Ukrainian Food

We are incredibly proud to share some exciting news — our VARENYKY have been chosen as one of the Delicious.100 Best Dishes and Drinks of 2026 . To see Ukrainian dumplings recognised among Australia’s must-try flavours for the year ahead is truly special for our entire team. The Delicious.100 celebrates the most memorable dishes across Australia - from iconic classics to bold new favourites. And this year, our handmade varenyky are part of that national conversation. Made fr

There are dishes you eat — and there are dishes that carry a nation’s memory. In Ukraine, varenyky are not simply dumplings. They are ritual, symbolism, celebration, survival, and home. Long before they appeared on restaurant menus, they were shaped by hand in village kitchens, folded by grandmothers, and served at tables where generations gathered. Today, they remain one of the most iconic pillars of Ukraine’s  culinary identity — a dish that has travelled through centuries

For many of our guests, Ukrainian cuisine is completely new. No familiar reference point. No expectations. Just curiosity. That’s exactly why we created Journey to Ukraine  — a dining experience designed as a culinary route across the country, from west to east, where every dish tells a story. Ukraine is vast, diverse, and deeply regional. Food here isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about land, climate, history, and family traditions passed down through generations. At Otak

Every week, we see the same beautiful thing happen at Otakoï . A birthday table fills up. Someone brings flowers. Glasses clink. And very quickly, it feels like home. Birthdays at Otakoï are never just about the food — they’re about connection. About gathering people around one table and sharing something meaningful. A Special Place for Those with Ukrainian Roots For many of our guests with Ukrainian roots, celebrating a birthday here means reconnecting with flavours, traditi

In Ukrainian homes, pickled tomatoes are never just a side dish. They sit right in the middle of the table — next to warm food, long chats, laughter, and stories that somehow always last longer than planned. Every family has their own recipe. Every jar has its own little history. At Otakoï , we’ve always believed that food is about more than what’s on the plate. It’s about moments, connection, and feeling like you belong at the table. That’s why we’re starting something new.

Smoke in the air. Skewers on the grill. Cold drinks in hand. This is how summer evenings are meant to feel. Last week we hosted our first Shashlyk Party , and wow — it was a huge success . Great energy, smoky grills, shared tables and so many happy faces. Thank you to everyone who joined us 🤍 Because you loved it, we’re making it a Sunday tradition . Juicy meat sizzling over charcoal, fresh sides on the table, chilled drinks, and the sun slowly setting over the city. Shashly

Chebureky have officially joined our menu at Otakoï - and for us, this dish is much more than a new special. It is a story of Crimea, memory, and resilience. Chebureky originate from Crimean Tatar cuisine, where they were traditionally cooked as large, thin pastries filled with juicy meat and fried until perfectly crisp. Over time, chebureky became deeply woven into Ukrainian food culture - especially in Crimea, where food has always been a language of identity, hospitality,

This Tuesday, Otakoï stepped outside and brought Ukrainian flavours straight to the street. We hosted a menu degustation for people walking by  — inviting passers-by to taste, chat, and experience Ukrainian food and hospitality in the most open and joyful way. It was truly special to see familiar faces - our regular guests - stopping by for a taste, as well as to meet many new people who had never visited Otakoï before. Some were curious, some surprised, and many simply happy

Today our dining room turned into a little world of colour, laughter, and flour-dusted hands 💫At Otakoï, we hosted a Kids Varenyky Making Masterclass  — and it was everything we love about sharing Ukrainian culture with the next generation. Children rolled dough, shaped their own varenyky, and played with colourful dough , turning traditional recipes into edible art.There were smiles everywhere, curious questions, and proud little chefs showing off their creations — proof th

We’re excited to share something new we’ve been quietly working on at Otakoï 💛 Very soon, you’ll be able to take a little piece of Otakoï home with you. We’ll be introducing freshly made, frozen varenyky , prepared in-house and packed for your freezer — perfect for easy, comforting meals at home. Varenyky will be available in packs of 10 pieces  and can be purchased directly in the restaurant . Alongside this, we’ll also be offering a selection of our signature cakes  for pr

This festive season, Otakoï opens its doors wide - to families, friends, and teams - inviting everyone to celebrate with warmth, flavour, and true Ukrainian hospitality. From joyful lunches to candle-lit dinners, creative kids’ workshops and vibrant New Year’s parties, there’s something for every age and spirit. 🥂 1. Festive Lunches & Dinners For families, friends, or work celebrations - book your table early! Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a festive team lunch,

We’re proud to share that the exhibition is now on display at the Immigration Museum Melbourne , celebrating how food connects people, cultures, and communities across Australia. While the exhibition opened to the public in October , the official celebration event  took place on Monday, 3 November , bringing together artists, restaurateurs, and community representatives to honour the stories behind this meaningful project. Featuring 33 restaurants and eateries from across Mel

Looking for the perfect lunch spot in Windsor ? Step into Otakoï , a modern Ukrainian restaurant on Chapel Street , where soulful food meets warm hospitality. Looking for a cozy spot for lunch in Windsor ? Step into Otakoï , a modern Ukrainian restaurant on Chapel Street , where soulful flavours and warm hospitality make every meal feel special. Join us for lunch every Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 3pm , and enjoy our full à la carte menu  — from golden Chicken Kyiv  and h

Looking for the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, or a special thank you? Give an experience that warms the soul and delights the...

We are speechless, humbled, and absolutely beaming with pride. Today, we are so incredibly honoured to be featured in The Age Good Food  ...

What an incredible, unforgettable opening weekend! To every single person who walked through our doors, shared a meal, and celebrated...

This article explores the journey of borshch from a traditional dish to an iconic symbol of Ukrainian identity. It covers the recent, successful campaign that led to UNESCO officially recognizing the "Culture of Ukrainian borscht cooking" as a protected part of the nation's intangible cultural heritage, cementing its global significance.