Puzata Hata (Khreshchatyk)

Puzata Hata is the best-known Ukrainian self-service canteen chain, and this branch is in the Pasazh arcade at Khreshchatyk 15/4, just off the main boulevard in central Kyiv. Diners pick dishes from a counter, load them on a tray and pay at the end, which makes it fast, simple and easy to use even for visitors who do not speak Ukrainian. Prices are the lowest of any central meal. The food is traditional Ukrainian home cooking. Borshch is the signature, served with bread and sour cream, and varenyky filled with potato, cabbage, cheese or cherries are the other staple. Holubtsi, the cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, and a range of cutlets, salads and desserts fill the counter. The format allows visitors to see each dish before choosing, which removes any difficulty with the menu. The dining hall is large, bright and informal. Tables are shared, the mood is busy and noise levels are high at lunch, and there is no dress code. It is a practical stop for families, backpackers and groups on a budget, and children are generally welcome. A full meal costs roughly UAH 150-350 (USD 3-8), which is considerably cheaper than a sit-down restaurant on the boulevard. Reservations are not accepted, since the restaurant is self-service, and queues build at lunchtime and early evening, though they move quickly. Opening hours are not listed here, so visitors should confirm them on the chain's website, puzatahata.ua. The Pasazh arcade location is a short walk from Maidan Nezalezhnosti and the Khreshchatyk metro station, so it is easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. For travellers who want to taste several Ukrainian dishes in one sitting at low cost, it is one of the simplest options in the centre.