The annual Houston Borscht Cook-Off charity festival took place in Houston, Texas, bringing together the Ukrainian community, professional chefs, volunteers, and dozens of participants at Columbus Hall. The event, held as part of the HTX4Ukraine initiative under the motto “Save Lives — One Borscht at a Time,” aimed to raise funds in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. “Houston Borscht Cook-Off”, який зібрав в Columbus Hall українську громаду, професійних кухарів, волонтерів і десятки учасників. Захід відбувся в межах ініціативи HTX4Ukraine під гаслом “Рятуйте життя – по одному борщу за раз” та мав на меті зібрати кошти на підтримку Збройних сил України.
This was reported by the HTX4Ukraine and Houston Borscht Cook-Off.
This year’s festival became the largest of its kind, uniting dozens of participants, volunteers, Ukrainian cuisine enthusiasts, artists, and donors.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined our culinary festival. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and support are our shared contribution to the fight for freedom,” the organizers said.
This year’s judging panel included Vitalii Tarasiuk, Consul General of Ukraine in Houston; Ryan LaCain, chef at State of Grace; Andriy Burchak, CEO of SUMA Federal Credit Union; and Jonathan Levine, chef at Jonathan’s the Rub. головний виконавчий директор SUMA Federal Credit Union Андрій Бурчак та шеф-кухар “Jonathan’s the Rub” Джонатан Левін.
“We are proud to be part of this event, because borscht is more than a dish — it is a symbol of unity, resilience, and culture,” SUMA Federal Credit Union noted.
The festival’s honorary guests also included Ukrainian consuls and representatives of U.S. authorities, among them Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, who reaffirmed her unwavering support for Ukraine.
The award for Best Borscht (Judges’ Choice) went to the team “Borscht & Girls.” Their recipe received the highest score from the judges. The team “Ridna Shkola” won the People’s Choice Award, as visitors selected their borscht as the favorite. “Babushyna Khata” received the award for Best Presentation.
“For us, this was an incredibly rewarding experience — to show our skills, meet other participants, and feel the true spirit of Ukrainian cuisine. We are beyond happy that our borscht won first place. It is a great honor and great joy for our team,” said Kateryna Kolesnikova of “Borscht & Girls.”», – поділилася враженнями Катерина Колеснікова з команди “Borscht & Girls”.
The festival also featured a charity marketplace showcasing creations by Ukrainian artisans. Guests could purchase embroidered jewelry in the style of Ukie embroidery, homemade baked goods from Soul Loaf Home Bakery, handmade accessories by NataYoBijou, art kits by Lumina Fluid Art, smoked meats, and various souvenirs. A children’s entertainment program and activities were also offered.
Renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko recorded a special video message encouraging Ukrainian communities around the world to hold similar events. He emphasized that “every fundraiser, every bowl of borscht, every act of solidarity matters.”
Photo: Houston Borscht Cook-Off
Author: Inna Mikhno