- December 22, 2025
- 8:04 pm
- Video
Hanna Andriienko shares the story of transforming a karaoke club into the restaurant “SHO?”, the wave of challenges she faced, and how her project brings together the Ukrainian and Jewish communities in Tel Aviv and Israel.
On July 9, 2025, the second episode of the “Balachky” podcast was released on the UDM Israel channel, in which Hanna Andriienko, owner of the “SHO?” restaurant, spoke about her journey from economist to the hostess of one of the most heartfelt Ukrainian establishments in Tel Aviv.
Below we will reveal the main topics of the conversation and recommend watching the full video to hear all the details firsthand:
Main Topics of the Conversation
- The story of turning a karaoke club into the “SHO?” restaurant
- Adapting “SHO?” to wartime restrictions and switching to takeout and delivery
- Cultural mission: gastronomic evenings, “Territory Show” and “Odessa Courtyard”
- The role of “SHO?” in the life of the Ukrainian community in Israel: support, gatherings, and traditions
- Challenges and achievements of Ukrainians in Tel Aviv: how the community unites and develops
The “SHO?” Restaurant – A Home for the Ukrainian Soul in Israel
- Origin story: a sudden call from the former owner of a karaoke club and Hanna’s bold decision to create a “place of strength.”
- Atmosphere and menu: interior with Ukrainian rushnyky, family recipes for borscht, varenyky, deruny, and six types of signature nalivky.
- Supporting guests: the switch to takeout and delivery during the crisis when it was important to keep warmth in the community.
Subscribe to the “SHO?” Restaurant on Facebook: facebook.com/shoukrainianfood
3 Karlibach Street, Tel Aviv, Israel
The Ukrainian Community in Israel: Challenges and Achievements
Community Challenges
Emotional burnout after intense months, lack of coordination among initiatives, adaptation of new arrivals, and the need to preserve traditions.
Main Achievements
Regular “Zdybanka” gatherings with hundreds of participants, cultural projects “Territory Show” and “Odessa Courtyard,” volunteer campaigns, and the growth of the UDM Israel channel, confirming keen interest in the topic.
UDM Israel and the “Balachky” Podcast
UDM Israel https://www.youtube.com/@udmIsrael is the first Ukrainian-language channel from Israel where activists and entrepreneurs share stories of resilience and support in the “Balachky” format.
The high production quality and live format make this project a true bridge between cultures.
On the NAnews — Israel News website, we continue to tell stories of resilience and mutual aid. The stories of “SHO?” and UDM Israel inspire and show: together we are stronger.
