Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

Tesla Superchargers Arson Incident in Massachusetts, Suspect Still at Large

March 4, 2025

Public Opinion on Trump’s Federal Jobs Cuts, Musk, and DOGE

March 17, 2025

Climate Activists Vandalize NYC Tesla Dealership on Earth Day

April 22, 2025

Trump Welcomes Nvidia CEO for White House Discussion

July 10, 2025

Trump Positions Rubio as a Potential 2028 Successor and Rival to Vance

May 8, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Tips for Safeguarding Personal Data from Scams During Home Downsizing
  • China Showcases Military Weapons at Parade Attended by Xi Jinping, Putin, and Kim Jong Un
  • Putin and Xi Recorded Discussing Organ Transplants and Immortality
  • Germany’s Foreign Minister Seeks India’s Support for Ukraine Peace Talks with Russia
  • Public Prosecutor Murdered in Istanbul
  • Salesforce Reports Q2 Earnings for 2026
  • Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s Deportation of Venezuelan Migrants, Citing Lack of “Invasion”
  • Over 1,000 HHS Staff Urge Trump to Dismiss RFK Jr. for Health Risks
  • Study Reveals Impact of AI on Employment Across Various Sectors
  • Katie Lowes Discusses Character Secrets and Fan Reactions in “The Hunting Wives”
  • Poll Reveals Americans’ Concerns Over “Uncertain” Economy Amidst Slight Rating Decline
  • Historic Funicular Derails in Lisbon, Resulting in 15 Fatalities
  • Italian Painting Looted by Nazis Recovered in Argentina After Real Estate Listing Discovery
  • Alphabet Shares Rise as Google Dodges Antitrust Breakup Threat
  • After-Hours Stock Movers: AEO, CRM, AI, GTLB
  • Netflix Introduces Custom Clip Sharing Feature for Mobile Users
  • Self-Driving Trucks Move Closer to Reality in PlusAI Testing
  • China to Hold Major Military Parade for Victory Day on Wednesday
  • Trump Comments on Alabama’s Surprising College Football Upset
  • Europe and US Coalition Prepared to Provide Security Guarantees for Ukraine
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Thursday, September 4
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Europe News » Ukraine Leverages Gastro-Diplomacy to Strengthen International Relations
Ukraine Leverages Gastro-Diplomacy to Strengthen International Relations

Ukraine Leverages Gastro-Diplomacy to Strengthen International Relations

News EditorBy News EditorMarch 2, 2025 Europe News 7 Mins Read

In the shadow of conflict and cultural upheaval, Ukrainian cuisine has emerged as a symbol of resistance and identity. As the war with Russia continues, chefs and culinary advocates are leveraging traditional dishes like borsch to assert Ukraine’s cultural heritage on the global stage. This initiative underscores the role food plays not just in sustenance but also in shaping national narratives and fostering international solidarity.

Article Subheadings
1) Immortalising beetroot and the significance of borsch
2) Cultural recognition: Borsch and UNESCO
3) Gastro-diplomacy: Food as a pathway to international support
4) The role of personal and shared stories in culinary traditions
5) Key ingredients and evolving culinary identity

Immortalising beetroot and the significance of borsch

Borsch, a vibrant beetroot-based soup, holds both culinary and cultural significance for Ukrainians. As one sits in establishments like XIX in East London, the dish embodies the soul of Ukrainian identity. The infusion of warming flavors, combined with culturally relevant accompaniments like black bread and sour cream, creates a meal that is both nourishing and evocative. Vinchentso Dulepa, the owner of XIX, and his wife Iryna serve the dish with pride, reflecting a deep connection to their homeland.

The preparation of borsch varies across Ukraine, influenced by local ingredients and family traditions, which contributes to its status as a symbol of cultural plurality. This soup is often celebrated in narratives highlighting the struggle for sovereignty and identity amidst ongoing conflict. In essence, borsch serves as more than just a dish; it encapsulates the memories, struggles, and resilience of Ukraine’s people, making it a fitting centerpiece for discussions surrounding the history and future of Ukrainian culture.

Cultural recognition: Borsch and UNESCO

The cultural significance of borsch garnered international attention when UNESCO designated it for urgent safeguarding in July 2022, acknowledging its threatened status due to the war. Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine sought to affirm its cultural independence through its culinary heritage as a counter-narrative to Russia’s claims over Ukrainian traditions.

Officials at UNESCO recognized the urgency of preserving borsch, stating,

“Due to the ongoing war and its negative impact on this tradition, Ukraine asked the Member States of the Committee to fast-track the examination of the nomination file for borsch.”

This inclusion was a manifesto against Russian assertions that borsch is a dish of shared heritage. The lobbying for this recognition was led by various Ukrainian chefs, most notably Yevhen Klopotenko, whose culinary efforts have placed Ukrainian food back into international focus.

Chefs like Klopotenko view borsch as an ambassador of Ukrainian identity. “We fall in love through food,” he explains while emphasizing that cuisine is a window into a culture’s soul. This global attention has revived interest in Ukrainian flavors, allowing the story of borsch to spread beyond borders.

Gastro-diplomacy: Food as a pathway to international support

Gastro-diplomacy has become a vital tool for Ukraine during one of the most challenging periods in its history. The term originated in the early 2000s when nations like Thailand harnessed their culinary traditions to enhance cultural ties abroad. Today, Ukrainian chefs are doing the same: “The table where Ukrainian food is served is one of the tables where Ukraine’s future is being decided,” says Klopotenko.

Restaurants like XIX not only provide a taste of authentic Ukrainian cuisine but also act as platforms for political expression and cultural exchange. Through dishes like Salo, which consists of salt-cured pork fat accompanied by raw garlic and pickles, the Ukrainian diaspora fosters understanding and solidarity with their culinary traditions. This act of sharing food becomes a form of socio-political engagement, especially in foreign lands.

The role of personal and shared stories in culinary traditions

Personal narratives intertwined with family recipes serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian cuisine. The ongoing conflict has brought about a rediscovery of traditional practices such as food preservation and sharing. Iryna at XIX elaborates on this, stating that the burning of fields and destruction of resources during the war has made traditional ingredients scarce.

The historical context of food preservation is not lost on Ukrainians, who recall how their grandparents hid food in anticipation of invasions.

“In the Second World War, everyone hid food in the basement,”

says Iryna, reflecting on a cultural tradition that endures. The generations-old practice of cooking, even under duress, highlights the connection between food and identity. Whether it’s cabbage rolls or fermented vegetables, these dishes serve to remind Ukrainians of their roots, their histories, and the comfort of shared meals.

Key ingredients and evolving culinary identity

Across Ukraine, regional varieties and unique flavors contribute to its diverse culinary landscape. Chef Yevhen Klopotenko highlights essential components of Ukrainian cuisine: sour cream, fermented cottage cheese, and various smoked products, all of which contribute to an undeniably rich palate. This culinary identity is evolving alongside the war, with new influences and adaptations emerging among diaspora communities.

The imminent release of Olia Hercules’ new book, Strong Roots: A Ukrainian Family Story through War, Exile and Hope, underscores this evolving narrative. Through her culinary journey, she traces personal experiences against the backdrop of national upheaval. Hercules notes the significance of taste, sharing poignant memories of her family’s resilience through cooking borsch amidst chaos. “When you taste borsch, it does incredible things to your brain and you feel stronger and more positive,” she affirms.

The fusion of old and new culinary traditions illustrates how Ukrainian cuisine is thriving even in the face of adversity. Restaurants across the globe are becoming avenues to promote awareness and appreciation for Ukraine’s diverse gastronomic heritage, helping to carve out a distinct space on the global food map.

No. Key Points
1 Ukrainian cuisine, particularly borsch, serves as a symbol of cultural identity amidst the war with Russia.
2 UNESCO recognized borsch as an urgent cultural heritage needing protection due to the ongoing conflict.
3 Gastro-diplomacy is a strategic effort that uses food to foster international support for Ukraine.
4 Traditional Ukrainian dishes are deeply rooted in personal histories and cultural practices of resilience.
5 The evolving culinary landscape represents a blend of heritage and innovation, fortifying Ukraine’s identity on the global stage.

Summary

As Ukraine navigates the tumultuous landscape of war and cultural assertion, its culinary heritage emerges as a vital instrument of resilience and identity. The recognition of borsch by UNESCO not only serves as a protective measure but also as a beacon of hope and unity among Ukrainians. Through the efforts of chefs and cultural advocates, Ukrainian cuisine continues to assert its rightful place on the global stage, transforming culinary exchanges into powerful narratives of survival and solidarity. As the world tastes the flavors of Ukraine, it becomes increasingly vital to appreciate the stories that these dishes carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the significance of borsch in Ukrainian culture?

Borsch is more than a dish; it symbolizes Ukrainian identity and resilience, particularly during times of conflict. It embodies cultural heritage and serves as a medium for storytelling among families.

Question: How has UNESCO been involved with Ukrainian borsch?

UNESCO recognized Ukrainian borsch as an intangible cultural heritage requiring urgent safeguarding due to the effects of war, specifically against Russian claims that the soup is a shared cultural element between Ukraine and Russia.

Question: What is gastro-diplomacy?

Gastro-diplomacy involves using a country’s culinary traditions to build cultural ties and gain international support, particularly important for nations like Ukraine during crises.

Brexit Continental Affairs Cultural Developments Economic Integration Energy Crisis Environmental Policies EU Policies European Leaders European Markets European Politics European Union Eurozone Economy GastroDiplomacy Infrastructure Projects International International Relations Leverages Migration Issues Regional Cooperation Regional Security Relations Social Reforms Strengthen Technology in Europe Trade Agreements Ukraine
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Europe News

Germany’s Foreign Minister Seeks India’s Support for Ukraine Peace Talks with Russia

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Alphabet Shares Rise as Google Dodges Antitrust Breakup Threat

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Europe and US Coalition Prepared to Provide Security Guarantees for Ukraine

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Protests Erupt in Spain and Mexico Over Overtourism Impact on Travelers

7 Mins Read
Europe News

UK Inflation Data Reveals Key Trends for June

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Controversy Surrounds Franco-Israeli Singer Amir at Francofolies de Spa Festival

6 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Expresses Discontent with Putin Regarding Ukraine Conflict

July 8, 2025

Climate Activists Vandalize NYC Tesla Dealership on Earth Day

April 22, 2025

Democrats’ Opposition to DOGE Seen as Major Misstep, Says Chaffetz

April 11, 2025

Trump Greenlights Attack Plans for Iran but Delays Final Decision

June 18, 2025

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Trump on Deportation Cases Amid Key Legal Decisions

April 8, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version