Borshch Time: Taste of Ukrainian Christmas

Ukraine–Cambridge Connections are growing.
Experience the Taste — and the Spirit — of Ukrainian Christmas

December brings the most heartwarming of Ukrainian traditions — and this Borshch Time will be truly special.
Join us for a festive Ukrainian Christmas lunch filled with authentic flavours, carols and stories.

Whether you’re Ukrainian, local, or simply curious, you’re warmly invited to gather around the table, discover centuries-old traditions, and enjoy a generous homemade meal — all while supporting a great cause.

All proceeds (after basic costs) directly support Hospitallers, Ukrainian volunteer paramedics.

• Early Bird (20 Oct–15 Nov): from £35
• Standard (16 Nov–12 Dec): from £45
• On the Day (13 Dec): from £50
  (tickets will be available subject to availability — advance booking is highly recommended, as seats are limited)
• Child under 12: £10

If you are able, we warmly encourage giving more — every extra pound helps save lives.
Please book and pay online in advance if possible — it helps us serve meals smoothly and avoid queues.

This Christmas edition will be truly different.
Instead of our usual buffet-style lunch, guests will enjoy a traditional Ukrainian festive table setting — with shared dishes, warm company, and the joyful spirit of Christmas.

We’ll gather around beautifully laid tables filled with homemade food, just as families in Ukraine do to celebrate Sviat Vechir (Christmas Eve).
Guests will be able to taste Lenten Christmas Eve dishes as well as festive meat dishes served on Christmas Day — offering a glimpse into the depth and richness of Ukrainian holiday traditions.

Expect laughter, carols, stories, and a sense of belonging that makes Ukrainian Christmas so unique.

⭐ Carols & Singing Together — join in the joyful Ukrainian kolyadky and feel the festive spirit.
⭐ Festive Charity Raffle — win unique Ukrainian treats, including the legendary Kyiv Cake, delivered all the way from Ukraine’s capital of resilience and kindly sponsored by Nip-in Cambridge.
⭐ Ukrainian Souvenir Market — discover small handmade gifts and festive souvenirs, perfect for friends, colleagues, or a little Christmas memory to take home.

⭐ Kutya Competition — taste Christmas Traditions from Across Ukraine.

A generous Ukrainian Christmas Full Meal, cooked with love and care — combining festive traditions from different regions of Ukraine.

First Courses

• Traditional Ukrainian borshch with mushroom dumplings (vushka)
• Kutya — a ceremonial grain dish with poppy seeds, honey, and nuts

Our talented volunteers will prepare kutya in different regional styles for a friendly Ukrainian “Kutya” competition — a festive tasting where you can try and vote for your favourite version of this traditional Christmas dish.

Main Dishes

• Varenyky with cabbage
• Potato zrazy with mushrooms or cabbage
• Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls): with meat or Lenten (potato) version
• Braised cabbage
• Home-salted fish

Appetisers & Sides — Cold and Hot Starters

• Kholodets with horseradish (traditional aspic — a festive cold meat dish)
• Homemade sausage (kovbasa)
• Pickled and fermented vegetables
• Beetroot and vegetable salad (vinehret) with herring

Drinks

• Uzvar (dried fruit compote)
  

Desserts & Tea Zone (available separately)
There will be a dedicated Dessert & Tea Zone, where you can order drinks and sweet treats for an additional donation.

Expect a delicious variety of homemade cakes and pies, baked with love and care by our amazing volunteers.
Come, taste, and help us crown the Dessert Champion of the Day!

ℹ️ Questions about dietary options (gluten-free, vegan, dairy, etc.)?

👉Check the FAQ section in the Eventbrite description for full ingredient details.

Please bring cash for:
– Raffle participation
– Festive souvenirs from Ukraine
– Kutya or sausage takeaway kits

💛 Support — Ukrainian paramedics saving lives
💙 Enjoy authentic Ukrainian Christmas flavours and festive hospitality
💛 Bring your friends and family — everyone is welcome!
💙 Connect with locals and Ukrainians in Cambridge through culture, food, and kindness

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