
Last updated on January 31st, 2025
As I had just arrived in Ukraine, I was very excited to try the local Ukrainian cuisine. After doing some in-depth research online, I came across Kanapa Restaurant. Kanapa is a Ukrainian Restaurant that focuses on traditional, pre-revolutionary Ukrainian dishes with an element of molecular gastronomy! I was intrigued. Kanapa is located near St. Andrews Church. It was a bit of an adventure to walk to, but I enjoyed it!
From the moment I entered, I was greeted with warm service. For the evening, I went with a degustation menu as well as the alcohol pairing option. The first course was the Pike Caviar in Odessa style with salted sponge cake, paired with champagne also from Odessa. This was a lovely way to start the meal! The saltiness of the caviar paired perfectly with the light and fluffy sponge cake for optimum flavor. I was sad when I finished it.
Up next was Aspic made of hare and pheasant meat with horseradish paired with Hrinovuha. Aspic is a savory jelly which can contain different ingredients and Hrinovuha is a locally produced vodka, made with pepper and horseradish. I must say I’ve never had horseradish in my alcohol but I really enjoyed! I always tend to like anything with a kick. Both were very tasty!
The next course was a Ukrainian Borscht with pork ears, prunes, smoked pear and again paired with another glass of Hrinovuha. This was a very wholesome and heart-warming dish. The flavor was a bit sweeter than I imagined but delicious nonetheless! The presentation inside half of a cabbage was very memorable as well.
Up next was the Varenyky (traditional dumplings) with pikeperch and smoked salo filling paired with Chardonnay Kolonist from Ukraine. This was probably my favorite item of the entire evening! I could eat these dumplings again and again. Another very heartwarming dish that was just perfectly balanced, no added seasoning needed.
Now it was time for the main event, Chicken Kyiv with egg and cheese sauce paired with Cabernet Sauvignon Reserv Shabo from Ukraine. Chicken Kyiv is a very famous Ukrainian dish. Inside this crispy outside was chicken with greens. I did enjoy the flavor but felt it could have been a bit juicier.
For dessert, I tried the Varenyky stuffed with mint, served with seasonal berries and also the cottage cheese pancakes with cherry sauce. The Varenyky were my favorite! I guess I tend to be a major fan of dumplings. They were quite rich and stuffed me right to the limit.
The evening at Kanapa Restaurant in Kyiv, Ukraine was fantastic! The staff interactions were great throughout the evening! I felt the service was very attentive and friendly. The food all went down smoothly and I loved nearly everything I ate! I’d have to say this was a success and great first impression to Ukraining cuisine. When it’s all said and done, Kanapa Restaurant was a great introduction to Ukrainian food and I can highly recommend it to all!
Restaurant
Andriivs’kyi descent, 19, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01025
Phone: +380 68 044 3050