Ukrainian kholodets shocks first-time tasters - Top 5 wild TikTok reactions
How foreigners react to kholodets (photo: Getty)
Kholodets, a traditional Ukrainian meat jelly, has unexpectedly become one of the most extravagant dishes for foreigners in recent years. When Ukrainians treat their friends abroad to this dish, any reaction is possible—and often quite amusing. Here are five reactions of the foreigners who tried kholodets for the first time, which are impossible to watch without smiling.
An Englishman crossed himself
The reaction of a Brit whose Ukrainian friend made kholodets for him was absolutely priceless. At first, he couldn't understand why jelly was served as a main course instead of a dessert. Even the word "kholodets" puzzled him — he misheard it as "holy dates."
Then, with a very cautious look, he scooped a small portion and dramatically crossed himself before taking a bite.
Unfortunately, he didn't like the dish. After several attempts to improve the flavor using vinegar and mustard, he finally admitted that this food simply wasn't for him. Still, he did not want to upset his friend, but he called her a great cook anyway.
@yuliiaprots #england #англія #украінцізакордоном #украінціванглії #fyp #британці #ukrainetiktok #englishguys #ukrainiangirl #ukrainianfood #ukrainiancooking #ukraine #holodeck #holodez #holodets оригінальний звук - Yuliia Prots
But it's just soup!
A Dutchman was even more cautious than the Brit. He refused to touch the "weird texture," as he described it. Eventually, he tried a small piece with a poker face and didn't react.
The girl who prepared the dish for him burst out laughing and tried to explain that it was essentially just soup, only frozen. The Dutchman remained unconvinced and unimpressed.
@0_d.a.r.i.n.a_0 @Kevin і холодець #relationshipmemes #relationshiphumor #couplecomedy #coupletok #ukraine #couples #українськийтікток #couplesgoals #ukrainenetherlands #couplelife #netherlands #українськаїжа #холодець #рецептхолодцю #українськийстіл #українцівнідерландах #easterneuropean #стосункизнідерландцем #foryou #українцізакордоном #стосункизевропейцем 911 Emergency - Carl
Kholodets brings happiness
Not all foreigners are against kholodets. One video shows the process of making it in detail and a short history of the dish. The video's creator explains that he's using a recipe from 1860 and discusses the role kholodets played in Ukrainian holiday traditions like Christmas and other celebrations.
He finishes cooking with a satisfied smile and says that if kholodets brings luck to the house, he is feeling pretty lucky today.
@tastesfromtheroad 1860s Ukrainian Kholodets #ukraine #foodhistory #history #recipes #historytok #foodie #series #cookingvideos #ukrainianfood #rennaissance Lis - Joryj Kłoc
Fascinated by texture
Some people who try kholodets for the first time aren't even focused on the taste — they're captivated by its unusual texture. In one video, a woman shakes the dish and laughs at how it jiggles elastically.
@angeliquestrauss88 #hallö #angeliquestrauss88 #cholodez #холодец Originalton - Angelique Strauß
Looks like dog food
A guy from Texas didn't hold back his emotions. He called kholodets the most disgusting food in the world, and not even horseradish could help change his mind.
After a stream of angry comments, he tossed the dish in the trash and said he couldn't believe he had eaten something like that. His dramatic reaction might be explained by the fact that he didn't try authentic Ukrainian kholodets, but rather a low-quality Russian version.
@tomfromtx The worst food in Eastern Europe #meatjello #tastetest #dogfood #russianfood Paradise - TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson
