What Americans really think about Ukrainian food: One man's honest love letter
What Americans think about Ukrainian food (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
American Michael Villena admits that he gained weight after moving to Ukraine, and considers it the best proof of his love for the local cuisine.
He shared which Ukrainian dishes became his favorites, and which ones he still hasn't gotten used to.
Favorite dishes of the American
"For example, when I moved to Ukraine, my weight was 72 kilograms, and now I weigh over 80. It's incredible. Most people put on weight in America, but I've gained weight in Ukraine," Michael jokes.
His list of favorite dishes includes the classics: varenyky with potatoes or cheese, borscht, and holubtsi — all with sour cream, of course.
Michael also enjoys salo. Recently, he tried fresh pork (svižyna), which was a completely new experience for him.
"They slaughtered the pig right before my eyes. It was scary. I think I will eat less pork in the future, although it's very tasty," he admits.
Dishes the American didn't enjoy
Not all Ukrainian dishes won Michael over right away. Some of them still remain a mystery to him.
"What I don't particularly like is kholodets (aspic). It's strange for me. And kholodnyk (cold soup). It's just weird, but the last time I ate it, I liked it. Maybe it depends on where I try it," he says.
He's also not a fan of blood sausage, another traditional part of Ukrainian cuisine.
Overall, though, he admits Ukrainian food feels closer to him than any other.
"When I see someone in Ukraine with a belly, I see satisfaction," he concludes with a smile.
