Borshch: How a National Dish Became a UNESCO World Treasure

Borshch - The Ukrainian Icon

In the heart of every Ukrainian family, there is a pot of borshch. It’s more than just a soup; it's a symbol of home, a vessel of history, and a vibrant expression of national identity. This beloved beetroot soup, famous for its rich, ruby-red colour, has warmed generations. Today, its cultural significance is officially recognized on the world stage, a victory that tells a powerful story of resilience, pride, and culinary diplomacy.

A Taste of History: More Than Just a Soup

The story of borshch is as deep and layered as its flavour. The name "borshch" itself comes from an ancient word for hogweed, a wild plant that was used to make the original sour soup centuries before beetroot gave the dish its famous red colour. Over time, it evolved into the complex, hearty meal we know today.

What makes borshch truly iconic is its diversity. There is no single "correct" recipe. From the smoky, prune-laden borshch of the Carpathian Mountains to the fish-based versions near the Dnipro River, every region, and indeed every family, has its own secret variation passed down through generations. It is a centrepiece at celebrations, a comforting everyday meal, and a ritual dish served at weddings and wakes, embodying the full spectrum of Ukrainian life.

The Chef Who Championed a National Treasure

While borshch has always been a cornerstone of Ukrainian culture, its formal international recognition was championed by one man: renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko. Frustrated by the world often misattributing the dish to Russian cuisine, Klopotenko embarked on a mission he called his "cultural frontline."

In 2019, he launched a campaign to have UNESCO recognize the "Culture of Ukrainian borscht cooking." Klopotenko and a team of ethnographers and historians travelled across Ukraine, documenting recipes and stories from 26 regions. They filmed the documentary "Borsch: The Secret Ingredient" and gathered immense evidence to build an irrefutable case. This was more than a culinary project; it was an act of preserving and protecting a vital piece of Ukraine's cultural DNA.

A Victory for Ukraine: UNESCO Recognition

On July 1, 2022, in a decision accelerated by the full-scale Russian invasion, UNESCO officially inscribed the "Culture of Ukrainian borscht cooking" on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

This landmark decision was a profound moment for Ukrainians. UNESCO acknowledged that the war threatened the dish's status as a living tradition, as displacement and conflict prevented communities from gathering, growing vegetables, and passing on their knowledge. The ruling wasn't about claiming exclusive ownership but about recognizing that the culture of cooking and consuming borshch in Ukraine is a vital heritage that the world has a duty to protect and celebrate. It was a clear statement: borshch is an integral part of Ukraine's identity.

The Heart of Borshch: What Makes It Special?

At its core, borshch is a perfect balance of sweet and sour. The sweetness comes from the beetroot, carrots, and sometimes even fruits, while the sourness is traditionally from beetroot kvass, pickles, or a touch of vinegar. The soup is a hearty medley of ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, beans, and often meat.

But no bowl of borshch is complete without its companions. It is almost always served with a generous dollop of smetana (sour cream) and, most importantly, fluffy garlic bread rolls known as pampushky. These soft, pillowy buns, drenched in garlic oil and fresh herbs, are the perfect tool for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth.

Ultimately, borshch is more than the sum of its ingredients. It is a story in a bowl—a story of a nation's resilience, its deep connection to the land, and the unwavering warmth of its hospitality.

We invite you to try this iconic dish, to taste a piece of history, and to understand why for Ukrainians, borshch is love.