Taste of Ukraine brings community together in New Hamburg

Herb Goertz from Waterloo Region takes part in mixing the custard filling for the traditional Napoleon cake during a recent Taste of Ukraine gathering at the Cultural Hub in New Hamburg. Amanda Modaragamage photo

By Amanda Modaragamage

The Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis group hosted one of its cultural gatherings at the Ukrainian Cultural Hub in New Hamburg last week.

The Taste of Ukraine event offered participants a chance to get hands-on in making a traditional dessert, Napoleon cake.

Napoleon cake has become one of Ukraine’s most beloved celebration desserts. The multilayered pastry is said to trace its roots to the Russian Empire in the early 1900s, when bakers adapted the French millefeuille and named it Napoleon during the 100th anniversary of Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat in 1812.

The cake later spread across the Soviet Union, where Ukrainian home cooks made it their own. Each region developed slight variations, often adding sour cream or sweetened condensed milk to the filling. Today, many Ukrainians see the dessert as a nostalgic symbol of hospitality and celebration, and it remains a fixture at birthdays, weddings and holiday tables.

These cultural nights, held throughout the month, are designed for Canadians who want to learn more about Ukrainian traditions and to share their own experiences with newcomers. The aim is to help connect people across Waterloo Region.

To learn more or to register, visit wrgrassrootsresponse.ca. Participation in all events is free, though donations are welcome.