Edinburgh New Town Cookery School is delighted to announce a special evening hosted by staff member Maryna Zvarych, aimed at bringing together Ukrainian women who have made Edinburgh their home following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
The event will provide a welcoming space for participants to connect, share stories and celebrate their heritage through the universal language of cooking.
For Maryna, who moved to Edinburgh from Ukraine in 2022 before joining the school’s team, this evening is about more than just food – it’s about belonging.
Guests will join Maryna in the school’s kitchen where still will present the event in Ukrainian, preparing two dishes she relates to her hometown in Ukraine. The first is chicken galantine a classic celebratory dish where boneless chicken is wrapped around a savoury filling, gently poached until tender, then served in slices.
The second dish is honey cake, a traditional dessert beloved across Ukraine and Eastern Europe, often gracing the table at celebrations and family gatherings. Maryna’s recipe is a quick, fuss-free version, perfect for busy home cooks who want something sweet without the stress of a long bake.
Each participant will receive printed recipes to recreate the dishes at home, along with tips and personal touches from Maryna herself. Guests can book
After cooking, the evening will move to a relaxed celebration with prosecco, nibbles, photos, laughter, and heart-to-heart talks. Adding a playful element to the night, Maryna has organised a “Best Outfit” contest – with the prize being a homemade cake from Maryna herself.
Maryna Zvarych said: “When you’re far from home, food becomes even more important – it’s comfort, it’s memory and it’s a way of keeping your culture alive. I wanted to create an evening where women who’ve been through so much can come together, cook, talk, laugh and feel part of a community here in Edinburgh.”
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The evening will take place in the school’s professional kitchens, giving participants a chance to learn new techniques while recreating much-loved recipes from home. The menu will feature a selection of traditional Ukrainian dishes, celebrating the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Fiona Burrell, Founder of the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Maryna for organising this event. Food has a unique power to bring people together, and this evening is a beautiful example of how cooking can strengthen communities and create moments of joy, even in challenging times.”
The school hopes this gathering will be the first of many cultural evenings, fostering connection and understanding between Edinburgh’s diverse communities.
