Dolgintsevo Air Base

Dolgintsevo Air Base in Kryvyi Rih is a military and limited-use civilian facility, which means the dining scene airside is modest by any measure. Don't arrive expecting a bustling food court or a sit-down restaurant with regional Ukrainian specialties — the infrastructure simply isn't built for leisure travelers in that way. What you will find are basic canteen-style options that serve functional, filling fare, the kind of honest cooking that keeps ground crews and occasional passengers moving through their day without fuss.

That said, the canteen offerings do carry a distinctly Ukrainian character. Expect borscht ladled out generously, hearty varenyky stuffed with potato and cheese, and dark rye bread that tastes like it was made with genuine care. Strong, sweet tea or dense black coffee rounds out most meals here. It's not fine dining, but there's something genuinely satisfying about a bowl of borscht in a no-nonsense setting — it tastes exactly as it should, without any tourist-facing embellishment to soften its edges.

Savvy travelers passing through Kryvyi Rih are strongly advised to eat well in the city before heading to the airfield. The surrounding area offers excellent Ukrainian home-cooking restaurants where salo, pickled vegetables, and grilled meats shine. If you do find yourself relying on the base canteen, embrace it as a slice of everyday Ukrainian life rather than a culinary destination. Pack a few local snacks — dried fruits, halva, or a good Ukrainian chocolate bar — and you'll travel comfortably regardless of what's on offer airside.