Arkansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Ukrainian cuisine, but the state has a surprising number of Ukrainian restaurants that serve up delicious and authentic dishes. From savory pierogies to hearty borscht, these restaurants offer a taste of Ukraine that you won’t find anywhere else in Arkansas. Here are the top Ukrainian restaurants in Arkansas that you must visit now.
1. Little Rock
- Europa Restaurant and Bakery
- Arkansas Kiev
Europa Restaurant and Bakery is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up authentic Ukrainian cuisine in Little Rock for over 20 years. The menu features classic dishes like varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings), borscht, and kielbasa, as well as a variety of baked goods like paska (Easter bread) and babka (sweet bread).
Arkansas Kiev is a hidden gem in Little Rock that specializes in Ukrainian and Russian cuisine. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes like golubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and pelmeni (dumplings). The restaurant also has a full bar with a selection of Ukrainian and Russian beers and vodkas.
2. Fayetteville
- Ukrainian Food Festival
While not a traditional restaurant, the Ukrainian Food Festival in Fayetteville is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Ukrainian cuisine. The festival is held annually in September and features a variety of dishes like varenyky, borscht, and holubtsi, as well as live music and dance performances.
3. Hot Springs
- Ukrainian American Cultural Center of Arkansas
The Ukrainian American Cultural Center of Arkansas in Hot Springs is a community center that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a Ukrainian food festival in October. The festival features traditional Ukrainian dishes like varenyky, borscht, and kielbasa, as well as live music and dance performances.
4. North Little Rock
- Little Rock Pierogi Cafe
While not strictly a Ukrainian restaurant, the Little Rock Pierogi Cafe in North Little Rock serves up delicious pierogies that are a staple of Ukrainian cuisine. The menu features a variety of pierogi flavors like potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, and meat, as well as other Eastern European dishes like goulash and schnitzel.
5. Conway
- Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption
While not a traditional restaurant, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption in Conway hosts an annual Ukrainian food festival in October. The festival features a variety of traditional Ukrainian dishes like varenyky, borscht, and kielbasa, as well as live music and dance performances.
If you’re looking for the best Ukrainian food in Arkansas, these restaurants and festivals are a great place to start. Whether you’re a fan of savory pierogies or hearty borscht, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings at these top Ukrainian restaurants in Arkansas.