If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I lived in Ukraine for a short bit as a Peace Corps Volunteer. If you’re new here, then welcome and feel free to check out my Peace Corps series here! I personally believe that Ukraine is a highly underrated tourist destination and should be visited more regularly. It’s a beautiful country that’s affordable to see, with gorgeous nature and an extensive train system. I loved trying new foods in Ukraine, and wanted to dedicate a post to my fave vegan restaurants in Kyiv. If you’ve been vegan for a long time or are interested in trying more plant-based food, you’ve come to the right place!

Kolo

Ah, my first vegan love in Ukraine. I went here for the first time of many with a friend who is a vegetarian, and this was our first meal at a fully vegan restaurant in months. I realized just how much I missed tapping into the vegan community in my travels. The first couple of times I went there, I got a barbecue wrap, which was delicious. When I later tried their fusili pesto, I was hooked. I must admit, it’s my favorite of the two. The sauce is just so creamy, and yet I didn’t feel too full after eating the whole serving. Located in the quaint Podil neighborhood, which is my personal favorite, this place must be on any vegan’s Kyiv itinerary!

Nikogoneem

I had already been living in Ukraine for months before I came across this place on HappyCow. Since I had a few days free, I decided to check it out. It’s located in a plaza-style area with multiple restaurants. It was pretty slow on a Sunday, so that would be a good time to check it out! I got the hot dog with avocado cream, arugula, and black olives since everyone on HappyCow was raving about it. It. Is. Incredible. Be sure to try it!

Sereda

The one time I went to this place, I was in Kyiv on my way home. I was in a pretty bad place mentally, but I remember vividly being welcomed and feeling so relaxed in this adorable coffee and dessert place. They also offer power smoothies and other juices. Tucked into a corner amidst all the hustle and bustle of Kyiv, Sereda is a can’t-miss spot. If you’re wanting to add to your closet, they even have a boutique downstairs!
I got a warm cacao, and the barista even gave me a dessert she had made for the day as a gift. So sweet! She has no idea how much I needed kindness that day, and how much of an impact she had on me. I know this place will be on my return list for a trip back to Ukraine just from that encounter.

Green 13 Café

This super cool vegan burger joint is actually a chain. I’ve only been to the one in Bessarabsky Market and they have a set up where you order at their counter and sit on a pillow at their benches in the market. If you don’t want all the original toppings on your burger, they’ll even charge less for it since they charge per topping. I do recommend to keep the pickles on there–yum! And that’s coming from a person that hated pickles before moving to Ukraine…
Super close to Maidan Nezalezhnosty, this veggie spot is so convenient and has incredible food to boot. It’s a win-win!

Bali Bowl Café

The perfect meal for me has a combination of flavor and nutrition. This place delivers. I got two very different and equally delicious dishes here. Their aesthetic is also so adorable, and so relaxing. Their bathroom even looks like it belongs in a spa. A friend and I had such a lovely afternoon just sitting in this restaurant, talking and enjoying its atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Honorable Mention: Noodle vs. Marketing

Okay fine, so this place technically isn’t vegan, but I don’t care because it’s amazing. If you’re anything like me, then you’re not surrounded by family and friends that are all vegan. For that reason, it’s easier sometimes to go to a veg-friendly spot and everyone gets what they’re craving. This place has such delicious ramen that I dream of it daily. Be sure to stop by on any trip to Ukraine!