Lviv Cooking Class: Learn Borsch and Varenyky

Cook two Ukrainian classics in an apartment kitchen, then eat what you made.

A private cooking class in Lviv where you prepare borsch and varenyky, two traditional Ukrainian dishes, under the guidance of a local host in an apartment kitchen. The class runs three hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request. Groups stay small, with a maximum of four people per booking.

The experience

You start with hotel pickup and get driven to a local apartment where the cooking begins. There's no chef experience needed: the host walks you through shaping varenyky (stuffed dumplings that sit somewhere between Polish pierogi and Italian ravioli, but with their own character) and building borsch, the red soup that gets its color from beetroot alongside potato, cabbage and carrot. The host shares tips that make each dish savory and explains the reasoning behind the traditional recipes, so you're learning the why, not just the steps.

By the end of three hours, you have two full dishes ready to eat. Varenyky comes in three different types depending on what you choose to fill them with, and the borsch sits ready to serve. The host shares stories about Ukrainian cuisine while you cook, turning the kitchen into something closer to a conversation than a lesson. You taste everything you've made before heading back to your hotel.

What’s included

• Private cooking instruction from a local host.
• preparation of borsch and varenyky.
• tasting of both dishes.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Operated by Green Tour Ukraine

Is this one for you?This is a hands-on class where you do the cooking yourself under guidance, not a demonstration you watch. It suits anyone who wants to learn by doing and take home the techniques for making these dishes at home, and the small group size means the host can adjust the pace to your comfort level.

Top questions

What exactly is varenyky and how is it different from pierogi?

Varenyky is a traditional Ukrainian dumpling that resembles Polish pierogi and Italian ravioli but has distinct differences in shape, filling and preparation. During the class, you'll learn to shape them correctly and discover the traditional ways to serve them. The class covers three different types depending on fillings.

Do I need cooking experience to join this class?

No cooking experience is required. The class is designed for anyone interested in learning traditional Ukrainian dishes. The host guides you through each step of preparing both borsch and varenyky from scratch.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are both available. Let the operator know at the time of booking which dietary needs apply to you, and the host will adjust the recipes accordingly.

How many people can join one class?

The class is private and accommodates a maximum of four people per booking, so you cook with your own group only.

What's included in the three hours?

The class includes hotel pickup and drop-off, instruction from a local host in English, and a tasting of the borsch and varenyky you prepare. You make two dishes and eat them together before returning to your hotel.