Customer service in Ukraine? What a huge question… I think that if this is one of your main criteria when choosing a restaurant, it’s probably best to stay at home.
In Ukraine, as in much of the world, you must remember that the point of reference for what constitutes good service is different.
Do you really think that I could expect the same standards of customer service all around the world as I would get in France or Italy? A starter, main course and dessert coming at the same time for each diner? Honestly?
As I’ve said, each country has its own cultural references and differences. One of which is that a plate should be cleared from the table as soon as it’s finished. Well, it’s often true in Ukraine that plates are whisked away from the table before you’ve even had a chance to put your cutlery down! This does niggle my good French manners… I don’t have to think back very far to a number of occasions when I’ve literally had to cling on to my airborne plate, much to the uncomprehending waiter’s surprise. Not to mention how attentive you must be to guard that last sip of wine that you have been nurturing, which can also disappear in a flash. I know you know what I’m talking about.
But the real particularity of Ukrainian service is the (annoying?) little question.
“Please may I have some water?”
“Still or sparkling?” (this question is alright in itself, but is often followed by…)
“Please may I have some sparkling water?”
“Slightly sparkling or very sparkling?”
“Please may I have a Coke / some water?”
“Warm or cold?”
“Please may I have a coffee / espresso?”
“With or without milk?” (If I’d wanted milk I would have asked for a café au lait, latte or cappuccino, never forget the magic word ‘Prosta’ (black coffee) in these circumstances)
“Please may I have a latte?”
“With or without sugar?”
“Please may I have a cappuccino?”
“Strong or weak? With cinnamon or without?”
“Please may I have a scoop of chocolate ice cream?”
“One scoop or two?”
“Please may I have the cream soup?”
“With or without cream?”
“Please may I have a chicken burger?”
“With pork or chicken?”
Last Saturday, I’m having lunch with my daughters (7.5 and nearly 2-years-old). We order pizzas, water and a glass of wine.
The waitress bringing the glass of wine asks me the following question: “Who is it for?”
In this case, you just have to shrug your shoulders (take a deep sip of wine) and say “It’s Ukraine… and I like it!”
Maud Joseph is French and has lived in Kyiv since July 2013. She is an author of the “Best Restaurants Kyiv” guide. She can be reached at [email protected]
