Korchma: Ukrainian Cuisine and Folk Tradition in Moscow

The first Korchma tavern opened in Moscow on 25 March 1999, and the brand has since expanded across the city. The chain now operates 16 locations in Moscow and one in Kyiv. Each restaurant recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Ukrainian family home, with interiors representing traditional Ukrainian tavern design. Staff dress in authentic folk costumes and often perform traditional dances during service.

The dining experience centres on traditional Ukrainian cuisine, where hearty soups, hand-made dumplings and home-style meat dishes are served in a welcoming, casual setting. Most restaurants offer menus in about 10 languages, making them accessible to international visitors.

Quick Facts

Russian name	Корчма
Address	Multiple locations in Moscow
District	Multiple locations
Best time to visit	Lunch (12:00–14:00) offers quieter dining and shorter waits. Weekday evenings are less crowded than Fridays and Saturdays. Weekend and Friday evenings (after 19:00) see long waits, especially at central locations. Summer offers outdoor terrace seating at some venues. Many locations stay open late (past midnight Thursday–Saturday), making them ideal for post-theatre or late-night dining.
Recommended duration	1–2 hours
Cuisine	Ukrainian and Slavic
Reservations	Walk-ins are welcome, though popular locations get busy at peak times. Reservations are recommended for groups or weekend dining. Contact the restaurant directly or book through the official website.
Website	korchma.ru
Operating status confirmed	October 2026

Reservations and Ordering at Korchma

Korchma operates as a casual restaurant chain with walk-in seating available at most locations. Reservations are not strictly required but are recommended for groups larger than four people, especially during Friday and Saturday evenings. Contact the restaurant directly or visit the official website to confirm availability for your preferred time and location.

Most locations accept both cash and credit cards, though some older locations may have preferences. Delivery and takeaway are available from selected branches through the official website and major food delivery apps.

Note that hours and facilities vary by location. Check the official website (korchma.ru) for specific opening times, contact information and current operating locations before visiting.

Why Visit Korchma?

Korchma offers a genuine introduction to Ukrainian culinary tradition without pretence or modernization. The menu features nourishing borshch with pampushky (garlic donuts), dumplings, pancakes with various fillings, and chicken Kiev. The chain offers homemade potions and wines, liqueurs, Russian vodka or Ukrainian horilka, with many venues serving signature house infusions. The folk atmosphere—complete with live music at some locations on weekends—creates a lively dining experience that appeals equally to families and solo travellers seeking comfort food and cultural immersion.

Highlights of Korchma

Borshch

The signature nourishing borshch arrives with pampushky—soft garlic donuts that are served warm alongside the rich, deep red soup. It is reliably one of the most ordered dishes across all locations and appears on every menu.

Tip: Order early in the meal; pampushky are best eaten fresh and warm.

Hand-made Dumplings and Vareniki

Dumplings and pancakes with various fillings are house specialities. Cabbage and potato fillings are traditional, though cheese and meat options are also available. Each dumpling is made to order.

Tip: Try several varieties if dining with others; the dough consistency varies slightly by filling and is worth comparing.

Chicken Kiev

Chicken Kiev (cutlets a-la Kyiv) is a classic dish found across all locations, often served with mashed potatoes and a simple side salad. The meat is usually tender and well-seasoned.

Tip: This is a hearty main course; balance it with a lighter starter or skip appetizers if you are not hungry.

House Infusions and Nastoyka

Korchma offers homemade potions and liqueurs, as well as Russian vodka or Ukrainian horilka. House-made infusions with herbs, berries and spices are popular and often served as complimentary shots or post-meal drinks.

Tip: These are potent; sip slowly and pair with bread or snacks to moderate the alcohol effect.

Traditional Appetisers

Salo (cured pork fat), herring under a fur coat* (salad), and various cold platters are offered. While waiting for a table you can try different snacks with a shot of Ukrainian infused vodka.

Tip: These appetisers are often complimentary during waits and are designed to showcase the restaurant's approach to traditional flavours.

Kvas and Traditional Drinks

Homemade kvas (a popular cold summer drink with a small percentage of alcohol) is highly recommended. The restaurant also serves kompot (fruit drink), herbal teas and berry drinks.

Tip: Order kvas in summer; it is refreshing and pairs well with heavy meat dishes. Indoor heating makes winter dining warm despite the cold outside.

What to Order

• Borshch with pampushky (garlic donuts)
• Hand-made vareniki (dumplings) with cabbage or cheese
• Chicken Kiev with mashed potatoes
• Salo (cured pork fat) and herring under a fur coat
• House-made kvas or berry kompot

Atmosphere

The interior of every Korchma location evokes a traditional Ukrainian household: wooden beams, folk art on walls, and tables laden with earthenware and rustic tableware. All staff are dressed in national costumes, which definitely adds to the character. On Fridays, performances of folk groups entertain guests, with some locations featuring accordion and vocal performers during evening hours. The noise level is cheerful rather than formal—you hear families, tourists and groups celebrating birthdays. Waiters sometimes entertain guests with songs and dances, adding theatre to the meal. Lunch hours are quieter; weekends and Friday evenings are consistently busy.

History of Korchma

The first tavern Korchma Taras Bulba in Moscow was opened on 25 March 1999 at 30/7 Petrovka Street, founded by Jury Beloyvan. The restaurant was named after the novel by Nikolai Gogol and deliberately styled itself as a traditional Ukrainian tavern to bring Ukrainian culinary culture to Moscow.

From its single location, the chain expanded steadily. At the present time the chain of restaurants is presented in Moscow (16 restaurants) and Kyiv (1 restaurant). Each new branch maintained the original aesthetic and menu philosophy, ensuring consistency in quality and atmosphere. The use of consistent branding—either ‘Korchma’ or ‘Korchma Taras Bulba’ depending on location—reflects the unified identity despite separate management in some cases.

All agricultural products for Korchma Taras Bulba are grown at own farm Kazachie Ltd., situated in Ryazan Region, a practice that emerged to ensure ingredient quality and freshness. This vertical integration distinguishes the chain from competitors relying on wholesale markets.

The restaurants have become established stops for both expatriates and Russian diners seeking affordable, authentic Ukrainian food without the ceremony of fine dining. The consistent availability across Moscow—many locations operate late into the night—has solidified Korchma as a reliable choice for visitors from any part of the city.

How to Get to Korchma

Korchma operates multiple locations across central and peripheral Moscow. The largest and most centrally located branch is on Mokhovaya Street (Biblioteka imeni Lenina metro station, Line 1), within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. Other major locations include:

• Leninsky Prospekt, 37 – Leninsky Prospekt metro station (Line 6); southern district
• Pyatnitskaya Street, 14 – Novokuznetskaya metro station (Lines 2, 5); central location, near the Moscow River embankment
• Smolensky Boulevard, 12 – Park Kultury metro station (Lines 1, 6); central-west location, near the Pushkin Theatre

From any metro station, walk times to Korchma locations range from 3 to 10 minutes. Taxi or ride-sharing apps are useful if you are unfamiliar with the district or dining late at night.

Accessibility

Most Korchma locations are on the ground floor or accessible via lift, with seating accommodating wheelchairs in dining areas. Toilet facilities are available. However, the traditional folk aesthetic includes uneven surfaces and narrow passages in some older locations. Contact the specific branch for detailed accessibility information before visiting.

Food Nearby

All Korchma locations sit within mixed commercial districts with cafes, fast-food options, and grocery shops within walking distance. The Mokhovaya Street location is steps away from museum cafes and the Kremlin precinct. Locations near Leninsky Prospekt and Pyatnitskaya Street have local shops and other restaurants within 5–10 minutes' walk. Delivery from nearby venues is available through apps.

What to Bring

A light jacket even in summer, as restaurants maintain cool temperatures indoors. Cash for tips and small purchases if you prefer not to use cards. Comfortable shoes* for walking between metro and the restaurant entrance. No special items are needed for dining.

Photography Rules

Interior photography for personal use is generally permitted. Tripods, commercial equipment and flash photography require permission from management. Ask staff before photographing staff or other diners. No drones or outdoor photography restrictions apply.

Family Suitability

Korchma is genuinely welcoming to families with children. High chairs are available, children's menus exist at most locations, and the loud, festive atmosphere accommodates playing children. Stroller access is good on ground-floor locations, though older premises with narrow corridors may present challenges. The food is comforting and familiar to most children, and service is patient with families during off-peak hours.

Moscow Vibes Tips

• Arrive before 18:00 on weekdays if you want to avoid queues; Friday and weekend evenings often require 30–60 minute waits at popular locations.
• Start with salo and appetizers while waiting for hot dishes; these are often brought automatically and warm you into the meal.
• Budget for house infusions if you want an authentic experience; they pair perfectly with rich dishes and are part of the traditional meal ritual.
• Try a location you haven't heard of; less central branches (e.g., north of the ring road) maintain the same quality but attract fewer tourists and offer shorter waits.
• Book ahead for groups or if celebrating; staff can prepare a reserved table with a tablecloth and pre-set menu for groups of 8 or more.
• Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening if you want to experience live folk music; most central locations feature performers from 19:00 onwards.

Where to Find Korchma in Moscow

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FAQ: Korchma

Is Korchma Ukrainian or Russian food?

Korchma is specialized in traditional Ukrainian cuisine, though many dishes are also familiar in Russian kitchens. The borshch, dumplings and pork dishes are distinctly Ukrainian in origin, preparation and atmosphere. The restaurant deliberately preserves this identity through decoration, staff dress and language on menus.

Do I need to book in advance?

Reservations are not essential for small groups (1–4 people) on weekdays or early evenings. For larger groups or weekend visits, booking is recommended to avoid 30–60 minute waits. Contact the restaurant directly or use the official website.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Dumplings with cheese and potato, crepes with berry fillings, syrniki (fried cheese pancakes) and salads are available. Request the vegetarian menu or ask staff for options; many dishes can be modified on request.

What is pampushky?

Pampushky are garlic donuts served alongside borshch. They are soft, airy fried dough balls infused with garlic, traditionally soaked in the soup or eaten alongside it. They are a signature part of the borshch experience.

How much alcohol is in kvas and nastoyka?

Kvas is a cold drink with a small percentage of alcohol, typically 0.5–1.5%. House infusions (nastoyka) are more potent, usually 40% alcohol by volume, similar to vodka. Both are optional and can be declined in favour of non-alcoholic drinks.

Are there different menus at different locations?

All locations serve the same core menu, though some central branches offer extended menus or special dishes. The experience, portion sizes and atmosphere are consistent across locations. Ask staff about specials on the day of your visit.

Can I pay by card?

Most locations accept Russian-issued cards and local digital payments; cards issued outside Russia and Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to them do not work, so bring cash. Cash is always welcome and may receive a small discount at some older branches. Check with your specific location if you prefer one payment method.

What time is best to avoid crowds?

Lunch hours (12:00–14:00) and weekday early evenings (17:00–18:00) are quietest. Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest after 19:00. Late-night hours (past 22:00) are less crowded except after 01:00 at central locations.

Local Dishes to Try Here

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  Borscht (Борщ)
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Chicken Kiev (Котлета по-киевски)
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Herring Under a Fur Coat (Селёдка под шубой)
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Kompot (Компот)
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Kvass (Квас)
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Vareniki (Вареники)

Looking for more on this? Borscht: How to Make Traditional Russian Red Beet Soup (Russia Vibes)

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