About my story

One day, I was assisting at an exclusive dinner hosted by renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko.

My name is Ruslana Cacka.

I was born in picturesque Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, a region where culture and traditions are passed down from generation to generation. I lived in Europe for some time, and for the past three years, I have been living in Australia, a country I have grown to love. I realised that this is where I want to stay.

I have always believed that food is more than just nourishment. It carries history, emotions, and a deep connection to one’s roots. With 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have come to understand not only the art of cooking but also the deeper meaning of food as a reflection of a nation’s identity.

  • How did I know this idea would work?

    Some time later, I attended an event where many Ukrainians had gathered. We sang Ukrainian songs, shared stories about our homeland, and reminisced about our roots. It was a moment of unity, where each of us felt deeply connected to our culture.

    But something was missing.

    Imagine this: we were talking about traditions, about Ukraine, about our identity, yet we were eating something entirely different. That was when I became even more convinced that Borscht is not just food—it is a symbol, a connection to home, a taste that brings us back to our heritage.

    I knew I wanted to make Ukrainian Borscht accessible to everyone—no matter where they were.

  • What makes Borscht unique?

    Ukrainian Borscht is more than just a dish.

    ✔️ Every cook has their own unique recipe, passed down from generation to generation.
    ✔️ It has a rich history—the first recorded mention of Borscht dates back to 1584 in Kyiv.
    ✔️ It is a national pride—thanks to Yevhen Klopotenko’s efforts, in 2022, Borscht was officially recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    In Europe, Ukrainian Borscht is well-known, but in Australia, it is almost unheard of. That’s why I want to introduce it not only to Australians but also to all nationalities living here, so they can experience this unique dish.