Hidden in a Simple Courtyard: Authentic Ukrainian Restaurant "Balagov" Tantalizes the Taste Buds

▲ The signature pork and carrot stewed rice at "Balagov," an Ukrainian restaurant. (Photo / Provided bythe business’s official website)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Enjoy Ukrainian cuisine without leaving Taiwan ! Nestled in the unassuming city of Yilan is an authentic Ukrainian eatery — "Balagov." Chef Serhiy moved thousands of miles back to his wife’s hometown in Yilan in pursuit of love, bringing along the flavors of his homeland. Signature dishes such as pork and carrot stewed rice (similar to risotto) and "varenyky" (Ukrainian dumplings), plus most of the spices imported directly from Ukraine, offer an genuinely Ukrainian taste that has diners raving.

▲ The "Balagov" restaurant is hidden within a traditional three-courtyard house on Fuxing Road in Yilan City. (Photo / Provided byBalagov Mr.Balagov Eastern European Foods Cafe Facebook)

Located opposite the Yilan Cultural Center, "Balagov" may be an exotic Ukrainian restaurant, but it's tucked inside a traditional Taiwanese three-courtyard house. Though the contrast seems striking, Serhiy sees it as cultural fusion. Many customers are initially curious about the restaurant’s name — "Balagov" is actually derived from the chef’s Ukrainian surname, phonetically translated into its current form.

The menu’s featured sets include pork and carrot stewed rice, Ukrainian pork meatballs, the Royal Ukrainian Traditional Grill Platter, and fish fillet sets, paired with Ukrainian borscht or fresh milk vegetable cheese soup. These have captivated many Taiwanese diners. The shop also highly recommends Ukrainian cakes and desserts, especially the apple nut cake, which is freshly baked with apples, cinnamon, and walnuts — filling the air with aroma as soon as it comes out of the oven.

▲%? The restaurant offers delicious traditional Ukrainian salads (top left), borscht (top right), and freshly grilled fish fillet sets (bottom). (Photo / Provided by the business’s official website)

Don’t miss out on the traditional Ukrainian pastry "varenyky." In addition to the classic flavor, there are also hazelnut chocolate, banana hazelnut, and sour blueberry raspberry versions. Serhiy even combines varenyky with ice cream, introducing cranberry ice cream varenyky. And after the meal, be sure to try a refreshing Ukrainian specialty drink — "kvass."

▲ The signature traditional Ukrainian dessert varenyky (left) and handmade ice cream (right). (Photo / Provided by the business’s official website)

Serhiy originally worked in finance in the United States, where he met his wife Sun Xiaozhuang, who was vacationing there. After getting married, they initially settled in New York, but the couple grew tired of the hustle and bustle of city life and decided to move back to Yilan with his wife. They started by setting up a stall near Yilan University, selling varenyky and kvass. In 2012, they opened a shop to offer more delicacies from their homeland.

▲%嫉昴诎谏璩渎?ㄅㄎ诳死挤绺瘛（图／取自芭乐狗 Mr.Balagov Eastern European Foods Cafe脸书)

In addition to Ukrainian cuisine, "Balagov" also serves Eastern European beers and spirits that are rare to find in Taiwan . Serhiy has also introduced Ukrainian culture and lifestyle — the shop displays various East European toys, cute trinkets, and Russian nesting dolls. Not only are the tables covered with beautiful Ukrainian textiles, but the walls are also painted with traditional Ukrainian patterns, filling the entire space with rich Ukrainian character.

▲ Balagov owner and head chef Serhiy. (Photo / Provided by Balagov Mr.Balagov Eastern European Foods Cafe Facebook)

【Balagov Mr.Balagov Ukrainian Café Restaurant】
Address: No. 168, Section 2, Fuxing Road, Yilan City
Phone: (03) 935-1655
Business Hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM