“ad” – Why is this here?

Every now and then, I find an experience that reminds me why I started this blogging journey in the first place.

Over the years, hunting for food has led to me meeting some truly amazing people and learning about cultures I might otherwise never have explored. There is something incredibly special about meeting the people behind the cuisine and hearing their stories, and my recent visit to Borshch Time was a perfect example of that.

Ukrainian Home Cooking

Held in the hall at the back of the church on Downing Place, this all-you-can-eat community lunch is organised by Ukraine Time. It is worth pointing out that you currently cannot get authentic Ukrainian cuisine anywhere else in Cambridge, which makes this event a truly unique and special find for the city.

This isn’t just a simple lunch; it is an act of hospitality and gratitude from the Ukrainian community, and the atmosphere is wonderfully warm and welcoming.

Borshch

The food itself is outstanding and provides a real education in Ukrainian home cooking. I started with the borshch, a UNESCO heritage-protected dish that is officially recognised as Ukrainian. If you are going to try Ukrainian food for the first time then this is the dish you need to start with. It is hearty, vibrant, and exactly the kind of soul-warming food you want on a Saturday afternoon.

Varenyky

The varenyky, which are potato-filled dumplings, were a personal highlight for me. They were absolutely amazing and clearly prepared with a level of care that you just cannot find in mass-produced versions. In fact, I enjoyed them so much that a lady took a photo of mine enjoying them because apparently I had a look of bliss on my face while eating them… That’s me and food for ya’ 🤣

Holubtsi

I also tucked into the holubts-cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, beef, and pork which quickly became my favourite dish of the event. I loved the creamy sauce with the crispy texture that gave both an accessible and diverse texture with a complex flavour from the mix of soft beef and pork.

Sweet Treats

Alongside the main courses, there was also a wide selection of homemade Ukrainian desserts available for a voluntary donation. These sweets are baked with love by the volunteers and include everything from honey cake and Napoleon to syrnyk, which is a traditional Ukrainian cheesecake. I didn’t actually get a chance to sample any of them myself this time, but they looked absolutely fantastic and were clearly a huge hit with the rest of the crowd.

A sense of community

What makes Borshch Time stand out is the sense of connection. The shared table format means you sit with locals and Ukrainians alike, breaking down barriers through conversation and a shared love of great food. I was only at the table for a short time due to some last minute commitments but already managed to make friends with the two people next to me. People were in the mood to talk, network, and reach out, adding an experience you simply wouldn’t find eating out at a pub or restaurant.

Between the raffle, the karaoke, and the incredibly friendly volunteers, it is an experience you won’t soon forget. It is also a chance to support a vital cause, with funds raised helping the humanitarian work of Convoy4Ukraine, a charity delivering ambulances and aid where they are needed most.

While I didn’t manage to find room for the homemade sausages or the impressive selection of cakes this time, the quality of the main meal was enough to make me a lifelong fan. There are more of these events planned for the future, so I highly recommend you keep a close eye on the Ukraine Time Instagram page for details on their next lunch.

If you want to experience honest, delicious food and support an important community project, you need to get yourself down to the next one.

​Thanks for reading!