The capital of Ukraine has a lot of upscale restaurants and nice cafés to visit, but street food is another interesting part of the local culture that surprises tourists. It is not only American burgers and Chinese noodles that you can try. Kiev’s spots also offer a modern interpretation of traditional Ukrainian cuisine and even some signature dishes.
Vegano Hooligano
Bistro, Middle Eastern, Street Food, Vegetarian, Vegan, $$$
This place is a find for those who do not eat meat or just want to eat healthy and satisfying food. They do not use dairy or any products of animal origin when cooking the dishes, making Vegano Hooligano a favorite street food spot for local vegans and vegetarians. Moreover, you have the option of coming to Besarabsky Market (the most central food market in Kiev) to grab a meal, or order for delivery.
Obama Burger & Coffee serves solely burgers, but in different variations and with all kinds of toppings. The key feature of the spot is that you can make an order by phone and give them the time when you will come pick it up, so you don’t have to stand hungrily in a long queue. Obama Burger & Coffee is located not too far from Taras Shevchenko Park (a central park in Kiev), so you can grab a burger and a Coke and have a picnic on the green lawn.
Locals say that once you’ve tried the döner kebab at Das Ist Gut, you will not be able to forget its incredible taste. This place is teeming with Kiev hipsters and students, as the prices are very affordable. Das Ist Gut’s menu includes only three types of kebabs. Two of them are cooked with chicken, and the other one is a vegan interpretation of a döner, filled with beans instead of meat. Come here after a long walk around the historical center of Kiev to have a snack and continue strolling.
Slurp is an ideal street food spot for noodle fans. It has a limited number of dishes, but you can choose among various kinds of noodles, going from ordinary wheat to rice and egg variations. The chef of the place spent a couple of years in Asia, so his dishes are really well-prepared and tasty. Slurp is new, but already popular among residents of Kiev.
At Bistro Bistro, they serve up the truly best hot dogs in the Ukrainian capital. On the menu, there are only five items, but each of them has been carefully constructed down to the smallest details and has a unique combination of flavors. In the cold season, next to the till, there is a small covered area with a table and chairs and a heater. So, dropping into the Bistro to have a hot dog for lunch, you can order a hot tea or coffee and have a seat.
Diner is located in the ancient district of Podol and constitutes a great place to grab a takeaway lunch. Truth be told, making a decision will not be so easy – the selection is huge. You can order burgers with beef, chicken, or fish, as well as crispy ciabattas with mozzarella, salami, and ham. The portions are also quite large, so you won’t leave hungry. Get a refreshing soft drink along with your order, and savor your meal.
There’s no other more legendary street food place in Kiev than Perepichka. The queue to order is endless and occurs from the opening until late at night. Not only tourists but locals love this combination of sausage, covered in fried dough, with a glass of cola on tap. The most pleasant part is that it costs only $0.50. So, if you happen to come in Kiev, do not forget to try Kievska Perepichka.
Ukrainian baked patties are real works of art. Some of the best are served at a small street food venue called Tetya Klara. The choice of pastries is pleasing to the eye – pies with cabbage, meat, liver, mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, eggs and rice, peas, berries and anything you could ever think of. Also, take note that the best way to savor them is with hot chicken broth. If you’re going to visit friends, grab a couple of patties to go and have them later with flavored tea.
Furgoneta serves fresh burgers, which are prepared in front of you, in a relatively quick service. Especially noteworthy are the house-made sauces that are based on the recipes and tastes of the place’s owners. Here, you won’t get any ketchup or mayonnaise. After eating a burger at Furgoneta, you will realize that street food can also be very tasty and of a high quality. The chefs also serve rice and noodles, in case you don’t eat meat or are just not a fan of fatty American burgers.
