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Ever missed home so much that all you wanted was to sit with your grandmother and, amidst the lace cloths, taste the dishes she used to make when you were little? That’s not always possible, especially if you live far from your homeland. But for Ukrainian and Russian immigrants in Cascais, there’s now an alternative.
At 316 Rua Joaquim Ereira, just near Liceu Cidadela, Usha opened at the beginning of November – a place that brings together Ukrainian and Russian culinary traditions with Portuguese hospitality.
Alina Voinalovych, who runs the restaurant, explains that the idea comes from the personal experiences of the owners, Maksim Krasyuk and Yulia Yushkevich (the name is a diminutive of her surname), who lived in Bali, Indonesia, where they opened the first Usha eight years ago – three more have since followed. The mission here is the same as there: to share childhood memories and introduce other cultures to the comforting, home-cooked flavours of Slavic cuisine. “When children are born in countries different from their parents’, some dishes will always taste different from what we were used to. One of Usha’s goals is to bring the traditions of two countries to the table”, Alina adds.
Surrounded by candles, flowers and hand-painted motifs inspired by Ukrainian and Russian traditions, every detail at Usha harkens back to Maksim and Yulia’s childhoods. The menu follows the same philosophy. The standout dish, Grandma’s Pot (€15.50), is the clearest example of this nostalgic journey. Alina explains that the idea is to recreate a meal the owners’ grandmothers used to make, letting diners choose from a variety of ingredients, including eggs, cheeses, sausages, ham, bread or avocado.
There are plenty of other specialties, too, such as syrniki – cottage cheese pancakes (€12.50) – and potato pancakes (€9.50), as well as traditional soups like classic borscht (€9) or Finnish salmon soup (€9.50). Served in generous portions, these soups are substantial enough to count as a main course.
You’ll also find crepes with caviar (€16), salads like Olivier with smoked chicken (€10.50), layered herring with vegetables (€11), homemade preserves (€9), and Vareniki – Ukrainian-style stuffed dumplings – with cherries (€10.50). Desserts include honey cake with chocolate and currants (€8) and the Monastic Cabin with cherries (€6).
The drinks menu sticks to the same concept, featuring traditional options such as teas and mors – a Russian wild berry drink – made with ingredients like sea buckthorn, giving diners the chance to taste something they probably wouldn’t encounter elsewhere in Portugal.
In its first month in Cascais, Usha has received a warm welcome, particularly from the Ukrainian and Russian communities, but also from curious Portuguese diners. “We have many Russian and Ukrainian customers because they know what Usha in Bali is like. They came to this new space to try the dishes and revisit some of the flavours they enjoyed as children. We also have some Portuguese guests. While it may seem unusual or different to them at first, those who have tried it have had great experiences.”
Looking ahead, Usha aims to continue growing and expand to new locations and cities, always maintaining the quality and authenticity of its offerings. The truth is, when you sit down at the table, even if your grandmother was born far from the Balkans, you’ll feel that comforting warmth that no other cuisine can quite deliver.
Usha, Rua Joaquim Ereira 316 (Cascais). Open daily 09.00–22.00
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