On Monday, September 29, the KFC restaurant chain opened its first restaurant in Ukraine with a menu based entirely on plant-based alternatives to meat at the Blockbuster Mall in Kyiv.
According to the company’s press service, the dishes offered are based on mycoprotein, an ingredient derived from a natural mushroom that is rich in protein and fiber, contains no cholesterol, and has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to animal meat. The recipes also use dairy products and eggs, so the line is positioned as vegetarian rather than vegan.
The menu includes veggie strips, veggie burgers, veggie twisters, rice boxes, and salads with veggie strips. Some dishes are served in special “green” packaging.
The new restaurant design features green accents instead of the traditional red ones. The company emphasizes that the availability of the plant-based line across the entire KFC chain will depend on consumer activity at the pilot restaurant. KFC has been operating in Ukraine since 2012, and the Ukrainian KFC chain currently has over 60 restaurants.