Korchma Taras Bulba (Корчма Тарас Булба) is a chain serving Ukrainian cuisine in an atmosphere rich in Ukrainian culture. They currently have locations in Moscow, Kyiv, and New York City.
Korchma Taras Bulba was founded by Yury Beloyvan in Moscow in 1999. At the time, most dining in Moscow was either fast food or five-star. Beloyvan opened his establishment to provide a family dining experience that would be something between the two. Each location incorporates the kitsch atmosphere of a Ukrainian village, complete with traditional outfits worn by the staff, embroidered towels, homespun carpets and tablecloths.
The menu, which they proudly offer in 36 (!) languages, offers hearty homemade borscht, vareniki, sausages, breads and, of course, salo and pickles. The restaurant also offers homemade infused vodka, wines, liqueurs, Russian vodka or Ukrainian gorilka. All agricultural products for Korchma Taras Bulba are grown at their own farm, Kazachie Ltd., situated in Russia’s Ryazan region.
“Korchma” is the Ukrainian word for “tavern.” Taras Bulba is a Ukrainian folk hero and namesake for a story in Nikolai Gogol’s Mirgorod. Set during the 1637-1638 Cossack uprising, Taras Bulba, after killing one son that deserted his regiment for a Polish noblewoman and watching the other executed by Poles, is burned alive while urging the remaining Cossacks to escape across the Dnieper. Taras Bulba has enjoyed numerous film adaptations.
In accordance with traditional Ukrainian dining customs, expect to sit down, stay awhile, and eat plenty of hearty food.
Visit the restaurant from the comfort of your couch!
Trailer for the 1962 iteration of Taras Bulba:
