The Battle of Borschts is a borscht cooking festival-competition held in Krolevets (Sumy region). In its 2025 edition, local cooks presented over a dozen borschts featuring traditional and creative ingredients 1. Participants serve their versions of Ukrainian borscht to a panel of judges, while visitors taste and discuss the variety of recipes. The event honors family borscht traditions and showcases the cultural diversity of this national dish, from classic to modern twists (e.g., green borscht, banana borscht) 2.
This festival reflects local pride in cooking heritage. It brings the town together around cooking and sharing food, reinforcing the cultural significance of borscht in everyday life. The addition of unusual borscht varieties at the contest highlights the creative culinary spirit in the region.
Venues and routes
Кролевецький Центр культури · Krolevets
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Sat, Sep 5
Teams present and cook their borschts while visitors taste samples
Sample a variety of borschts; interact with cooks and vote for favorites
Prize announcements and closing remarks by officials
Arrive early to cheer for the winners and take photos of the ceremony
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
Practical notes refreshed Apr 4.
Typical price: UAH0
Moderate crowds · Lively energy
Moderate crowd size in a medium-sized hall
Festival in a small city center; generally safe environment
Mild early autumn weather · Event held indoors, proceeds in any weather
Daily budget: 500–800 UAH · Drinks: 20–50 UAH
Bring a reusable water bottle and eat at local cafes outside the square.
From center: 5 min walk to cultural center · Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating
Help refresh this festival
Current coverage is usable, but a fresher on-ground clip is needed.