Olia Hercules
Hailing from Kakhovka, in the south of Ukraine, Olia has taken much inspiration from her heritage to inform her style of cooking. She is an acclaimed author of four established cookbooks. Her first one, Mamushka, celebrated her family recipes and was translated into over 10 languages. Mamushka won the prestigious Fortnum and Mason Award for best debut cookbook and Olia herself won the Observer’s Rising Star in Food award. Mamushka was followed by Kaukasis, a culinary journey through Georgia, Azerbaijan and beyond, then Summer Kitchens, a book exploring Ukrainian regional cooking, and, more recently, Home Food, an ode to cooking for her family. Olia lives in London with her sons Sasha and Wilfred, and her husband, fellow food writer and photographer, Joe Woodhouse. She hosts regular cookery classes online through her Patreon platform, and also teaches in-person cookery classes at home.
Featured in our Library
Embark on a culinary journey through Ukraine with a delightful combination of Olia Hercules' acclaimed cookbooks: "Summer Kitchens" and "Mamushka." "Summer Kitchens" invites you to explore cherished recipes and memories from Ukrainian summer gatherings, while "Mamushka" offers over 100 flavourful dishes from the "Wild East." From Borsch with duck to Garlicky Georgian poussins, indulge in the vibrant flavours and rich traditions of Ukrainian cuisine and beyond.
Discover the Art of Varenyky with Olia Hercules
“cooking is an
act of resistance
and defiance”
– Olia Hercules
Support Ukraine
Legacy of War Foundation is an international charity providing support to civilians affected by conflict. We aim to start conversations, build collaborations and support communities.
Petro Hrebenyuk (Olia’s father), a Ukrainian Engineer turned Minesweeper Designer, is navigating the challenges of displacement with a practical and positive mindset.
Having left his hometown in 2022, Petro is now leading a team to create a minesweeper prototype that addresses the pressing issue of landmines in Ukraine. With the help of your donations, they've acquired a tractor and developed essential systems for remote operation. As they work towards certification, your support becomes crucial in realising the potential of this life-saving initiative.
Join us with Olia Hercules in backing Petro and The Way of Reconstruction and contribute to a project that aims to make a tangible difference in demining efforts in Ukraine.