This was my introduction to Ukrainian food, and boy, oh, boy, it could not have gone better than this. I am so grateful to my local friend for bringing me to this restaurant in Kyiv. I just loved everything about Kanapa! Most important, the food is heavenly tasting. Secondly, the presentation is soooo cool. I mean, look at the soup bowl made out of a head of cabbage. There was no doubt I had to try borscht, but I must say I was a bit reluctant as I thought the whole head was filled with soup 😀 Which would have been way too much for me. Luckily, half only, it turned out. In addition to the borscht with smoked pear and plum, served with pampushka (buns), I also had to try Ukrainian dumplings, varenyky (pierogi), with hare meat and hazelnuts filling. I’d compare it to ravioli in taste and texture. Hopefully not offending anyone 🙂 I you want to colour outside the box, Kanapa can help you out too – veal brain and bovine testicles are also on the menu. Whether you travel down the safe or adventurous Ukrainian culinary road, you get to enjoy it in a warm, cozy atmosphere. It felt like what you would like to step into on a cold fall evening. It is small and intimate, so I imagine it filling up quickly…
Kanapa is located at Andrew’s Decent, in the old town (Upper Town). In other words, not on the main street of Kyiv, but not far away either. Walk or Uber.
Website: borysov.com.ua/en/kanapa – menu in English
