Lviv Borschtour
Red, white and green with or without vodka.
When a soup becomes known for being a complete meal, it's time to sit up and take note. Borscht in its many forms is de facto dinner in a bowl.
In Ukraine for almost 700 years, borscht is iconic. It is symbolic. It has come to define a country and people that has struggled and still struggles through wars, weather and worse.
Borscht is traditionally peasant food, practical and packed with nutrients. It is as relevant today as at any period in history. When you eat borscht, you enter into communion with Ukraine.
Borscht in Western Ukraine is different than that prepared in other parts of Ukraine. Not in any positive or negative way, just different as regards ingredients and flavours.
On Lviv Borschtour you will sit down and savour four big bowls of borscht, paired with compot (sweet non-alcoholic beverage made from fresh fruits and berries), uzvar (similar to compot, made from dried fruits with cinnamon or cloves for a spicy sweetness), or local ale (light, dark, wheat, stout). Vodka is not unknown to borscht and we don't close any doors.
What are the main ingredients found in Lviv borscht? Like borscht anywhere else in Ukraine, beets, carrots, onions, cabbage and potatoes - the latter two vegetables fibrous and full of essential vitamins.
They are all easy to store long term and they form the backbone of every borscht. It's the meats and extra ingredients that make the colours and taste of borscht distinctive by region. One can traverse the length and breadth of Ukraine and every next bowl of borscht will be unique.
Types of borscht in Lviv are often rich in mushrooms so expect some extra earthiness in your white borscht with sliced hard-boiled eggs, sour cream, potatoes and smoked sausage; green borscht with sorrel, eggs, potatoes and chicken or pork; red borscht with beetroot, cabbage, potatoes and beef or pork.
We can't say for certain what your bowls of borscht will include as the specifics of each recipe are known only to the creator. What we can say is that flavour and variety, the likes of which you have never known before, shall be. Blessed be borscht!
Borscht has been protected by UNESCO as a threatened food since 2022: "Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding". When the uncertain world we live in decides to protect traditional food, it's definitely a step in the right direction.
For this reason, Lviv Borschtour goes beyond tasting. It's a statement of defiance against russia.
Lviv Borschtour evokes old Lviv and is led by a local souperstar. We include four servings of borscht in Lviv old town.
Details and schedule will be sent to you in a direct confirmation e-mail from us shortly after you have received your booking confirmation e-mail. Flexible start time, 2pm recommended. Let us know your prefered start time post-booking.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a fully charged powerbank for your device.
Four servings of borscht with or without vodka in Lviv old town with a local souperstar.
All cancellation requests must be received by e-mail (send to info@inlvivtours.com). If you cancel more than thirty (30) days before travel date, you will be entitled to a full refund. If you cancel less than thirty (30) days before travel date, you will not be entitled to any refund.