Flavours of the Cherkasy region: what to taste and where to go for food experiences

The Cherkasy region is a land of fertile black soil, orchards and wide waters, so its cuisine is generous and simple. There is no single signature delicacy as in some regions, but you can enjoy classic central Ukrainian cooking, fresh Dnipro fish and products from small producers. Here are some tips on what to look for on the menu and where to go.

What to taste

• Dnipro fish. The Kremenchuk and Kaniv reservoirs are fishing areas, so riverside places offer yushka (fish soup) and fried or baked river fish.
• Varenyky, pampushky and borscht. Central Ukraine is the home of the “classic” Ukrainian menu. Varenyky with potato, cottage cheese or sour cherries are made here just like at home.
• Honey. The meadows and forests of the forest-steppe make the region good beekeeping country. Local honey is easiest to buy at markets in towns and villages.
• Seasonal berries and fruit. In summer, roadside stalls and markets sell sweet cherries, sour cherries and apples from local orchards.

Craft cheese

Small cheese dairies in the Cherkasy region make cheese from farm milk. For example, the Underwood craft cheese dairy operates at the Selena hotel in the village of Svydivok near Cherkasy (21 Dakhnivska St), using milk from local farms. Arrange tours or tastings in advance.

Craft beer in Cherkasy

At 397 Shevchenko Boulevard in Cherkasy is the Beer Bank brewpub, the first place in the city to brew its own beer. According to the venue, it is open daily from 12:00 to 23:00. A good way to end a day of walking along the waterfront.

Food as part of the route

The tastiest way to explore the Cherkasy region is to combine food with travel:

• after Taras Hill in Kaniv, have lunch with Dnipro fish;
• after Sofiyivka in Uman, try homemade varenyky in a café in the centre;
• after the Moshny ridge, relax at one of the country resorts near Moshny with restaurants and spa facilities.

Tip

Small producers often work by appointment and change their hours with the season. Call or message the farm on social media before you go. And bring a cool bag: you will want to take local cheese, honey and fish home.