Cuisines of Odesa

“This is not just a beautiful book with delicious recipes, this is an important record of one of the richest regional cuisines of Ukraine. An absolute must-have for both food and culture lovers all over the world.” — Olia Hercules“To read Maria’s book, and to make her recipes, will be like having a personal invitation into this world, and a beautiful, complex, multicultural city that is full of love and life.” — Felicity Spector“Odesa Cookbook is an ode to one of Ukraine’s most vibrant and unique cities. It’s written with deep love for its people, its layered history, and—above all—its food. As you turn the pages, you can almost feel the salty Black Sea breeze, hear the buzz of Privoz Market, and taste the dishes that spring to life from the recipes. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to truly get to know Odesa – its spirit, its humor, and its extraordinary culinary soul.” — Anna Voloshyna“What a beautiful, heartfelt and fascinating book. It captures the very soul of the city."— Tom Parker BowlesNestled on the Black Sea coast, Odesa's cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of influences from Ukrainian, Jewish, Greek, Turkish, and Armenian traditions. In Cuisines of Odesa, gourmand and travel writer Maria Kalenska brings this lesser-known culinary tradition to life, allowing you to recreate these diverse cosmopolitan flavors at home. Learn about Odesa’s fascinating food culture, from street food to elegant cuisine, with recipes covering appetizers, main courses, desserts, and more. Discover unique seafood dishes that highlight the region’s coastal bounty from the Black Sea. Wake up to Kefir Mini-Pancakes, Sweet Egg Bread Toast, and Rose Petal Jam. Enjoy a lunch of Dumplings with Potato and Cabbage and a Wild Garlic Salad. Finish the day with Chicken Borscht with Beans and Challah Bread. And don’t forget dessert with lovely Odesan Chocolate-Glazed Eclairs. This is European comfort food at its finest, offering familiar flavors and textures that the whole family can enjoy. Along with the recipes and stunning photography, there are engaging narratives that provide cultural insights and stories from chefs across Europe whose success relies on the foodways of Odesa. All of the 100+ recipes are suitable for both experienced cooks and curious beginners, making this the perfect gift for the foodie or travel buff on your list.