On October 28, we took part in a presentation of Ukrainian cuisine for the spouses of ambassadors accredited in the Republic of Finland. The event took place at the Embassy of Ukraine in Finland and was organized with the support of Ukrainalaisten yhdistys Suomessa ry / the Ukrainian Association in Finland.
As representatives of the Ukrainian Gastronomic Sisterhood, we — Marianna Dushar, food anthropologist, researcher, culinary writer, and Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of culinary diplomacy, and Lola Landa, chef and researcher of Ukrainian Jewish cuisine — presented the distinguished guests with the gastronomic culture of the Galician region.
The event was titled “A Journey Through Galicia, Where Ukraine Tastes Different.” Within its framework, guests watched a video featuring historical landmarks and natural landscapes of the region, became acquainted with traditional clothing, tableware, and dishes, and took part in a culinary master class, which was received with great warmth.
During the meeting, the idea was voiced that cuisine can serve as a language of trust, empathy, and solidarity — and it was in this spirit that the event unfolded for us.
The musical highlight of the evening was a performance of “Melody” by Myroslav Skoryk, performed by Finnish violinist Sebastian Silén.
During the event, guests tasted Ukrainian borshch, vushka, banosh, traditional salads, and medivnyk. Each dish was accompanied by a story about its origin and meaning within the context of regional cuisine. Guests also sampled a distinctive wine from Galicia — the dry raspberry wine “Morning Dew” by the craft winery Halytska Soroka. The atmosphere of the meeting was sincere and emotional: at the end, words of support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression were expressed, and the spouses of ambassadors voiced their willingness to take part in organizing a charity event in support of Ukraine.
We sincerely thank the Association of Spouses of Ukrainian Diplomats, personally Ms. Tetiana Sybiha and Ms. Khrystyna Vydoinyk, as well as the Ukrainian Association in Finland, volunteers, partners, and the team of the Embassy of Ukraine for their support and assistance in organizing this event.
