A Guide to Ordering From a Ukrainian Restaurant in NYC
New York is famous for being a foodie mecca, but even here, many people have never visited a Ukrainian restaurant before. For some, this may be an adventure – but for others, it’s a source of anxiety. Why? Because if you’re not familiar with the cuisine, how do you know what to order?
If you can’t tell your Vereniki from your Pelmeni, never fear! Exploring new food frontiers should be a joyful experience. We will be your guide through the flavorful treats that await you on our Ukrainian restaurant menu.
Soup’s Up! From Borscht to Butternut Squash & Beyond
The ultimate comfort food, Ukrainian soups of layers of flavor built over a hearty, filling base, usually rich in vegetables. It’s perfect for keeping off the chill of winter and just as soothing for the soul when enjoyed in New York City at just about any time of year. In Ukraine, soup is served either as a starter or the main meal, so you can order it either way, depending on how hungry you are. Be warned, our soups are known for being so satisfying you won’t want another bite – except for a little Ukrainian dessert, perhaps.
The best place to start if you want to be transported to the streets of Kyiv at its best is the Ukrainian Borscht. This traditional beet soup is a regional classic, but if you haven’t tasted ours, then the best of borscht still awaits you. No Ukrainian restaurant menu would be complete without it. The sweetness of the beetroot is balanced by the umami flavors of the meat broth base and a variety of vegetables and spices. Every family has their own twist on the recipe, traditionally passed down from mother to daughter when the latter is soon to be married.
Served with substantial dark bread, our Butternut Squash Soup is another wholesome choice. It’s like love in a bowl, filling you up from head to toe. The best way to enjoy any soup is with a generous serving of Ukrainian dumplings. The two most iconic (and popular) are Vereniki (potato dumplings) and Pelmeni (veal dumplings). On their own or alongside a bowl of soup, they’re the perfect way to start your meal off right.
A Main from Ukraine: Classic & Contemporary Culinary Treasures
If soup isn’t your style, there are many other delicacies to try. First up, the deceptively simple Chicken Kyiv, a foodie favorite and staple of every good Ukrainian cuisine restaurant. The Kyiv is a fillet fried with butter and herbs on the inside, so the delicious flavors can penetrate throughout the chicken as it slowly melts. This also helps to keep the chicken beautifully moist. There’s an art to a good Chicken Kyiv, and at Sveta, you’ll find a masterpiece.
As an introduction to our culinary traditions, Beef Stroganoff is a popular choice for good reason. According to legend, the dish was invented in what would become Ukraine for a local count – the eponymous Stroganoff – who had difficulty eating large pieces of meat. Whether that’s true or not, this saucy dish is what tender beef dreams are made of. It’s just the right balance of tangy and creamy, comforting and indulgent. If you see this on the menu on your first visit to a Ukrainian restaurant in NYC, consider all your order anxiety lifted – it’s a must-do for any food-loving adventurer.
Embrace the Flavors of Ukraine at Sveta
Sveta’s menu reflects the diverse and delicious flavors of our home. Taking its cue from the food, the best Ukrainian restaurant in NYC is a place that makes you feel at ease, even if it’s your first visit.
Sharing our food is our greatest passion – so you’re invited to join us for a meal and try it yourself! Make a reservation for dinner with your culinary traveling party at our Ukrainian restaurant and explore the warm and inviting flavors of Ukraine with us.
