Why legendary Ukrainian chocolates got name 'Evening Kyiv' - History few people know
Photo: The history of Evening Kyiv candies (screenshot)
Every Ukrainian has held that recognizable box of Evening Kyiv candies at least once in their life. These sweets are more than just a dessert. They are a true symbol of the capital. Here is why this treat has its name.
History of the candies
The story of Evening Kyiv began at the Kyiv Confectionery Factory (then named after Karl Marx). In the mid-1980s, confectioners were tasked with creating a premium product that would become the face of the city, similar to the already famous Kyiv cake.
The recipe was revolutionary for its time: it features a generous amount of cocoa products, natural milk, cognac, and, most importantly, a whole roasted hazelnut inside and crushed nuts in the glaze. Such luxury was rare, which immediately made the candies a coveted item and one of the best gifts available only through connections.
Connection to the song and the city's romantic image
The name Evening Kyiv did not appear by chance. It is closely tied to the cultural identity of the capital at the time.
Back in 1962, the song "How Can I Not Love You, My Kyiv!" (music by Ihor Shamo, lyrics by Dmytro Lutsenko) was created. The lines about the evening Kyiv dreaming over the Dnipro painted an incredibly romantic image of the city. The candies were meant to reinforce that association through taste.
The design of the box always featured the evening lights of the capital. The dark background symbolized the night sky, and the gold embossing resembled the streetlights of Khreshchatyk and the glow of city windows. It embodied warmth, calm, and grandeur.
This is what the candies used to look like (photo: Kyiv Code)
Why this name became a brand
The marketing specialists (though that word wasn't used in the USSR) truly hit the mark. The name Evening Kyiv evoked pleasant associations: evening walks around the city, dates, theatre outings, and cozy kitchen conversations.
It wasn't just the name of a candy; it was the name of an emotion. Opening a box of Evening Kyiv meant making the evening feel festive.
Earlier, we revealed a common deception about dark chocolate.
