Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, has been one of the most important centers of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada for over a century. According to the latest census, more than 350,000 residents of the province have Ukrainian roots, and the city itself has more than two dozen specialty shops, restaurants, and cafes offering Ukrainian products and services. For new immigrants arriving in Canada under the CUAET program, on a work visa, or through other channels, this question often arises in the early days of adaptation. Where can you find familiar products? Where can you buy salo, buckwheat, or traditional Ukrainian dishes? Who speaks Ukrainian and understands cultural nuances when you go out to eat? These questions concern everyone who has left Ukraine and is starting a new life in a new country.
The simple answer is yes, there are Ukrainian stores in Edmonton, but they are not located everywhere, and often only those who are actively interested in the community or already have friends in the city know about their existence. These stores and cafes form a network that helps Ukrainians stay in touch with their culture, traditions, and tastes of home. Some of them have opened recently, especially after 2022, when a new wave of immigrants arrived in Canada as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Others have been around for decades and have become an integral part of the city's cultural landscape.
Specialized Ukrainian stores and cafes: new and old
Multicook Edmonton: the first establishment of its kind in Canada
One of the most interesting developments in the Edmonton Ukrainian community was the opening of Multicook Edmonton in March 2024. Located at 17204 95 Ave NW in the Terra Losa neighborhood, this company became the first establishment in Canada to specialize exclusively in frozen homemade meals based on traditional Ukrainian recipes. The founder, Volodymyr Kostyuchenko, an immigrant from Ukraine, described the opening process as complex and lengthy — a year of preparatory work, searching for suppliers, developing recipes, and setting up production.
Kostiuchenko deliberately hired only Ukrainian immigrants to preserve the authenticity of the cooking and ensure that each serving tasted like real home cooking. This decision had a profound meaning — the person who cooks understands not only the technology, but also the culture, traditions, and details that make Ukrainian cuisine truly Ukrainian. The menu includes over 100 items: 18 types of varenyky (dumplings with potatoes and cheese, cabbage, meat, mushrooms, cottage cheese, and berries), zrazy (stuffed meat rolls), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), several varieties of borscht, vegetarian and vegan options, pizzas made according to Ukrainian recipes, and much more.
However, Kostyuchenko emphasized an important detail: “There are places that prepare similar food, but it's not quite the same.” This reflects the reality of the adaptation and evolution of dishes in a new environment. Vareniki at Multicook may be prepared with Canadian ingredients—cheddar instead of traditional homemade cheese, Canadian butter, and potatoes—but the technology and soul of the dish remain Ukrainian. In addition to frozen foods, the store offers canned goods imported from Ukraine, top-quality horseradish, and tomatoes from well-known brands, which, according to the owner, “remind you of the taste of home.” Prices are reasonable compared to other specialty stores, and the staff is ready to help and ask what products you need and how to prepare them.
Multicook employees often become trusted advisors to new immigrants who are looking for recipes, advice on adapting dishes to Canadian ingredients, or simply want to talk in Ukrainian about how to settle in Canada. It's not just a store—it's a small cultural center where people can share their experiences of adaptation and help each other.
DONYA Ukraine's Kitchen: from dream to reality
If Multicook was the first frozen food store, DONYA Ukraine's Kitchen was the first kitchen business in Canada founded entirely by newcomers from Ukraine in 2023. Located at 12153 Fort Road NW, this company was born from a simple idea: “to make peace through varenyky and keep Ukrainian traditions alive in every dish.” The founders, two women from Ukraine, started out as a small café where they cooked meals for local Ukrainians. The success was so great that they expanded their operation and began distributing their products through other retail chains.
Today, DONYA products are available not only in their own café on Fort Road, but also in the Italian Centre Shop chain of Italian grocery stores (four locations in Edmonton and one in Calgary), North Central Co-op supermarkets, L'OCA Quality Market, and Acme Meat Market butcher shops. This means greatly expanded access for people living in different parts of the city. Instead of driving to the outskirts to a specialty store, people can buy DONYA dumplings at their local hot supermarket in Hawkstone, Chappelle, Valleyview, or even at an Italian store in the city center.
DONYA's menu includes classic dishes — dumplings with potatoes and cheese, cabbage, meat — but also experiments with new ideas, such as vegan dumplings and modern adaptations of traditional recipes. The staff at DONYA speak Ukrainian, understand the culture, and can tell you about each dish, its history, and how best to prepare it. In addition, the founders actively support Ukraine by donating a portion of their profits to charity and leaving a box for volunteer contributions right at the checkout.
Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods: a reputation built over years
Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods is located at 8103 127 Ave NW #9 and is one of the oldest Ukrainian bakeries and cafes in the city. Although the exact date of its founding is not in public records, this establishment's reputation as a purveyor of quality Ukrainian food goes back decades. The establishment offers a wide selection of fresh and frozen dishes, including gluten-free varenyky, which local consumers (both Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian) consider to be the best in the city.
Yo Baba has a reputation as a true family business, where everything is prepared at home using traditional techniques. Unlike larger commercial establishments, Yo Baba has an aura of authenticity — it is a place where recipes are passed down from generation to generation, where each dish is prepared with heart, not on a conveyor belt. The bakery is known for its fresh pastries — buns, doughnuts, bread, cakes — which stay warm throughout the day. People often come for the aroma and warm atmosphere of this small Ukrainian establishment, where you are welcomed like a member of the family.
Yo Baba is located in the western part of the city, so for people from the east or near the center, it may be a bit of a trip, but most Ukrainians think it's worth it. The place is often crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, when Ukrainians come to buy food for family gatherings.
Uncle Ed's Restaurant: a legend of Edmonton Ukrainian cuisine
Uncle Ed's Restaurant, located at 4824 118 Avenue, is a legend of Edmonton Ukrainian cuisine. This restaurant has been voted the best Ukrainian restaurant in the city for seven years in a row (according to local reviews and community voting). Just sitting in Uncle Ed's means immersing yourself in an atmosphere that has been preserved for decades — from wooden furniture to Ukrainian tablecloths, from photographs of Chernivtsi and Kyiv on the walls to live music with mostly Ukrainian songs on busy evenings.
Uncle Ed's is owned by the Stawnichy family, which has deep roots in Alberta's Ukrainian community. The Stawnichys also own Mundare Sausage House in the town of Mundare, located 45 minutes northeast of Edmonton. Mundare is a legendary place for Canadian Ukrainians: the town was founded by Ukrainian settlers in the early 20th century and remains a centre for traditional Ukrainian crafts, especially sausage and salo making. The Stawnichy family draws on the best traditions of this local production.
At Uncle Ed's, you can not only taste traditional Ukrainian dishes — borscht, varenyky, holubtsi, roast beef, fish with garlic sauce — but also purchase imported European goods, including delicacies, canned goods, and some cuts of meat that are not available in regular supermarkets. The menu changes with the seasons, and the restaurant often brings in chefs from Ukraine for events and special menus. The atmosphere makes this a place where people celebrate — weddings, birthdays, anniversaries of emigration to Canada.
Prices at Uncle Ed's are reasonable for a restaurant, although higher than at diners. But people pay not only for the food, but for the experience — the opportunity to hear Ukrainian, see Ukrainian decor, and feel like they've returned to their homeland for a few hours.
Malina Ukrainian Bakery and Eatery: a new voice in the community
Malina Ukrainian Bakery and Eatery is located in southwest Edmonton and is a wholly Ukrainian-owned business specializing in baked goods, coffee, and frozen foods. It is a relatively new establishment that emerged in response to the growing demand among Ukrainians for quality baked goods and coffee. Unlike larger commercial coffee shops, Malina offers a genuine Ukrainian atmosphere — cups of coffee with hot buns, conversation in Ukrainian, and music in the background.
The owners of Malina actively support Ukraine. In addition to the usual cups at the cash register, there is a large donation box where people can leave any amount to support Ukraine. Many customers put money in it, knowing that it goes directly to those in need in Ukraine. This creates a community not only around food, but also around goals and values.
Malina is famous for its fresh pastries — buns, donuts, gingerbread, baklava, and other traditional Ukrainian and Eastern European delicacies. The coffee is also made with quality — often using machines from Italy and coffee beans from high-quality roasters. The establishment has become a favorite place for young Ukrainians, students, and people looking for a more modern interpretation of traditional cuisine.
Shumka Ukrainian Foods: classic name, classic store
Shumka Ukrainian Foods is a long-standing store that has become part of the Edmonton institution. Although it is not considered by many in the newer media to be as new as other stores, Shumka remains a reliable source of traditional Ukrainian products and ready-made meals for the older generation of Ukrainians and those who value stability and time-tested quality.
At Shumka, you can find traditional products such as buckwheat, flour, sugar, various canned goods, dried mushrooms, beans, and other basic ingredients needed to prepare Ukrainian dishes. The store also offers ready-made meals and baked goods, although the selection is more traditional and less experimental than at newer establishments.
The staff at Shumka often consists of people who have lived in Canada for a long time, sometimes from the first or second wave of immigrants. They can give advice on how to best buy products, how to replace hard-to-find ingredients, or simply tell you about their compatriots from Ukraine.
Ukrainian products in general supermarkets
Expansion of Ukrainian Products in Major Chains
The big news in recent years is that large supermarket chains in Edmonton are gradually expanding their range of Ukrainian and Eastern European products. This is happening both because of organic growth in demand (due to the growth of the population with Ukrainian roots) and because of specific demand that arose after 2022, when many new immigrants from Ukraine arrived in Canada.
At Loblaws, Food Basics, FreshCo, and Walmart, you can find buckwheat, mainly produced in Bila Tserkva, as well as sunflower oil, often labeled “Made in Ukraine” on the packaging. These stores understand that Ukrainians make up a significant segment of Alberta's population, so they are expanding their respective departments. Costco periodically offers Ukrainian oil and other products, especially during the holiday seasons and around Ukraine's Independence Day (August 24) or Canada Day (July 1), when many communities organize celebrations.
Italian Centre Shop: a complex ally
One of the most interesting developments in Edmonton's ethnic food market is the expansion of the Italian Centre Shop. This chain of Italian grocery stores, with four locations in Edmonton and one in Calgary, specializes primarily in Italian products, but despite its specialization, it actively cooperates with Ukrainian producers, especially DONYA Ukraine's Kitchen.
In these stores, products from Ukrainian manufacturers are placed in the frozen food section, among other ethnic goods. This decision has made Ukrainian dishes much more accessible to people living in different parts of the city. Instead of having to know about specialty stores, people can come across DONYA vareniki while shopping at their local Italian Centre Shop. The staff at these stores are often knowledgeable about ethnic products and can recommend how to prepare frozen meals.
North Central Co-op: a cooperative alternative
North Central Co-op has locations in many areas of Edmonton, including Hawkstone (18370 Lessard Road NW), Chappelle (1025 Chappelle Blvd SW), and Orchards Food Store (6785 25 Ave SW). It is a cooperative chain of stores that traditionally focuses on organic and local products. Due to the effects of its policy of expanding its ethnic product range, North Central Co-op is also starting to offer products from Ukrainian producers in its frozen food section.
Some North Central Co-op locations are in areas with large Ukrainian immigrant populations, so they have been quicker to adapt their product range. Co-op staff are often more aware of the environmental and social aspects of food, so they may be interested in working with Ukrainian producers who use traditional methods and support the community.
L'OCA Quality Market: an elite alternative
L'OCA Quality Market in Sherwood Park (340 Baseline Rd) and Valleyview (9106 142 Street NW) positions itself as a high-quality market, spending more time curating products than offering a mass assortment. In these stores, Ukrainian dishes are presented among other ethnic products, but in a more select context. The staff here understands the quality and origin of the products and can often tell you about each dish, its history, and how best to prepare it.
L'OCA often selects products that meet certain quality standards — organic, without artificial additives, from truly traditional producers. This means that products at L'OCA may cost more than at other stores, but they are made under conditions that guarantee quality and authenticity.
Meat products and delicacies: the search for real salo
Specialized meat shops
To prepare authentic Ukrainian sausage, salo, and meat delicacies, it is important to know local producers, as large supermarkets often do not have what Ukrainians need. Stawnichy's Ukrainian Sausage and Widynowski's Sausage House in Edmonton offer sausages made from local Alberta pork and beef using Ukrainian recipes.
Stawnichy's is a family business steeped in sausage-making traditions that date back to mundare and ancient methods. They use natural spices, add no artificial preservatives, and each sausage is made according to traditional recipes that have been passed down through the decades. It's not cheap — the sausage costs more than mass-produced supermarket brands — but people who eat Stawnichy's say it's real sausage that tastes like home.
Halenda's Meats has several locations in the province where you can order salo by asking for “Ukrainian style salo.” Salo is one of the most culturally significant foods for Ukrainians. It's not just food, it's a symbol, part of their identity. But Canadian salo is often not what Ukrainians expect. At Halenda's, people understand the difference and can offer real Ukrainian salo, salted, smoked, or marinated according to traditional recipes.
Acme Meat Market: freshness and quality
Acme Meat Market is located at 9570 76 Ave NW and is a source of quality local meat, including pork bones for broth, which are often hard to find in regular supermarkets. It is a traditional butcher shop where you can order cuts of meat exactly to the size you need and get cooking tips.
The staff at Acme understands that many of their customers are Ukrainians who cook traditional dishes, so they are happy to cut meat specifically for borscht, stuffed cabbage rolls, or sausage. They know which quality of meat to choose for which dishes and can recommend the best cuts for a particular recipe.
Ukrainian products: where to buy the main ingredients
Buckwheat: an ancient grain in modern Edmonton
Buckwheat is a staple food for Ukrainians. It is used in stuffed cabbage rolls instead of rice, in kulish, in various porridges and side dishes. In Canada, it is more difficult to find, especially high-quality buckwheat that will not turn to mush in the first few minutes of cooking.
At FreshCo and Walmart, you can find Bilotserkivska buckwheat, which is often located in the organic or health food section. However, the quality is often inferior to Ukrainian buckwheat. Buckwheat in Canada is often overcooked or floury because of how it is processed before export. When cooked, it breaks down faster than Ukrainian buckwheat.
An alternative is buckwheat from European producers, which is often simply repackaged Ukrainian buckwheat, but costs more. It is important to read the packaging carefully so as not to buy Russian or Belarusian buckwheat, which sometimes enters the Canadian market through intermediaries.
The price of Bila Tserkva buckwheat in large stores is usually twice as high as in Ukraine, but it is cheaper than European equivalents. Some people order buckwheat online from Ukraine through international delivery services, but this is often more expensive due to shipping and customs duties.
Flour: adapting to Canadian standards
Ukrainian cuisine requires different types of flour. High-grade wheat flour for varenyky, buckwheat flour for pancakes and dumplings, corn flour for kulish — each has its own significance. In Canadian supermarkets, flour is labeled according to gluten content rather than grade, as in Ukraine.
All-purpose flour (containing about 10-12% protein) roughly corresponds to Ukrainian first grade flour and is suitable for most dishes, but for varenyky dough, it is better to use bread flour with a higher protein content (12-14%), as it is more elastic and less prone to tearing during cooking. Bread flour can be found in all supermarkets in the baking section.
Buckwheat flour is less common in Canada, but it can be found in health food stores, especially those that offer gluten-free alternatives. Corn flour is easy to find in all stores, as it is in demand for both cooking and baking.
Dairy products: the problem of cheese and sour cream
One of the biggest problems for Ukrainian immigrants is the lack of traditional cheese and sour cream. In Ukraine, varenyky with potatoes and cheese are made with homemade cheese (tvohorok) or cheese that can be substituted for cottage cheese. But in Canada, this product is difficult to find in its pure form. Hard cheeses are everywhere, but soft cottage cheese is rare.
The first Ukrainian settlers replaced it with cheddar, which was the most popular cheese in Alberta in the early 20th century. Today, Multicook Edmonton and other places offer varenyky with both traditional cheese (if it can be imported) and cheddar, adapting to Canadian tastes. This is not a low-quality compromise alternative — it is a genuine adaptation that has become part of the Canadian Ukrainian tradition.
Sour cream in Canada differs from Ukrainian sour cream in fat content and consistency. Canadian sour cream has a fat content of 14-16%, while traditional Ukrainian sour cream has a fat content of 25-30%. To get closer to the traditional taste, you can mix 14% sour cream with heavy cream in a 2:1 ratio. The result will be closer to real smetana. At Italian Centre Shop and L'OCA Quality Market, you can sometimes find European smetana with a higher fat content, which is closer in taste to Ukrainian smetana.
Butter in Canada is high quality and readily available. Salted butter and unsalted butter are available in all stores. It is recommended to use unsalted butter for most recipes, except for some sweet dishes where salted butter adds a specific flavor.
Meat and lard: the art of ordering
To make sausage and salo, it is important to know the local terminology. In Edmonton meat shops, you can order salo by asking for “pork fat” or “lard,” but this often results in rendered fat in a jar or hard, inedible salo. The correct approach is to ask for “Ukrainian style salo” or to contact specialized producers.
Halenda's Meats and the meat departments at Uncle Ed's often understand Ukrainian requests and can offer authentic Ukrainian salo seasoned according to traditional recipes. It is important to establish a good relationship with the people at the meat shop — they will remember your preferences and set aside the best cuts for you.
Minced meat for stuffed cabbage rolls and zraz in Canada is made from pork and beef, in accordance with Ukrainian traditions. Stawnichy's and Widynowski's offer ready-made minced meat seasoned according to Ukrainian recipes, which greatly simplifies cooking for people who are in a hurry or unsure of their skills. Fresh minced meat can be ordered in any quantity from any butcher shop, sometimes even a day before you need it.
Vegetables and herbs: Canadian varieties and Ukrainian flavors
Beets for borscht in Canada are sweeter and more watery than Ukrainian beets. To achieve the traditional flavor, it is recommended to add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice during the cooking process. These ingredients not only add acidity, but also help preserve the red color of borscht, which is often lost when cooked in Canada.
Cabbage for stuffed cabbage rolls in supermarkets is often too thin and tears when rolled. Multicook Edmonton recommends using savoy cabbage or ordering cabbage directly from farmers at local markets. At Edmonton's farmers' markets (especially the Strathcona County Farmer's Market and other seasonal markets), you can find large, dense cabbage that is more suitable for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Potatoes for dumplings and deruny in Alberta are high in starch. Russet or Yukon Gold varieties give the best consistency for mashed potatoes. For deruny, it is important to squeeze the juice through cheesecloth so that the dough is not watery. Potatoes sold in Canada are often purchased a day or two before sale, so the quality is significantly higher than in Ukrainian markets.
Onions and garlic in Canada are less pungent than in Ukraine. When cooking, it is recommended to use 20-30% more to achieve the desired intensity of flavor. Dill and parsley are available fresh year-round in supermarkets, although they are cheaper and of higher quality in the summer. Some people grow their own herbs in pots on their windowsills or in their gardens.
Frequently asked questions: specific searches
Where to buy varenyky in Edmonton?
Vareniki can be purchased at all major specialty stores: Multicook Edmonton, DONYA Ukraine's Kitchen (both in their own café and through Italian Centre Shop and North Central Co-op), Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods, and Uncle Ed's Restaurant. If you live far from specialty stores, Italian Centre Shop and L'OCA Quality Market are located in different parts of the city.
Where to buy borscht in Edmonton?
Borscht, either fresh (made daily) or frozen, can be purchased at Multicook Edmonton, DONYA Ukraine's Kitchen, Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods, and Uncle Ed's Restaurant. Many other stores also offer borscht on holidays. DONYA distributes through Italian Centre Shop and North Central Co-op.
Where to buy Ukrainian salo in Edmonton?
Ukrainian salo can be purchased at Halenda's Meats, Stawnichy's Ukrainian Sausage, Widynowski's Sausage House, and in the specialty meat departments of Uncle Ed's Restaurant. It is important to order in advance, as authentic Ukrainian salo is not always in stock on regular days.
Where to buy products imported from Ukraine?
Canned goods, horseradish, tomatoes, and other products imported from Ukraine can be found at Multicook Edmonton, Uncle Ed's Restaurant, and other specialty stores. The assortment expands during Ukrainian holidays.
How to find these stores: practical tips
Most of these stores have Facebook pages or other online resources. Searching Google Maps for “Ukrainian Edmonton” or “Ukrainian stores Edmonton” will give you their locations and hours of operation. Local Ukrainian Facebook groups, such as “Ukrainians in Edmonton” or “Edmonton Ukrainian Community,” often have lists of stores and recommendations.
An inexpensive option is to ask at your local Ukrainian church, college, or center. People there have often lived in the city for a long time and can give you the best advice on where to buy this or that.
Conclusion: Edmonton's Ukrainian community is alive and thriving
Yes, there are Ukrainian stores in Edmonton, and their number is constantly growing. These stores are not only places where you can buy the products you need, but also cultural centers where people can hear the Ukrainian language, meet other immigrants, and feel part of the community. From newer establishments such as Multicook Edmonton and DONYA Ukraine's Kitchen to older stores such as Yo Baba and Shumka, Edmonton's Ukrainian community offers everyone looking for a connection to their culture the opportunity to find it.
For new immigrants, this means they are not alone, that there are people here who understand what they need, how they feel, and who are willing to help. It means being able to cook their favorite dishes, celebrate traditional holidays, speak Ukrainian, and pass on their culture to their children. A taste of home, at dawn, in a new country.