The investment in the gastronomic project “Bessarabka. Food Market” is estimated at approximately $3.5 million. The funding will be directed toward the modernization of the historic Bessarabsky Market in central Kyiv and the launch of a modern food hall under this name. The information was confirmed to Forbes Ukraine by the project’s director, Nataliia Dzhulai.
According to Dzhulai, the total investment amounts to about 150 million UAH, which corresponds to roughly $3.5 million at the exchange rate used in the calculations. More than half of the funding was raised as a loan, while the remainder consists of the project participants’ own contributions.
Dzhulai emphasizes that the project does not alter the essence or function of Bessarabsky Market: long-standing vendors are returning to their stalls and will continue operating in renovated but structurally preserved market rows.
A key principle of the food hall’s concept is the absence of duplicated formats or menus — each vendor occupies a unique niche. Contracts with tenants are signed for one year.
If the required financial performance indicators are not met, the team reserves the right to replace a tenant. However, as Dzhulai explains, failing to meet KPIs primarily hurts the tenant, as it reflects insufficient revenue and low foot traffic. The team is interested in ensuring that each corner operates efficiently and, in case of performance decline, analyzes the causes and seeks solutions.
The project’s Instagram page does not yet specify an opening date — it only states that it will happen “soon.”
Dzhulai notes that the launch required extensive preparation, approvals, and investment: gathering tenants, arranging retail spaces, and preparing the premises. Some work had to be postponed. The ideal opening date was initially set for September, but the team prioritized quality over speed. They are not concerned about the winter season and want vendors and restaurateurs to be able to start operating now.
According to media reports, the project will feature 17 food corners and a standalone bar, offering around 400 seats across various formats. Confirmed participants include: “Ministry of Desserts,” Himalaya, Buffalino, Burger Farm, Hlek, Matsoni, Big Mama, Zharovnya, Tatarka, Sushi Icons, Gyros, Gelarty, Vytach, as well as Cherry Coffee and a bar.
Bessarabsky Market is one of Ukraine’s oldest covered markets, built in the early 20th century by architect Henryk Gay. The building is a protected architectural and urban heritage monument.
Renovation work began in the summer of 2024. At the time, Kyiv City Administration reported that post-Soviet additions were being removed without interfering with historical elements. Since May 2025, refrigeration equipment has been upgraded to reduce energy consumption.
