In Ukrainian tradition, Christmas Eve dinner is a cherished time for the entire family to gather at one table. To mark this important occasion, Ukrainians commonly prepare a variety of special festive dishes. Here are 12 Ukrainian Christmas Dishes for Christmas Eve, though there are many more options you can make for this meaningful evening.
Uzvar
Another essential element of the Christmas dinner is uzvar (compote), a flavorful and aromatic brew made from dried fruits & warm spices. This beverage symbolizes human life, a gift from Christ when he took on human form. The water used to prepare uzvar, particularly when blessed in the church, represents health, spiritual renewal, and resurrection and serves as a powerful talisman against evil spirits.
Although preparing traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes can be a wonderful experience, it is time-consuming. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, why not bring your family to Veselka to savor delicious dishes this Christmas? Otherwise, you can order Christmas dinner to enjoy an authentic, delicious Christmas Eve dinner at home.
Kutya
For Ukrainians, Christmas Eve would be incomplete without kutya. This dish, made from wheat and honey, represents prosperity and serves as a connection between the living and the deceased.
In tradition, kutya is the first dish to start Christmas Eve dinner, and the head of the household will consume the first spoon.
This Christmas, don’t miss the chance to savor tangy cured fish and kutya on **Veselka's Christmas Eve menu.**
Challah Bread (Ukrainian bread)
Bread is a crucial element of every Ukrainian festive table. It has long represented life, death, and resurrection, serving as sustenance for both the body and the spirit.
Ukrainian Christmas bread, known as kolach, is a mildly sweet yeast bread that can be braided and formed into an elongated loaf or three round braids stacked atop each other.
Borscht
Borscht holds a particular significance on Christmas Eve.
It should be prepared in a lean version for this occasion. This hearty soup is filled with warm, savory flavors and packed with beets, beans, and pork.
In Veselka, we have the iconic Vegetarian Borscht, which is prepared without pork while retaining all its delicious flavors. It's truly a taste of Ukrainian heaven in a bowl.
Cured Fish
Fish, particularly cured herring, is a popular dish on the Ukrainian Christmas table. In tradition, fish has a strong connection with Christ and the Christian faith.
In Veselka, we have two special versions of cured fish, which are marinated herring in tomato vinaigrette & smoked white fish salata that you can’t miss on Christmas.
Mushroom Holubtsi
Thick and hearty, mushroom gravy is an essential component of Ukrainian Christmas dishes. It's made with onions and sour cream and complements stuffed cabbage beautifully.
Varenyky (Pierogi or Pierogies)
Varenyky, also known as pierogi, is one of the most cherished Ukrainian Christmas dishes.
On the Christmas table, varenyky represents prosperity and good fortune. Ukrainians have a unique tradition, involving placing a coin inside one of the dumplings. Whoever discovers it is thought to enjoy wealth throughout the coming year.
Pierogi is available with a variety of fillings, bringing a delightful diversity to this delicious combination:
- **Potato pierogi:** This classic pierogi is rich, creamy, and doughy, offering a unique texture that complements the soft noodles.
- Cheese pierogi: Artisanal farmer's cheese is wrapped in delicate, buttery pierogi dough, offering a subtly sweet taste
- Bacon, egg & cheese pierogi: A genuine blend of flavors, bacon, egg, and cheese creates perfect pierogi.
- **Arugula goat cheese pierogi:** This dish is creamy, tangy, cheesy, and peppery, which makes everything better.
- **Sauerkraut & mushroom pierogi:** The tangy sauerkraut and the umami flavors of mushrooms create a satisfying meal.
- **Short rib pierogi:** The tender shredded beef, seasoned and stewed in port wine, melts in your mouth as soon as you bite into a short rib pierogi.
- **Braised beef pierogi:** The braised beef filling is seasoned exquisitely and cooked until tender and juicy, making it a comforting, richly flavored delight.
If you want to try different types of pierogi, you can choose a pierogi subscription pack! Choose your favorite three flavors to be delivered to your day and we will include our seasonal flavor for you to try out!
Vinaigrette Salad
The salad offerings feature a variety of vibrant and flavorful options, each paired with a choice of dressings, including Creamy Dill, Blue Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Ukrainian dressing, and Lemon Vinaigrette.
- The Mixed Green Salad comes with a scoop of chicken or tuna salad for a satisfying meal.
- The Lentil Salad combines feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots, served over mixed greens with a creamy dill vinaigrette.
- For a rich and earthy experience, the Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad features toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds atop fresh greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- The East Village Spinach Salad includes pickled mushrooms, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and feta cheese, perfectly complemented by a creamy dill vinaigrette.
- Finally, the Cobb Salad offers a hearty combination of avocado, Danish blue cheese, hard-boiled egg, bacon, and tomato, all served on a bed of greens with blue cheese dressing.
Grilled chicken or chicken schnitzel can be added to any salad for an extra boost of protein.
Medovyk
Medovyk, a cherished dessert that graces Ukrainian Christmas tables, is a perfect celebration of honey’s natural sweetness. This traditional Ukrainian honey cake is an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, creating a delightful treat for the festive season. The cake features a honey-sweetened batter that bakes into light and fluffy layers, beautifully balanced by a slightly tangy sour cream frosting. Each tender bite reveals a delightful contrast with the crunch of finely chopped walnuts, adding a rich, nutty flavor to the experience. Medovyk is more than a dessert; it's a taste of Ukrainian heritage, bringing warmth and sweetness to holiday gatherings.
Drinks
Veselka serves a delightful selection of drinks perfect for celebrating Christmas. Enjoy a warm and comforting glass of Mulled Red Wine, or raise a toast with a refreshing Glass of Prosecco. For something festive and unique, try the Veselka Christmas Spritz.
The wine offerings include a rich Contour Cabernet Sauvignon with dense fruits and a robust texture, the Domaine Brusset Côtes du Rhône with a ruby red hue and a full-bodied French profile, and the silky Castle Rock Pinot Noir from California, featuring notes of plum.
For those who appreciate the crisp and invigorating essence of white wine, the Spasso Pinot Grigio from Italy offers a delightful experience. Meanwhile, the Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc from Chile presents a smooth and approachable character. Both wines are perfect companions for a sunny afternoon or a charming dinner gathering.
Celebrate Ukrainian Christmas at Veselka
Experience the joy of Ukrainian Christmas dishes at Veselka, where each dish is crafted with authentic flavors and a deep sense of heritage. From comforting borscht to tender pierogi, every bite brings a taste of Ukraine to your holiday table. This season, gather with family and friends to savor the warmth and richness of Veselka's festive offerings. Make your Christmas memorable - visit Veselka to enjoy a true Ukrainian Christmas feast!
FAQs
1. Why 12 dishes for Christmas Eve?
The tradition of serving 12 dishes on Christmas Eve is rooted in various cultural and religious practices, particularly in Eastern European countries like Ukraine. This custom is deeply symbolic and carries significant meaning:
- Apostles: The 12 dishes represent the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, symbolizing their presence and the Last Supper.
- Months of the Year: In some traditions, the 12 dishes also symbolize the 12 months of the year, reflecting a wish for abundance and prosperity throughout the coming year.
- Fasting and Feasting: Christmas Eve is often a day of fasting, and the 12 dishes, typically meatless, mark the end of the fast and the beginning of the festive celebration.
This tradition is a beautiful way to honor beliefs, celebrate family, and welcome the festive season with gratitude and hope.
2. What is the symbol of Christmas in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, the symbol of Christmas is the Didukh, which is a sheaf of wheat that symbolizes the ancestors and the harvest. It is traditionally made from the first stalks of wheat harvested during summer and brought into the home on Christmas Eve. This symbolizes prosperity, attachment to the land, and ancestors being present with them during the festive time of year. It is placed noticeably in the house, near the family table, in honor of the past and for blessing in the years to come.
3. Why do Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on Jan 7?
Traditionally, many Ukrainians observe Christmas on January 7 due to the Julian calendar used by the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. This practice has roots in early Christian traditions and remains common among many Eastern Orthodox communities globally, including Ukraine.
In recent times, however, there has been a change. In 2023, Ukraine officially shifted its Christmas celebration to December 25, adopting the Gregorian calendar.
Customs tied to the January 7 celebration often include a Christmas Eve Holy Dinner featuring 12 meatless dishes symbolizing the 12 apostles, followed by church services and cherished family rituals passed down through generations.
