There are not many cities in the world that have given their name to a cuisine. Odesa is one of them. Because “Odesa cuisine” is not just a collection of recipes. It has a character: bright, contrasting, generous and just a little bold. And food is perhaps the easiest way to understand Odesa — it can be more honest than any slogan.
Odesa has always been a port and a crossroads of cultures. Greek, Moldovan, Ukrainian, Polish, Jewish, German, Italian and many other culinary traditions mixed here — and the result was not a random jumble, but a style of its own. The city was built by people speaking different languages and following different traditions, and their lunches, snacks and little feasts gradually came together into a cookbook called “Odesa”.
On this food tour, you can do more than hear about it — you can taste it. The format is comfortable and carefully planned, with tastings in several places that reveal different sides of Odesa flavour. It usually begins with local pairings — wine and cheese, to set both your taste buds and your mood. Then comes the seafood chapter: oysters or scallops, mussels and a glass of sparkling wine — because Odesa without the sea on the plate simply feels incomplete. And after that comes the “city classics”: forshmak, aubergine caviar, sprats, homemade preserves, infused spirits and fruit liqueurs — all the things that can sometimes identify an Odesa local faster than a passport.
“Tasty Odesa” is a walk that leaves the city not only in your memory, but also in the aftertaste. And yes: it is best to come slightly hungry. Odesa loves guests who are ready for generosity.
What you’ll taste and learn
Tour price
Price — from 4500 UAH per group.
What’s included in the price
- 2.5–3 hours of a walking tour led by the distinctive guides of “Tudoy-Syudoy”
- fascinating stories that will leave a lasting impression
What’s not included in the price
- personal expenses
We Recommend Bringing
Dress comfortably and for the weather: comfortable shoes are a must, because Odesa is a city to be enjoyed, not endured. On a hot day, bring water and a hat — our sun is welcoming, but it has character. And make sure your phone is fully charged: beautiful places will appear far more often than power sockets.
Guest Photos
Photos of our guests and their brightest moments during the tour.
Frequently asked questions about the tour
Is this a tour, or do we just “eat and go our separate ways”?
This is the story of the city told through taste. We don’t simply “stop somewhere for a bite” — we discover why Odesa developed such a distinctive cuisine, how the port and its many cultures shaped one unique character, and why sometimes a single phrase at the market can earn you a PhD in being Odesan.
Can I come on a full stomach and “just listen”?
You can. But that’s a bit like going to the Opera House and not looking at the stage. It’s better to come slightly hungry — not heroically hungry, just sensibly so, giving Odesa a fair chance to win you over.
How many places will we visit, and how does it all work?
Usually 2–3 stops, arranged so the flavours unfold naturally: a gentle start (for example, wine and cheese) → a seafood chapter → Odesa classics. The pace is relaxed: not a marathon, but a pleasure with pauses to savour it all.
Are food and drinks included in the tour price?
It depends on the format. Most often, the guide is included in the price, while tastings are paid for separately on the spot (which is fairer: you choose exactly what you want to fall in love with). We explain everything before the tour starts — no surprises, except pleasant ones.
How long is the tour: “just a little while” or “long enough to become a local”?
Usually 2.0–2.5 hours (the exact duration is listed in the description). The pace is moderate, and the route is designed to be interesting rather than athletic.
How can I pay for the tour?
You can pay for the tour:
- online through our website
- by bank card transfer (our managers will send the payment details by SMS)
- in cash at our office,or directly to the guide during the tour
What are the cancellation and refund terms if your plans suddenly take a different turn?
We understand — life can be a bit like an Odesa tram, suddenly changing its route. If you cancel the booking yourself and let us know in advance, the refund will be as follows:
- 7 calendar days before the event — 100% of the full price will be refunded
- 72 hours before the event starts — 50% will be refunded
- 1 day before the event — 25% will be refunded
Where do we meet, and how do I know it’s our guide — not just someone else standing there looking important?
The meeting point is listed on the tour page and in your booking confirmation. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early — that gives you enough time to find the group and still look like you were the first one there.
What should I wear and bring with me, besides a good mood (which is highly recommended too)?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Water is recommended. In summer — bring a hat and sun protection; in cooler seasons — a jacket suitable for the weather. If you’re planning to take lots of photos — charge your phone: Odesa knows how to fill up your memory fast.
