Making TRADITIONAL UKRANIAN BREAKFAST - Visiting Kyiv Pechersk Lavra | Kyiv, Ukraine

???????? LEARN MORE ABOUT UKRAINE: https://davidsbeenhere.com/europe-2/ukraine/
???? TOURS BY LOCALS: https://www.toursbylocals.com/
???? MARGARITA: https://www.instagram.com/margo_poloua/
????????‍???? SHO: https://www.instagram.com/sho.kyiv

My adventures in Ukraine continued as I learned to make a traditional Ukrainian breakfast before exploring Kiev Pechersk Lavra, the holiest place in the Orthodox religion in Kyiv, Ukraine. Come join me on my latest food and culture adventure in the capital of Ukraine!

My morning began at Sho, a popular restaurant in the capital whose name translates to “What.” They make traditional Ukrainian food in a gorgeous, modern space. My guide Margarita and I were ready to have some breakfast!

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Inside, we met the chef, Inna and went into the kitchen to make some vareniki, which are dumplings similar to ravioli and pierogi! I tried my hand at making some and then it was time to eat!

Our breakfast began with small batch vodka followed by 4 types of varekini (including one with cherry filling), fermented vegetables, a cabbage roll called golubtsi, chicken Kyiv, cakes with cheese and fruit called syrniki, lard with fried onions, and blood sausage.

The boiled pork and beef vareniki melted in my mouth, and the cherries inside the other popped when I bit down! They were great with the fermented vegetables, sour cream, and lard with fried onions.

The blood sausage, Chicken Kyiv, golubtsi, bread with pate, and syrniki were out of this world as well.

Then, Margarita and I toasted with some berry mors, and the employees gave me some pottery and two bottles of vodka! They were too nice!

From there, Margarita and I drove five minutes to the Park of Eternal Glory, which is a memorial for Ukrainians who died in World War II. It contains statues, a huge monument, an eternal flame, and fir trees to honor hero cities in WWII.

Next to the park is the Dnieper River, and nearby is a large candle structure that’s part of the Holodomor Genocide Museum, which is dedicated to the genocide that took place in Ukraine between 1932-1933.

From there, we made our way to Kiev Pechersk Lavra, or Kiev Monastery of the Caves. It’s a historic Eastern Orthodox Christian monastic complex that began as a cave monastery in 1051.

It costs 130 hryvnia to go inside and up to the top of the bell tower, and only 100 if you don’t want to visit the bell tower.

To the left and right of the entrance of the Gate Church of the Trinity are old, beautiful murals of saints. Inside is the Arch of Purification. It’s said you’re washed of your sins as you pass through. Parts of the original 11th-century brick walls are still on display inside.

The Great Lavra Belltower is 96.5 meters tall. It was the tallest free-standing belltower in the world when it was built in the 18th century. It was law for a long time that nothing in Kyiv could be built taller than the belltower!

Climbing the stairs to the top of the belltower is tough, and the chilly air gets colder the higher you go. But the view at the top is worth it!

From there, you can see 360-degree views over all of Kyiv, including the golden domes of Dormition Church, the Dnieper River, the monks’ old residences, and The Motherland Monument.

Then, we headed down to Trapeza Church, which was used for winter services. It contains the biggest dome in Ukraine, a dining hall for the monks, and gorgeous frescoes. It looks very similar to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and dates back to the 19th century!

Our final stop was the Near Caves. Female visitors must wear a head scarf. You also must light a candle to see, as it’s very dark. There are chapels and mummified saints down there, but it’s also very narrow.

Then, we headed back to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church to end our tour! What an incredible morning in Kyiv!

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About Me:

My name is David Hoffmann. Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,200 destinations in 84 countries around the world, in search of unique cultures, cuisine, and history. I welcome you to check out my adventures on my YouTube channel, travel blog, and social media sites.

As I focus a great deal on food, I love to experience the different flavors each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet dining. My goal with my work is to inspire you to venture beyond your backyard and leave your mark on the world!

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