In this European adventure story, you’ll read how I unexpectedly discovered the warmth of Ukrainian cuisine in the midst of a war-torn city, revealing the resilience and spirit of its people.
Hi, I’m Julia Bennet, a 31-year-old journalist from Dublin, Ireland. I often travel across Europe covering human interest stories, but my journey to Ukraine during the war was unlike anything I had experienced before.
I never imagined that reporting on the war in Ukraine would lead me to a quiet, hidden restaurant on the outskirts of Lviv. What was meant to be a two-day assignment stretched into a week, and somewhere between interviews and photographs, I found solace in a place I never expected—at a dinner table.
The streets of Lviv were quieter than usual, save for the distant hum of military vehicles. It was around sunset when I wandered further from the main square, hoping to find a simple café. The cold was biting, and the city lights flickered through the winter fog.
I stumbled upon a small wooden sign, half-buried in snow, reading “Домашня Кухня”—Home Cooking. The door creaked as I entered, and I was greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread and borscht. Only a handful of locals sat quietly, sharing small bowls of steaming soup.
An elderly woman behind the counter, who I later learned was named Kateryna, motioned for me to sit. She didn’t ask for my order—there was no menu. Instead, a plate of varenyky (dumplings) arrived, followed by a hot cup of tea.
As I ate, Kateryna sat down across from me and spoke in broken English. “War can take away many things, but never the love for food. When we gather, we remember who we are.”
She shared how the small restaurant had been passed down for three generations and how, even during air raids, locals would return for comfort food. In that dimly lit room, I felt something profound—a connection to the city and its people through something as simple as a meal.
This experience taught me that even in the darkest times, the essence of humanity survives. Sharing food during war was not just about sustenance; it was a reminder that hope persists in the ordinary.
Have you ever found yourself in an unexpected place that left a lasting impact? I’d love to hear your experiences of finding warmth in unfamiliar cities. Share your thoughts below!