Is This Kyiv's Best Shashlik? A Deep Dive into 'Shashlikyan's' Affordable Delights

Kyiv's Culinary Secret: Uncovering the 'Shashlikyan' Experience Kyiv residents are buzzing about a local eatery, 'Shashlikyan,' rumored to serve the city's most delectable and affordable shashlik. A recent review by local blogger Vadym Hrinko put these claims to the test, offering a detailed look into the restaurant's offerings and atmosphere. Hrinko began his culinary journey at the 'Shashlikyan' branch located at Velyka Vasylkivska, 114. Despite an interior that suggests a higher price point, the menu revealed surprisingly budget-friendly options. Chicken shashlik was priced at 90 UAH, while the Armenian dish Zhingyalov Hats cost 111 UAH. Salads were available around 200 UAH, with a complimentary appetizer. The reviewer first sampled the Zhingyalov Hats, describing it as a flavorful Armenian flatbread, not overly greasy and generously filled with meat. However, the true highlight was the much-anticipated shashlik. Hrinko enthusiastically praised it as "divinely delicious," noting its exceptional tenderness, juiciness, and ease of consumption. The meal concluded with a sweet baklava served with ice cream. 'Shashlikyan' boasts 14 locations across Kyiv and its surrounding region, with similar restaurant formats also found in Pozniaky and Arsenalna. This widespread presence, combined with the positive review, suggests 'Shashlikyan' could indeed be a hidden gem for those seeking authentic and well-priced Eastern cuisine in the Ukrainian capital.