Moving to a new country always comes with many challenges, and one of the most significant is finding familiar foods and ingredients that allow you to cook your favorite dishes from home. For Ukrainian newcomers to Edmonton, questions such as "Where can I find sour cream like at home? “ or ”Is there any decent buckwheat here?" become an everyday reality. Fortunately, Edmonton has one of the largest Ukrainian communities in Canada, which means that the city offers a wide selection of specialty stores, farmers' markets, and large supermarkets where you can find both authentic Ukrainian products and their Canadian equivalents.
This article is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Edmonton's food landscape. We'll look at specialty Ukrainian and Eastern European stores where you can buy imported goods from Ukraine, large chain supermarkets with international sections, farmers' markets with Ukrainian vendors, and explain in detail which Canadian products can replace your favorite Ukrainian ingredients. Understanding these nuances will not only help you save time and money, but also make the process of adapting to Canadian life much more enjoyable and delicious.
Specialized Ukrainian and Eastern European stores in Edmonton
Edmonton is proud to have several excellent specialty stores that offer authentic Ukrainian and Eastern European products. These stores are real treasures for those who want to find the taste of home, because here you can buy both imported goods directly from Ukraine and products from local manufacturers who adhere to traditional recipes.
European Market & Produce: Eastern European assortment in Callingwood
Address: 6607 - 177 Street, Callingwood Square Phone: 780-487-4816 Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
European Market & Produce is one of the most popular places to find Eastern European products in Edmonton. This store specializes mainly in goods from Eastern Europe and offers a wide range of products that are familiar to Ukrainian shoppers.
What you can find:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Meat and sausage products with a European flavor
- Dairy products (sour cream, cheeses)
- Fish delicacies
- Frozen foods
- Preserves
- Grains and cereals
- Sweets and drinks
- Products from Kazakhstan, Estonia, and Belarus
- Caviar, meat products, and confectionery from Odessa, New York, Moscow, and Kyiv
- Kvass
Features:
- Small library of Russian-language books and magazines
- About 100 classic comedy shows, cartoons, films, and plays on various media
- Accepts orders by phone
- Credit card payment by phone
K&K Foodliner: European taste since 1956
Address: 9944 82 Ave NW, Old Strathcona Positioning: “Your European Taste of Home” Focus: Germany, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Ukraine, Finland, Croatia
K&K Foodliner is a true Edmonton institution that has been serving the European community for almost seventy years, since 1956. The store is the “Home of Hans,” indicating their specialization in German and Central European products, but Ukrainian goods are also widely represented in their assortment.
Specialization:
- Homemade European sausages
- Imported products
- European pasta
- Meat delicacies
- Cheeses
- Kvass from All Stars Beverages
Location: Close to Whyte Avenue in the Old Strathcona neighborhood, making it easily accessible to residents of southern Edmonton.
Multicook Edmonton: Fresh frozen meals from Ukrainian chefs
Address: 17204 95 Ave NW, Terra Losa Phone: 780-999-6039 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Established: March 2024
Multicook Edmonton is a relatively new but extremely interesting addition to Edmonton's Ukrainian culinary scene. Founded by Kostyuchenko, a Ukrainian lawyer who was forced to leave Ukraine due to the war, this business offers frozen homemade meals prepared according to traditional recipes.
Unique features:
- Both a kitchen and a store
- Ready-to-cook Ukrainian meals
- Over 100 different dishes
- 18 varieties of varenyky
- Zrazy (stuffed potato dish)
- Holubtsi
- Borscht
- All dishes are prepared by hand in an open kitchen
Ingredients:
- Many products are sourced locally
- Meat from Alberta
- Some spices and ingredients are imported from Ukraine
- Jars of pickles, horseradish, and tomatoes with Ukrainian labels
Features:
- The team consists entirely of Ukrainian immigrants
- Vegan and vegetarian versions of dishes
- Especially popular during the Christmas holidays
DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen: social entrepreneurship through food
Founded: 2023 Status: Canada's first Ukrainian culinary enterprise run by newcomers Name: “DON'YA” means “special daughter” in Ukrainian
History
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2022 | Launch of “FreeStore for Ukrainian Newcomers,” helping ~20,000 newcomers |
| January 2023 | First culinary pop-up with First Nation chef |
| June 2023 | Opening of the first specialized kitchen at Butchers & Packers |
| January 2025 | Opening of own production space and retail café |
Achievements:
- Products now available at all Italian Centre Shop locations in Alberta
- First Ukrainian culinary enterprise for newcomers in a retail chain
- Currently employs ~25 newcomer staff
Italian Centre Shop locations:
- Little Italy: 10878 95 St, Edmonton, AB T5H 2E4
- South Edmonton: 5028 104a St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 6A2
- West Edmonton: 17010 90 Ave NW #120, Edmonton, AB T5T 1L6
Community activities:
- Organizing Ukrainian DJ parties in the summer on Jasper Avenue
- Creating a space for community building through music and food
Other specialty stores and suppliers
Orbit Ukrainian Store
Address: 10219 97 St NW
A general store with a variety of products. The website is not very informative.
Malina Bakery
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Specialization:
- Fresh baked goods
- Hot food
- Fresh paska (Ukrainian Easter bread)
- Traditional Ukrainian baked goods
Yo Baba Foods
Specialization: Ukrainian food
Assortment:
- Wide selection of varenyky
- Gluten-free options
- Products also available at Bountiful Farmers' Market
Marina's Cuisine
Type: Local producer, wholesale offerings
Offering:
- Pelmeni (meat dumplings)
- Vareniki
- Pancakes
- Other traditional Eastern European dishes
Large chain supermarkets with international sections
Although specialty stores offer the most authentic Ukrainian products, large Canadian chain supermarkets also have international sections where you can find many of the ingredients you need. The advantage of these stores is their accessibility, convenient hours, and competitive prices.
Italian Centre Shop: An Italian-European paradise for foodies
Locations in Edmonton:
- Little Italy
- South Edmonton
- West Edmonton
Assortment:
- Fresh bread and pastries
- Cheeses
- Chocolate
- Pasta
- Delicatessen meats
- Olive oil
- Preserves
- DON'YA handmade dumplings, stuffed cabbage rolls, and borscht (frozen foods)
Additional services:
- Café with pizza, coffee, pastries, and gelato
- Professional, fast staff
- Clean, newly renovated store
- Parking in front of and around the store
Real Canadian Superstore: the largest selection of international products
Part of: Loblaws Companies chain Location in Edmonton: 4410 17 St NW Hours: Early morning to late evening
In the international section:
- Rice, lentils, and various types of beans
- Snacks, cookies, and crackers
- Baking ingredients (various types of flour)
- Spices and seasonings
- Tea, coffee, and beverages
- Oils (including sunflower oil)
- Canned and pickled products
- Sauces and condiments
- Frozen meals, desserts, and vegetables
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Baked goods
- Dairy products (yogurt, cheese)
Special feature:
- Organic whole grain rye flour from Anita's Organic Mill for $8.99/kg
Safeway/Sobeys: European section with traditional products
Owner: Sobeys Inc. Example location: 5110 Windermere Boulevard (Windermere) Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
European section:
- Specialty flours
- Preserves
- Snacks and beverages
Advantages:
- Loyalty programs for savings
- Numerous locations throughout the city in residential areas
- Convenient for everyday shopping
Walmart: affordable European products
Section: International products
Assortment:
- Olives
- Sauces
- Spices
- Pasta
- Canned goods
- Snacks
- Fresh beets in 2-pound bags (for borscht)
Advantages:
- Competitive prices
- Convenience
Loblaws CityMarket: urban supermarket in the Ice District
Address: 10308 103 ST NW, Connect Centre (second floor) Opened: Fall 2020 Size: 22,000 sq. ft. Concept: “urban concept” specifically for city dwellers
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Phone: 780-990-0273
Offering:
- Chef-prepared meals (takeout)
- Organic and gluten-free options
- In-store butcher
- 12-foot cheese wall
- Underground parking
- Covered walkway system
T&T Supermarket: Asian supermarket with European section
Locations:
- West Edmonton Mall
- Calgary Trail (with food court)
Specialization: Asian products (primarily)
International section:
- Eastern European goods (occasionally)
- Wide selection of fresh produce
- Sauces
- Noodles
- Dumplings
- Snacks
Co-op Food Stores: supporting local communities
Management: North Central Co-op Locations in the Greater Edmonton area:
- Stony Plain
- Sherwood Park
- Fort Saskatchewan
- Spruce Grove
- St. Albert
Structure: Cooperative stores owned by their members
Assortment:
- Meat and seafood
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Bakery
- Baking ingredients
- Dairy products
- International products
Membership benefits:
- Receive a percentage of your purchases at the end of the year
Edmonton Farmers' Markets: Fresh Produce and Ukrainian Suppliers
Edmonton's farmers' markets are a great place not only to buy fresh local produce, but also to meet Ukrainian suppliers offering traditional dishes and baked goods. These markets create a unique community atmosphere and allow you to interact directly with food producers.
Bountiful Farmers' Market: 120+ suppliers year-round
Address: 9770 - 37 Avenue (97 Street near 37 Avenue) Location: Southeast Edmonton Open: June 2019 Status: The city's largest indoor year-round farmers market
Hours (every weekend):
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Features:
- 120+ different vendors
- 80%+ local artisans
- 80% local food and 20% from other provinces
- Fruit mainly from British Columbia
Ukrainian vendors at Bountiful
Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods
- Handmade varenyky (25 pieces per bag with potatoes, onions, and bacon)
- Traditional paska (small size)
- Other Ukrainian delicacies
- Gluten-free varenyky (considered some of the best in town)
Alyonka Bakery
- Ossetian pies (with cherries, potatoes, and mushrooms)
- Pink crispy flat croissants
- Dishes from different regions of the former USSR
Confetti Sweets
- Easter cookies
- Gingerbread cookies
- Carrot cake cookies
- Price: ~$25 per cookie set
- Quality: Worth the price
Other vendors at the market
- Effing Seafoods
- Field Stone Fruit Wines
- Holden Colony Produce
- Honest Dumplings
- Irvings Farm
- Steve and Dan's Fresh BC Fruit
- Canadian Kettle Corn Inc.
- Riverbend Gardens
Additional amenities:
- Ethnic food hall
- Stage for events
- Children's play area
- Cultural festivals throughout the year (Ukrainian, Russian, Indian, Chinese)
Parking:
- Free
- Main parking lot can be crowded during peak hours
- Newly opened overflow parking lot
Access:
- Car
- Bus
- Bicycle
- From Anthony Henday, Whitemud Drive, 99 Street, 34 Avenue, and 91 Street
Downtown City Market and Old Strathcona Farmer's Market
Features:
- Smaller than Bountiful
- Old Strathcona: indoor year-round market
- Downtown City Market: moves to City Hall in winter
Offering:
- Mainly local products and handicrafts
- Ukrainian suppliers are not widely represented
- Fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and baked goods from local farmers
Canadian equivalents of Ukrainian products: what to buy instead
One of the most difficult aspects of adapting to a new country is understanding which local products can replace the familiar ingredients from home. Canadian supermarkets offer a huge selection of products, but it is not always clear what to buy to achieve the desired taste and texture in dishes.
Dairy products: from sour cream to cottage cheese
Sour cream (Smetana)
Ukrainian sour cream vs. Canadian sour cream:
| Characteristics | Ukrainian sour cream | Canadian sour cream |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | 15-30% | 14-18% |
| Taste | Mild | More sour |
| Acidity | Lower | Higher |
Solution 1: Mixing
- Mix sour cream with heavy whipping cream (35-38% fat)
- Proportion: approximately 2:1 or 3:1
- Result: consistency and taste close to Ukrainian smetana
Solution 2: Crème fraîche
- Crème fraîche
- Fat: ~30%
- Acidity: lower than sour cream
- Result: closer to smetana
Alternative:
- The Daisy brand (USA) is closest to Ukrainian sour cream, but not as readily available in Canada
- European stores in Edmonton: authentic sour cream from Eastern Europe (higher fat content)
Tvorog (Cottage cheese)
Ukrainian tvorog vs. Canadian cottage cheese:
| Characteristics | Ukrainian Tvorog | Canadian Cottage Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Fresh cheese | Grains in cream/milk |
| Moisture | Low | High |
| Texture | Grainy and dense | Large separate lumps |
Closest Canadian equivalent: Farmer Cheese
Also known as:
- Pressed cottage cheese
- Dry curd cottage cheese
- Baker's cheese
- Quark
How it is made: Milk is heated → curds form → left → dense, sliced cheese
Canadian producers:
- Liberté Natural Foods – firm Eastern European quark
- Foothills Creamery (Didsbury, Alberta) – softer German quark
- Glengarry Fine Cheesemaking (Lancaster, Eastern Ontario) – Quark
- Dairyland – Dry Curd Cottage Cheese (very similar to cottage cheese)
Where to buy:
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Other large supermarkets
- Look for: “farmer cheese,” “pressed cottage cheese,” or “quark”
DIY alternative:
- Make homemade cottage cheese from milk and sour cream/kefir
- Time: 10-14 hours of fermentation + heat treatment
Kefir
Status: Very similar to Ukrainian Availability: Widely available in most supermarkets Tip: Look for plain kefir without added sugar
Milk
Fat content options:
- Skim/0% – fat-free
- 1%
- 2%
- 3.25% (Whole milk) – homogenized, most similar to Ukrainian medium-fat milk
Cereals, flour, and grains
Buckwheat (Kasha)
Availability: Widely available in Canada
Types:
-
Roasted buckwheat (Kasha)
-
Color: brown
-
Taste: nutty
-
Use: traditional Ukrainian cuisine
-
Unroasted buckwheat (White buckwheat groats)
-
Color: light
-
Taste: milder
Where to buy:
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Walmart
- Safeway
- Bulk Barn – organic roasted buckwheat
- Online Organics – organic Canadian buckwheat
- Specialized health food stores
- European stores
Rye flour
Importance: Key ingredient for black bread and traditional Ukrainian baked goods
Canadian producers:
- Harvest Moon Mills (Calgary, Alberta) – whole grain rye flour with 10% protein content
- Bulk Barn – dark rye flour
- Dutch Delicious Bakery (Edmonton) – dark rye flour in 1 kg bags
- West Country Mills – rye flour in 4 kg bags
- Anita's Organic Mill – organic whole grain rye flour (available at Real Canadian Superstore)
Where to buy:
- Large supermarkets (bakery section)
- Health food stores
Tip: Look for “whole grain rye flour” or “dark rye flour”
Millet
Availability: Widely available Where: Canadian supermarkets and health food stores
Semolina
Canadian equivalent:
- Cream of Wheat
- Farina
Oils and fats
Sunflower oil
Availability: Most Canadian supermarkets Popularity: Less popular than canola or soybean oil
Where to buy:
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Walmart
- Safeway
- Next to other vegetable oils
Imported options from Ukraine:
- KAISSA
- Korolivsky Smak
- Majola
- National Ukrainian Traditions
- In Ukrainian and European stores in Edmonton
- More intense flavor, familiar to Ukrainians
Salo (Pork fat / Lard)
Availability: Meat sections of supermarkets For authentic salo: Check European stores or Ukrainian butchers (with layers of meat)
Vegetables and greens
Beets
Availability: Widely available year-round in all supermarkets
Purchase options:
- Individually
- In bags (usually 2 lb or 10 lb)
Where to buy:
- Walmart
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Safeway
- Costco
Organic options:
- Hutterite Marketplace – fresh beets from Hutterite farms near Lomond, Alberta (sizes: 25, 50, or 100 lb bags)
Dill
Availability: Widely available in the fresh produce section of all major supermarkets
Where to buy:
- Real Canadian Superstore
- Safeway
- Other stores
- Price: $3-5 per bunch
Local organic options:
- Gathering Place Trading – organic dried dill grown on a certified organic farm in Northern Alberta
- Kuhlmann's Greenhouse Garden Market – fresh dill and other herbs grown in greenhouses
Horseradish root
Availability: More difficult to find in regular supermarkets
Prepared horseradish:
- Widely available in all supermarkets (condiment section)
Traditional red horseradish:
- Mixed with beet juice (European stores)
Roots for growing:
- Garden Faerie Botanicals – Ukrainian heritage horseradish roots brought to Canada in 1898
Sauerkraut
Availability: Widely available in Canadian supermarkets
Where to buy:
- Jars or bags
- Preserves section or refrigerated foods
Bakery and bread
Pumpernickel
Availability: Most Canadian bakeries and supermarkets
| Type | Ingredients | Baking |
|---|---|---|
| American pumpernickel | Dark rye flour, molasses, cocoa, caraway seeds | Dark brown in color |
| German pumpernickel | Whole rye and cracked rye grains, NO wheat flour | Up to 24 hours, usually in Pullman loaf form |
Where to buy in Edmonton:
- City Bread Co Ltd. – 450g for $4.19
- Boon Bakery
- Most large supermarkets
Most authentic option:
- Ukrainian bakeries (Malina Bakery)
- Bake yourself from rye flour from local mills
Pampushky (Garlic buns)
Availability: Difficult to find in regular supermarkets
Ukrainian producers in Edmonton:
Ukrainian Pierogies Inc.
- Traditional Ukrainian garlic buns (pampushky)
- Fluffy, fragrant buns made from soft, airy dough
- Covered with a generous garlic and herb glaze
Grains and Seeds
- Light and fluffy pull-apart buns
- Coated with a rich herb and garlic sunflower glaze
Where to buy:
- Bountiful Farmers' Market
- Some Ukrainian stores
- Occasionally, freshly baked pampushky
Spices and seasonings
Poppy seeds (Makove zerna / Poppy seeds)
Availability: Widely available in all supermarkets
Where to buy:
- Spice or baking section
- Real Canadian Superstore – No Name, 150g for $2.50-3.50
- Bulk Barn – by weight (convenient for large quantities)
Best quality:
- “Blue poppy seeds” (also “Dutch Blue” seeds)
- Nutty and sweet taste
- Silk Road Spices (Calgary) – high-quality poppy seeds
Vanilla
Status: Widely available Tip: Look for “pure vanilla extract” rather than “vanilla flavoring”
Bay leaves
Availability: Spice section in all supermarkets
Preserves and pickled products
Dill pickles
Availability: Widely available in Canadian supermarkets
Most authentic options:
- Naturally fermented
- “Barrel pickles”
Imported options:
- European Market & Produce and other Eastern European stores
- Imported cucumbers and other canned products from Ukraine
Tomato paste
Availability: Widely available Alternative: Many Ukrainians use fresh tomatoes or tomato juice instead of paste
Adjika and other condiments
Recommendation: It is best to look for these in European stores or make them yourself
Beverages
Kvass
Status: Traditional Slavic drink based on bread fermentation
Where to buy in Edmonton:
- European Market & Produce (Callingwood) – one of the few places in the city
- K&K Foodliner (sometimes) – from the manufacturer All Stars Beverages
Kompot
Status: Traditional drink made from boiled fruit Recommendation: Make it at home!
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen berries and fruit
- Available in Canadian supermarkets
Restaurants and catering services
Uncle Ed's Restaurant
Address: 118th Avenue and 49th Street Owners: The Stawnichy family (Stawnichy's Sausage from Mundare)
Menu:
- Traditional Ukrainian dishes
- Vareniki
- Golubtsi
- Sausage
- Freshly baked pies
Additional services:
- Delicatessen
- Shop
- Takeaway food
Saskitoba
Location: Nisku (between Edmonton and the airport) Specialty: Ukrainian buffet
Menu:
- Cabbage rolls
- Handmade varenyky
- Garlic sausage
- Meatballs with gravy
Taste of Ukraine
Location: St. Albert
Menu:
- Borscht
- Cabbage rolls
- Dumplings
- More exotic dishes from different regions of Ukraine
Features:
- Regular trips to Ukraine
- Imported beers, wines, champagne
- Premium vodka options: Lvivske, Obolon, Kolonist, Odessa, Slava, Zirkova, Khortytsia, Nemiroff
Shumka Ukrainian Foods
Address: 16520 95 St, Edmonton Offering: Traditional Ukrainian food
Purple Perogy
Location: Sherwood Park Features: Great food and wonderful owners
Don'ya Ukraine's Kitchen Café
Open: January 2025 Offering: Ukrainian dishes in a cozy atmosphere
Practical tips for saving money
Compare prices between stores
Best price strategy:
- Buy Canadian equivalents at large supermarkets (Superstore, Walmart, Costco)
- Buy specialty Ukrainian products at European stores
- Visit farmers' markets for fresh local produce
- Look for sales and use coupons and loyalty programs
Buy in bulk
Stores:
- Costco
- Bulk Barn
Basic products:
- Flour
- Grains
- Oil
- Spices
Seasonal shopping
Best time: Summer and fall
Products for preserving:
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Potatoes
Cooking at home instead of buying ready-made meals
Strategy: Invest time in cooking large batches:
- Dumplings
- Stuffed cabbage
- Borscht
- Freeze them
Use loyalty programs
PC Optimum (Superstore, Loblaws)
- Earn points on every purchase
- Redeem for free products
Scene+ (Safeway/Sobeys)
- Earn points for shopping or entertainment
Co-op Membership
- Member-owners receive a percentage of their purchases
Conclusion
Finding familiar products and ingredients in a new country is one of the most important parts of the adaptation process for Ukrainian newcomers to Edmonton. Fortunately, the city, with its large Ukrainian community and diverse food infrastructure, offers numerous opportunities to purchase both authentic Ukrainian products and their Canadian equivalents.
Specialty stores such as European Market & Produce, K&K Foodliner, Multicook Edmonton, and DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen provide access to imported goods from Ukraine and traditional home-cooked meals prepared using authentic recipes. Large chain supermarkets, including Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway, Walmart, and Italian Centre Shop, offer international sections with a wide selection of Eastern European products at competitive prices. Farmers' markets, especially Bountiful Farmers' Market, provide unique opportunities to purchase fresh local products directly from producers, including Ukrainian suppliers of traditional foods.
Understanding which Canadian products can replace your favorite Ukrainian ingredients is key to saving time and money. From mixing sour cream with heavy cream to achieve the consistency of smetana to finding farmer cheese instead of cottage cheese for syrniki, this knowledge makes the process of cooking traditional Ukrainian dishes in Canada much easier and more enjoyable.
The most important thing to remember is that adaptation is a process, and over time you will find your favorite stores, suppliers, and products. Don't be afraid to experiment with Canadian ingredients and adapt traditional recipes to local realities. Many Ukrainian-Canadian families have created their own unique culinary traditions over generations, combining the best of both cultures.
Edmonton is truly a wonderful city for Ukrainian newcomers, where you can find a taste of home, support local producers, and create new culinary traditions while maintaining a connection to your cultural roots. Whether you buy fresh varenyky at Bountiful Farmers' Market, imported pickles at the European Market, or making borscht with Canadian beets and sour cream made from mixed cream, each dish becomes part of your new story in Canada, a story that combines the past and the present, Ukraine and Canada, home there and home here.