Odessa, perched on the Black Sea coast, offers a rich culinary tapestry shaped by Ukrainian, Jewish, Greek, Turkish, and Armenian influences. In her new book Cuisines of Odesa, travel writer and gourmand Maria Kalenska brings this vibrant food culture to life, allowing readers to recreate the city’s cosmopolitan flavors at home.
Born into a third-generation Odessa family, Maria Kalenska left a successful corporate career to pursue her passion for food and cooking. This journey began with founding the My Friends cooking school in Odessa. She contributes to culinary publications, organizes pop-up dinners, and partners with EU projects to promote Ukrainian gastronomy. Her mission is to share Odessa's rich culinary heritage with the world, bridging cultures and showcasing the unique flavors of Ukraine on an international stage.
"I worked on this book for almost 10 years, with the last three years dedicated to its creation after signing a contract with the American publisher Weldon Owen. It has been a long, complex, but very deliberate journey. The book is conceived as a walking guide through Odessa — about its people, family recipes, and the food that stays with the city even in the most difficult times. I believe that gastronomy can and should be part of Odessa’s long-term recognition in the world," writes Maria Kalenska.
The book spans Odessa’s culinary landscape, from bustling street food to refined dining, with recipes covering appetizers, main courses, desserts, and more. Seafood plays a starring role, reflecting the city’s coastal location, while traditional comfort dishes showcase the city’s historic melting pot of cultures.
Readers can begin the day with delights such as Kefir Mini-Pancakes, Sweet Egg Bread Toast, or Rose Petal Jam. Lunch might feature Dumplings with Potato and Cabbage paired with a Wild Garlic Salad, followed by Chicken Borscht with Beans and Challah Bread for dinner. Sweet tooths will be drawn to Odessa’s signature Chocolate-Glazed Eclairs, combining European comfort with local flair.
Beyond recipes, Kalenska weaves in cultural narratives and stories from chefs across Europe whose culinary practices are rooted in Odessa’s traditions. With stunning photography and rich storytelling, Cuisines of Odesa is both a cookbook and a celebration of one of Ukraine’s most unique and diverse gastronomic regions.
On February 26, the book will be officially released and will be available in bookstores in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
So, don’t miss this beautiful ode to Odessa, preorder your copy now.
