In a cozy kitchen in southwest London, the aroma of freshly steamed dumplings fills the air as sisters Iryna Shokotko and Svitlana Coppola fold dough with practiced precision. Their startup, born from late-night conversations after fleeing Ukraine's ongoing conflict, serves up more than comfort food – it's a lifeline to their homeland. 🥟💙
More Than Just Comfort Food
\"We wanted to turn our grief into action,\" Coppola told us, recalling their April decision to launch the venture. Since Russia's invasion began in February, over 8 million Ukrainians have fled – including tens of thousands to the UK. The sisters' varenyky (traditional stuffed dumplings) now connect Londoners to Ukrainian culture through pop-up markets and delivery apps.
Their secret ingredient? Social media savvy. Instagram reels showing golden-brown dumplings garnished with sour cream and dill regularly go viral, with profits funding medical supplies for Ukraine. \"Food is memory,\" Shokotko reflects. \"Every bite reminds people our story isn't over.\"
As the war enters its 10th month, these culinary ambassadors prove that resilience can be delicious – and that takeout might just change the world. 🌍✨
