World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
Specialities include borshch (beetroot soup), varenniki (dough containing cheese, meat or fruit) and holubtsi (cabbage rolls). Chicken Kiev exists but is better known in the West. Restaurants still tend to be fairly expensive (around US$40 for a 2- to 3-course meal), but visitors now have a wider choice of cuisines (including French, Indian, Italian, Japanese or Thai), particularly in Kyiv.
Crimean wines are excellent, especially dessert wines such as Krasny Kamen (‘Red Stone’). For those who prefer dry wine, Abrau and Miskhako are excellent brands of cabernet. Also outstanding are Artyomov champagne (bottled in eastern Ukraine) and fortified wines from Massandra, particularly one named ‘Black Doctor’.

Nightlife
Opera is performed in the ornate theatres of Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa. Ukrainians have a deep-rooted musical tradition and singing is very popular. Most cities also have good musical comedy, puppet-theatre and troupes performing theatrical works in Ukrainian and Russian. Tickets are cheap by Western standards and readily available on the day of performance at the box offices. Post-Soviet economics unfortunately mean that many performances are badly attended. Prominent visiting artists most often perform in Kyiv’s vast Ukraine Theatre, where prices are higher.

Shopping
Artwork is the best buy. Top-quality paintings, ceramics and jewellery may be purchased quite cheaply at galleries or direct from artists on the street. Avoid the state shops, which have dull merchandise. Shopping hours: Large state or department stores tend to open Mon-Fri 0800-1900, whereas small boutiques are generally open 0900-1800. Some shops stay open as late as 2000.

Special Events
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Ukraine in 2005:
Jan 7 Orthodox Christmas, nationwide. Apr 1 April Fool’s Day (costumes and street dancing), Odessa. May National Virtuoso, Lviv. May 28-29 Kiev Days. Aug 24 Independence Day Celebrations, nationwide.

Social Conventions
Ukrainian people are warm and particularly friendly to visitors. It is not at all uncommon for Ukrainians to invite strangers into their own homes. People on the street are friendly despite the rigours of post-Soviet life. Formal attire is rarely required, though people dress smartly for the theatre. Visitors should avoid ostentatious displays of wealth in public places. Tipping: Tips and, if appropriate, small gifts are appreciated. Service is sometimes included in first-class restaurants and hotel bills.