In this European adventure story, you’ll read about how I discovered food’s power to unite people in Ukraine during uncertain times.
Hi, I’m Emma, a 31-year-old freelance journalist from Dublin, Ireland. I have a deep love for exploring cultures through their food. This is the story of how I found solace and connection in the heart of Ukraine while trying local cuisine during the ongoing conflict.
I hadn’t planned to visit Ukraine during the war, but sometimes life leads you where you least expect. As part of my journalistic work, I was covering humanitarian efforts in Lviv, a city that had become a refuge for many displaced Ukrainians. The streets bustled with quiet resilience, and amidst the uncertainty, the aroma of traditional dishes wafted from small cafes that refused to close their doors.
One afternoon, drawn by the smell of fresh bread, I wandered into a small family-run restaurant near Rynok Square. A woman named Olena greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to sit by the window. There were only a few others inside—locals, sharing laughter over bowls of borscht and slices of pampushky.
Olena brought me a plate of varenyky, traditional Ukrainian dumplings stuffed with potato and cheese, topped with caramelized onions. “This is my grandmother’s recipe,” she said proudly. As I took my first bite, the flavors spoke of home, history, and unwavering spirit. It felt like a hug from someone you never knew you needed.
While I ate, Olena shared stories of how cooking kept her family connected during blackouts and air raids. “We make food not just to survive, but to remember who we are,” she told me. I listened intently, realizing how food had become a quiet act of defiance and hope.
Later that week, I joined a community kitchen project, helping volunteers prepare meals for displaced families. We made large pots of holubtsi (cabbage rolls) and pyrizhky (small stuffed buns). Despite the circumstances, laughter filled the kitchen as people bonded over kneading dough and chopping vegetables.
As we sat down to eat together, I looked around at faces marked by hardship but glowing with determination. It was a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found—often in the simplest moments of shared humanity.
Visiting Ukraine during the war taught me that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a language of resilience and love. Every bite told a story of survival, family, and cultural pride.
So if you ever find yourself traveling through Ukraine, let the cuisine guide you. Whether it’s a bowl of hearty borscht or a warm loaf of sweet bread, you’ll discover that food has the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
Have you ever experienced a powerful connection through food while traveling? I’d love to hear your stories. Share them below!