These 3 Restaurants Just Might Have The Most Authentic Ukrainian Food In All Of New York
By Carolyn Harmon|Published July 01, 2022
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
The East Village of New York City centered on Sixth and Seventh streets between First and Third Avenues was once known as “Little Ukraine.” The neighborhood is now mostly diverse, yet some very important establishments and culturally-significant institutions remain. If you are Ukrainian (or especially if you’re not) — you must try these Ukrainian restaurants in The Big Apple. The purveyors of these businesses work hard hand-crafting authentic family recipes in unique and vibrant presentations, often offering live music and a joyful vibe.
(And if you find yourself wanting more, visit the impressive Ukrainian Museum at 222 East Sixth St., the largest museum in the U.S. committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainians. It was founded in 1976 by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. Without ever stepping in, admire the building, designed by Ukrainian American architect George Sawicki of Sawicki Tarella Architecture + Design in New York City.)
New York City boasts the lion's share of Ukrainians living in the U.S., with a reported 150,000.
"Our roots are deep in the East Village," a Facebook post reads.
Ukrainian East Village Restaurant, 140 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
As a result, the city is a benefactor of their fantastic cooking. Those with a sharp pallete might catch a hint of the rich dark soil, chernozem, where the ingredients are grown, and which heavily influences their cooking. Another distinctive feature of traditional Ukrainian cuisine is the way they sometimes heat their food — at first frying or boiling, followed by baked or stewed.
It is a fancy restaurant and party venue, often complete with live musicians playing, so put on your dancing shoes. The chefs offer delicious food combining a rich variety of Ukrainian elements, served by the accommodating staff. Some of the favorites include savory fish, salads, and kebabs. Try the assorted pickled vegetable platter as an appetizer or the Caesar salad with eel.
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Steak anyone? This hearty cut is served with fresh herbs and a side of veggies.
Or if you're in the mood for fish, enjoy this impeccably-cooked plate of three. And a side of roasted reds, if you please, with blackened Chilean sea bass and salmon.
People brag about the good prices, awesome service, and great atmosphere here. Try the Leo salad with crawfish neck and a special sauce, or an assorted meat appetizer with tongue.
Last but not least, a local favorite for about 70 years now, Veselka has been a cozy mainstay in New York's East Village for coffee. Its name means rainbow, which is quite fitting for the warm embrace you feel after visiting. Believe it or not, this restaurant started out as a newsstand serving soup and sandwiches.
The beloved "institution" has grown, offering traditional Ukrainian cuisine including goulash, pierogi, and many other family-crafted favorites.
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Look at this brunch offering of Salmon Latka Eggs Benedict. In this recipe, two poached eggs are served atop smoked salmon, piled on top of potato pancakes, and drizzled with homemade hollandaise sauce. The garnish is scallions and capers, and the meal includes a side of fruit salad and a beverage.
And as you may have heard, borscht is the national dish of Ukraine. It is a well-known beet dish coming in many varieties, packed full of flavor. Try a bowl with a side of a Pilsner from the Czech Republic.
Are you hungry yet? Hopefully this will inspire you to head on out and explore these eateries with the most authentic Ukrainian food in all of New York. And after all of that eating, enjoy some more culturally-rich experiences at some of the city’s amazing museums.
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