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Anna Voloshyna's New Cookbook 'Ukraïne' Chronicles Culinary Heritage Amid War

publication · 2026-08-05

Anna Voloshyna, a Ukrainian chef residing in Oakland, CA, is preparing to launch her second cookbook, 'Ukraïne: Recipes and Stories from Kyiv to the Black Sea,' in October. This work blends culinary recipes with travel narratives, documenting her research journeys throughout Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, often necessitating protective gear. Originally from a village near Mykolaiv, Voloshyna moved to the Bay Area in 2011 and partnered with photographer Jason Perry for this project. The book features regional dishes like white borshch and Carpathian cheesecake, along with essays and travel stories. Her first cookbook, 'Budmo,' released in early 2022, became a bestseller. Currently, she is hosting a month-long residency at Napa's Oxbow Market, serving varenyky, and plans a book tour, including a collaboration with Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules in London. Voloshyna remains cautiously hopeful about the future of Ukrainian cuisine, envisioning a time when chefs can travel internationally and bring innovative techniques back home, aspiring for Michelin stars in Ukraine.

Key facts

  • Anna Voloshyna's new cookbook 'Ukraïne: Recipes and Stories from Kyiv to the Black Sea' is out in October.
  • The book was researched during multiple trips to Ukraine, requiring a helmet and bulletproof vest.
  • Voloshyna collaborated with photographer Jason Perry on the book.
  • The book is divided by geographic areas and includes essays and travel vignettes.
  • Recipes include white borshch from Western Ukraine and Carpathian cheesecake.
  • Voloshyna's first cookbook 'Budmo' was published in early 2022 and became a bestseller.
  • Voloshyna is currently running a residency at the Oxbow Market in Napa, serving varenyky.
  • She plans a book tour including a London event with chef Olia Hercules.
  • Voloshyna hopes for Michelin stars in Ukraine after the war.
  • The book includes a recipe for Carpathian Cheesecake with Dried Cherries.

Entities

Artists

  • Anna Voloshyna
  • Jason Perry
  • Olia Hercules

Institutions

  • San Francisco Culinary School
  • Oxbow Market
  • Vogue

Locations

  • Ukraine
  • Oakland
  • California
  • Mykolaiv
  • Bay Area
  • Kyiv
  • Black Sea
  • Western Ukraine
  • Carpathian
  • Odesa
  • Poland
  • Amsterdam
  • Lviv
  • Kryvorivnia
  • Napa
  • London

Sources