Ukrainian Food Blogger: Russians Claim Everything. They Turned My Old Lviv Recipe into an Evening Sochi Cake
Ukrainian food blogger Lesia Kravecka discusses how a Russian blogger appropriated her Old Lviv recipe, which a bakery in Sochi is now selling as an Evening Sochi cake.
Lesia Kravecka, a Ukrainian food blogger known for her culinary contributions, has expressed frustration over the cultural appropriation of her dessert recipe, Old Lviv. After initially being labeled a traditional Russian dish by a Russian blogger who claimed it was a recipe from 70 years ago, it has since been produced by a bakery in Sochi under the name Evening Sochi. Kravecka points out the irony of having her work misappropriated and highlights the difficulty of contesting such claims against Russian entities, revealing the challenges faced by Ukrainian culture during the ongoing conflicts.
In a recent interview, Kravecka shared insights about her journey into baking and her passion for culinary arts, referring to her approach as 'culinary alchemy.' She discussed the most popular cakes among Ukrainian women and reflected on how she discovered that her recipe had been taken and altered by Russians. Her story brings to light the broader issue of cultural theft that Ukrainian creators are facing in the context of ongoing war and conflicts, emphasizing the emotional toll such appropriation takes on artists and chefs who pour their heart and heritage into their creations.
Moreover, she touched upon the situation in her hometown of Lviv, addressing the recent stabilization of electricity supplies after weeks of severe shortages due to the war. The fluctuation of power supply and how it affected daily life resonates with many others experiencing similar challenges. Kravecka's experience is not just about food; it's indicative of the cultural resilience and struggle of Ukraine amidst ongoing adversity, reinforcing how food and culture are interlinked in the face of oppression.