SYDNEY | Kyiv Social is a Ukrainian restaurant by Plate It Forward, a social enterprise headed by Shaun Christie-David, that employs, trains, and supports refugees and people from marginalised background. Expanding on the amazing work done at Colombo Social and Kabul Social, Kyiv Social sees newly arrived Ukrainian refugees cooking and serving up the food of their homeland.
Housed in a beautiful heritage building from 1930, that was once home to the English, Scottish and Australasian Bank, Kyiv Social has a special energy about it, adorned with Ukrainian livery, chandeliers, and high ceilings. The sound of Ukrainian and English fills the air. It’s a place of hope, resilience, and delicious food.
There’s the option of a set menu and a la carte. I opted for the set menu, which gives you a good selection of dishes on offer. As a bonus, for every set menu ordered, Plate It Forward donates two meals – one to someone in need in Sydney, and one to someone in Ukraine.
The menu is filled with recipes from the staff’s babusyas (grandmothers), and a great introduction to the food of Ukraine. Punchy seasonal pickles kick things off, followed by the wonderfully soft and fluffy garlic butter pampushky (pull-apart bread rolls). Hand made varenyky (dumplings), filled with potato, dill, and fried onions, and topped with Pepe Saya sour cream, also impress.
For mains, a non-traditional take on the chicken Kyiv is simple and outstanding. Thick sliced, golden-fried chicken schnitzel, doused with Pepe Saya garlic butter, and pickle slaw on the side. For vegetarians, an eggplant version also impresses. With sides of garlic butter mash and house lettuce, fennel, and apple salad, this is all food that’s comforting in the best possible way.
To finish, depending on the day, you’ll enjoy either sour cherry dumplings served with sweet cultured cream and cherry sauce, or traditional honey cake. Other dishes include things like herring on rye, borscht, and twice cooked pork knuckle.
The drinks menu features keenly priced bottles and glasses of local wines, along with Ukrainian inspired cocktails, and beers. Beloved Ukrainian Lager is a Ukrainian-style lager brewed by Young Henry’s, while vodka cocktails feature Blue Krane vodka from Little Marionette, made using traditional Ukrainian methods.
Talking to the staff at Kyiv Social, it’s clear that they’re passionate about what they’re doing, and are thankful for the opportunity to make a difference. Everybody at Kyiv Social has a story, and eating here is a joy.
Kyiv Social
202 Broadway
Chippendale
New South Wales 2008
Australia
Telephone: 0422 859 320
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Fri: 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 5:30pm to 11:00pm