Gastronomic tourism attracts more and more enthusiasts of Ukrainian cuisine \/Photo by Yevgeniy Kraus<\/em><\/p>
You can embark on a Ukrainian tour for traditional and modern dishes as early as June. Festivals take place not only in big cities but also in villages of Zhytomyr, Chernihiv, and Transcarpathia regions.<\/p>
Meals in green urban oases are becoming a popular pastime for Ukrainians. Recently, a summer Weekend Breakfast Fair was opened in one of Lviv's parks. In another, at the end of June, a landmark presentation of national cuisines in Ukraine will take place – 'Lviv on a Plate'. According to the organizers, this event 'presents Lviv as the gastronomic capital of Ukraine' and allows visitors to enjoy the flavors of different peoples that have enriched the local cuisine. They offer a visit to the fair, participation in interactive preparation of Lviv drinks, and will also attempt to set a culinary record with a three-meter art plate. Thanks to the simultaneous 'Alfa Jazz Fest' festival, all this will be seasoned with quality music.<\/p>
One of the most popular among Kyivites has become the gastronomic project 'Street Food'. Every summer month at the Art-Zavod Platform, for two days, you can taste both American cuisine and international healthy food. By the way, environmental themes are becoming a kind of trend. In mid-June, eco-fests will be held in Lviv and Kyiv, where they will taste vegetarian dishes and even conduct master classes in such cooking.<\/p>
According to gastronomic observer Serhiy Kalinin, the trend toward such celebrations means that 'life is getting better.' He adds that culinary festivals are an ideal way to release emotions in a stressful situation for Ukraine. 'People want and are ready to spend money on experiences and socialization,' the expert is sure.<\/p>
The idea of a delicious vacation is also being developed in Dnipro, Odesa, and Kharkiv. In the latter, on June 18-19, another food festival called 'Gorodskoy Picnik' will take place. There, they will offer seafood, Greek, Mexican, Italian, and French delicacies.<\/p>
By the way, the concept of such events is usually not limited to food or drinks, because the entertainment program is an integral part of positive impressions. Therefore, at the Kharkiv picnic, they promise a children's zone with animators, master classes with free tasting, an outdoor cinema, live music, photo zones, and more. That is why in cities such festivals are often paid. 'This is normal practice for all similar events in the world. By paying for admission, our guest gets access to all its entertainment. Moreover, this is at least some way to fight theft,' assures one of the organizers of the Kharkiv festival, Dmytro Martynenko.<\/p>
For those tired of today's popular burgers and smoothies, it's worth planning a gastro-tour to a smaller town or village. At this time in summer, Transcarpathia hosts the characteristic Riplyanka Festival on the territory of the museum complex 'Old Village' in Kolochava. The recipe for riplyanka is quite universal – it is boiled potatoes with cornmeal. However, local residents will prepare it with mushrooms, bryndza, vurda, or cracklings.<\/p>
Hombovtsi, kifliky, vertuny, fanky, palinka – these names are familiar to those who have visited the unusual Lekvar Festival in the Berehiv district. At the end of August, plum cooks traditionally gather there to show everyone how to make jam from the 'Uhorky' variety. From morning to midnight, locals prepare lekvar, treating guests to the half-cooked jam 'tsi bere' and dishes based on it. It is not yet known exactly when the festival will take place, but it is a unique opportunity to taste desserts according to old Hungarian recipes.<\/p>
Usually, ethno-festivals feature quite unusual variations of Ukrainian cuisine, and on stages – interesting bands. For example, 'Yoriy Klots' at the gastronomic festival 'Galician Defilada', which will take place from June 17 to 19 in Ternopil. 'The main focus of the festival is on recreating the culinary traditions of Galicia simultaneously with a rich ethno-cultural program. We are convinced that they need to be promoted because they are unique and interesting not only for us but also for tourists from other cities and countries,' says festival representative Mariana Zvarych. In addition to the opportunity to taste original dishes made from dandelion, nettle, and quinoa, guests will be treated to roasted poultry according to an ancient recipe and ethnic desserts.<\/p>
A hearty feast is also being prepared in the Chernihiv region. From the beginning of August, at the artistic farmstead Obyrok, bread will be baked using ancient methods. As part of the festival 'Bread with Your Own Hands', bakers and local old-timers will teach people to reap, thresh, winnow, grind, and bake in Russian ovens. By the way, the organizers have set an ethno-style dress code and urge not to use plastic dishes. However, accommodation is available at the farmstead in 'house-hostels' and even a canteen. The four-day event will also be interesting for camping enthusiasts.<\/p>