Kremenchuk-Style Borscht and Windmills: An American Folk Musician’s Favourite Finds in Kyiv

Benya Stewart is an American folk musician who has called Kyiv home for the past three years. During that time, he has immersed himself in Ukrainian culture and explored the city’s vibrant folk music scene. Along the way, Kyiv has become much more than just a place to live – it’s a city of favourite cafés, everyday walks, familiar neighbourhoods, and memorable discoveries.

In an interview with VisitKyiv.com, Benya shares what he loves most about Kyiv, the places that have become part of his daily life, and where he recommends visitors go if they want to experience the city beyond the usual tourist attractions.

Benya’s Favourite Finds in Kyiv

• Hey Guys – A bistro on Dmytrivska Street known for its delicious breakfasts, European and Mediterranean cuisine, and signature cocktails. Benya often comes here with his girlfriend, Olia. He says it’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to for great pizza and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Poltava – A modern Ukrainian restaurant by Yevhen Klopotenko that reimagines traditional Ukrainian cuisine with a contemporary approach. For your first visit, Benya recommends trying the homemade kvass, Kremenchuk-style borscht with cherries, and Poltava halushky.
• Pershyi Poverkh – A small coffee shop tucked away in a courtyard near the Golden Gate. It’s an ideal stop for a quick coffee break while exploring the city centre, especially in warmer months, when you can enjoy your drink on its cosy courtyard terrace away from the city’s bustle.
• Lypa – A venue near Golden Gate that Benya visits almost every day. You can come here for breakfast, meet friends, stay for an evening DJ set, or play a game of billiards.
• Kashtan – A popular café on Reitarska Street with a lively urban atmosphere and great food. Alongside coffee and breakfast, it hosts charity pop-up events, markets, chess and table tennis tournaments, workshops, and other activities.
• Fomin Botanical Garden – A green oasis near Universytet metro station, perfect for a short walk between plans or a slower stroll along its paths. Benya recommends pairing a walk through the garden with coffee and a crêpe at GRKY Espresso Bar.
• Holosiivskyi Park – Benya’s go-to place for longer walks and a break from the busy city centre when he wants some quiet. With forest paths, ponds, old trees, and plenty of open space, it is a great place to spend a few hours in nature without going far from Kyiv.
• Pyrohiv – An open-air museum with traditional Ukrainian houses, wooden churches, cherry orchards, and windmills. The windmills are Benya’s favourite part of Pyrohiv, so he often comes here for a few hours to admire them and soak up the atmosphere of an old Ukrainian village. The museum also hosts festivals, traditional Ukrainian holiday celebrations, folk gatherings, and fairs.