Welcome to Varenik&Pelmen — London’s Favourite Eastern European Dumpling Bar
Varenik&Pelmen is a vibrant street food concept bringing the rich dumpling traditions of Eastern Europe to London’s most exciting food markets. Born from a passion for authentic comfort food, we serve freshly made pelmeni, vareniki, bliny, and syrniky — beloved dishes that have nourished families across Eastern Europe for centuries. Our tagline says it all: Take what you want, pay for what you take.
Whether you are a long-time lover of Eastern European cuisine or trying dumplings for the first time, Varenik&Pelmen offers a welcoming, affordable, and delicious experience. We believe great food should be accessible to everyone, which is why we operate at popular London food markets where the atmosphere is lively and the flavours are unforgettable.
Our Story — How Varenik&Pelmen Began
The idea behind Varenik&Pelmen was born from a simple observation: London’s incredible food scene was missing something. While the city boasts world-class sushi, tacos, and pizza, authentic Eastern European dumplings were nowhere to be found at street food level. We set out to change that.
Our founders grew up eating pelmeni and vareniki at family gatherings, where dumplings were more than just food — they were a way of bringing people together. Every family had their own recipes, their own folding techniques, and their own fierce opinions about fillings. That spirit of warmth, generosity, and friendly debate is what we bring to every market stall we set up.
From our very first market appearance, the response was overwhelming. Londoners embraced our dumplings with open arms, and we quickly became a must-visit destination at every market we attend. Today, Varenik&Pelmen is growing rapidly, with plans to expand across London and beyond.
What Makes Varenik&Pelmen Different
Authentic Recipes, Modern Execution
Our recipes are rooted in generations of Eastern European cooking tradition. We use time-honoured techniques to prepare our dough and fillings, but we also embrace modern food safety standards, efficient service, and creative presentation. The result is food that tastes like it came from a loving grandmother’s kitchen but is served with the speed and professionalism that London’s food market scene demands.
Fresh Ingredients, No Shortcuts
We source high-quality British ingredients wherever possible. Our meats are responsibly sourced, our vegetables are fresh, and our dough is made with care. We never use artificial preservatives in our freshly served dishes, and we take pride in the fact that every dumpling is crafted to the same exacting standard.
Self-Service Concept
Our unique self-service model — “Take what you want, pay for what you take” — means you are always in control. Choose exactly the dumplings, bliny, or syrniky you fancy, mix and match fillings, and pay only for what you select. It is a fun, interactive way to eat that encourages exploration and discovery.
Inclusive and Welcoming
Varenik&Pelmen is for everyone. We offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options alongside our classic meat fillings. Our menu is clearly labelled with allergen information, and our staff are always happy to help with dietary questions. We want every guest to feel comfortable and well-fed.
Our Mission and Values
At Varenik&Pelmen, our mission is to share the joy of Eastern European dumplings with as many people as possible. We believe in:
- Quality — using the best ingredients and maintaining the highest standards.
- Authenticity — staying true to the recipes and traditions that inspired us.
- Accessibility — offering great food at fair prices in convenient locations.
- Community — building connections through shared meals and shared stories.
- Sustainability — minimising waste and making responsible sourcing decisions.
The Team Behind the Dumplings
Our team is made up of passionate food lovers who believe in what we do. From our kitchen staff who hand-fold dumplings with care, to our market team who greet every customer with a smile, everyone at Varenik&Pelmen shares a commitment to quality and hospitality. We are a diverse, multilingual team that reflects the multicultural spirit of London itself.