Let us set the record straight: the word "macaron" is not an alternate spelling of macaroon. In fact, the two terms refer to distinctly different things. Both macarons and macaroons are confections, and both names are derived from ammaccare, which is Italian for "to crush" — but that's where the similarities end.
A macaron specifically refers to a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream, ganache or fruit curd. The delicate treat has a crunchy exterior and a weightless interior with a soft ending that's almost nougatlike in its chewiness. To add to the confusion, it's often called a French macaroon.
Read: Amazing cakes by Ukrainian Pastry Chef Dinara Kasko
Photo: shutterstock.com
It looks like the capital of Ukraine has a particularly sweet spot saved for that pretty Parisian import, the macaron. Baked by the city’s best bakery spots, these are the best macarons Kyiv has to offer.
The Cake
Photo: The CAke Facebook Page
Located in the Kyiv downtown, The Cake is a fairly neutral modern backdrop to some colorful swag and yummy eats that make up the brand-new restaurant. The Cake is spacious and warm, its interior has a lot of wood and bright colors which combined with the good service .
Your sweet tooth will follow its calling and come right to this place for some cakes, eclairs and, of course, classic macarons. All these are prepared meeting all the possible rules and using the right ingredients.
Address: 5, Velyka Vasylkivska street, Kyiv.
Svit Cavy
Photo: Svit Kavy Facebook page
Svit Kavy, which name is translated as ‘The World of Coffee’, is exactly what it declares: a great place to have coffee. Legendary Lviv cafe Svit Kavy opens its first coffee shop in Kiev. Svit Kavy offers over 30 sorts of Arabica coffee, coffee cocktails, and signature Lviv-style pies and hot chocolate. Classical macarons became a welcome addition to the coffeeshop’s dessert menu. The variety of flavors is not vast, however the tasting qualities will leave you satisfied.
Address: 12A, Igorivska street, Kyiv.
Honey
Photo: Honey Facebook Page
Come into this cosy patisserie and enjoy exquisite pastries, cakes and phenomenal desserts. The friendly English speaking staff are always willing to offer advice and guide you to the right choice.It’s a real paradise for dessert fans. Macarons, glazed cakes, cookies, biscuits, tarts, tall many layer sponge cakes – all these sweet treasures can be found here. Door/ window display shows the cafe from the outside – you will find a table in both the busy and the more relaxed area.
Address: 19/21 Nizhny Val St, Kyiv
20, Yaroslaviv Val, Kyiv.
PAUL
Photo: PAUL web page
Restaurant-bakery Paul - one of the French bakeries chain that are already open in 31 countries worldwide, has come to Kiev. This is a restaurant with family traditions, authentic French cuisine and its own pastries. Assortment of bakery is great. Today there are more than 140 kinds of bread, traditional French croissants, Tartu, various biscuits, sandwiches, macaroon and a plurality of confectionery. Macarons at PAUL’s are truly iconic treat. Special, unique and desirable, the history of the Macaron begins in the Royal Court of France. Dessert chefs at PAUL’s create the iconic Parisian cookies according to all the traditions and rules.
Address: 26, Yaroslaviv Val, Kyiv.
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While the homeland of macarons is France, Kyiv dwellers are lucky to have some fine pastry shops ready to serve the best variations of this french dessert. Kyiv’s macaron mania shows no signs of abating, so «Destinations» offers best places to enjoy this iconic Parisian cookie.
