them gently at home. Different texture entirely – soft, delicate dough. Potato filling simple but perfect. Comfort in a bite.
Okay, homemade-style was hitting different. This Borscht was the real thing!
Got a Tip: Tried the Tiny Cafe Near the Park
While paying at the grocery store, chatted with the lady behind the counter. Super sweet. Told her about my hunt. She leaned in and whispered, “You try little cafe near the park? Babushka cooks.” Sold.
Found it. Seriously unassuming. Looked like someone’s grandma’s kitchen opened to the public. Tiny space, checkered tablecloths, simple handwritten menu. Ordered Deruny (potato pancakes) and Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls).
- The Deruny arrived golden and crisp outside, creamy inside. Not greasy. Perfect with sour cream.
- The Holubtsi? Wrapped tight, tender cabbage leaves, filled with savory minced meat and rice. Topped with this tangy tomato sauce. Total home run.
This place was LEGIT. Felt like eating in Ukraine. Simple, hearty, packed with flavor. No frills, all soul.
So, Top Places Based on My Hunt:
Okay, after all that running around and eating, here’s the lowdown if you want the real taste:
- For Homemade Goodness: Hit that Eastern European grocery store’s chilled section first. That jarred Borscht? Gold. Their Varenyky? So good.
- For the Full Sit-Down Deal: Skip the flashy spots. Go find that tiny cafe near the park. It looks like nothing, but the food tells the story. Deruny, Holubtsi… whatever Babushma makes that day. Trust it.
Took some legwork, some disappointing bites, but finding those spots? Totally worth it. Good luck on your hunt!
