Vareniki — Sweet and Savoury Eastern European Dumplings in London
Vareniki are the Ukrainian cousin of Polish pierogi — soft filled dumplings, boiled and served with sour cream. Vareniki are one of the most versatile and beloved dishes in Eastern European cuisine. These generous dumplings can be filled with everything from creamy potato and earthy mushrooms to sweet cherries and fresh strawberries, making them perfect for any meal or occasion. At Varenik&Pelmen, we serve authentic vareniki at London food markets with a range of fillings that showcase the incredible variety of this traditional dish.
What Are Vareniki? Everything You Need to Know
History and Cultural Significance
Vareniki hold a special place in Eastern European culture. They are a centrepiece of holiday tables, family gatherings, and everyday meals alike. In many traditions, making vareniki is a communal activity — families gather in the kitchen to roll dough, prepare fillings, and fold dumplings together, chatting and laughing as they work. This spirit of togetherness is built into every vareniki we make.
The dish has ancient roots, with variations found across Eastern Europe. Each region has developed its own signature fillings and serving traditions, but the basic concept — a generous portion of filling enclosed in soft, tender dough — remains universal.
How Vareniki Differ from Pelmeni
While pelmeni are typically small, meat-filled dumplings, vareniki are larger and embrace a much wider range of fillings, both savoury and sweet. Vareniki dough is often slightly thicker and softer than pelmeni dough, providing a more substantial bite. The filling options are virtually unlimited — from classic potato and cabbage to fruit, cheese, and beyond.
Our Vareniki Fillings:
Savoury Vareniki
Potato Vareniki — The quintessential comfort filling. Creamy mashed potato seasoned with salt and pepper, wrapped in soft dough. Best served with fried onions and sour cream. This is the filling most people think of when they imagine vareniki, and for good reason — it is perfect.
Cabbage Vareniki — Lightly seasoned sautéed cabbage creates a filling that is surprisingly complex and delicious. The natural sweetness of the cabbage develops during cooking, making these dumplings flavourful and satisfying. A traditional favourite that deserves more recognition.
Cheese and Spinach Vareniki — A beautifully balanced filling combining creamy cheese with nutritious spinach. These vareniki are rich, flavourful, and satisfying — a great vegetarian option that even dedicated meat-eaters love.
Mushroom Vareniki — Earthy, aromatic mushrooms make for an incredibly satisfying dumpling filling. Our mushroom vareniki are rich in umami flavour and pair wonderfully with sour cream and fresh herbs.
Sweet Vareniki
Cherry Vareniki — Sweet, tart cherries burst with flavour inside soft dough. Cherry vareniki are one of the most iconic sweet dumplings in Eastern European cuisine. Served with sugar and cream, they make an unforgettable dessert or sweet treat.
Strawberry Vareniki — Fresh, sweet strawberry filling in delicate dough. These vibrant dumplings are a seasonal favourite, offering a lighter, fruitier alternative to cherry. Dust with sugar and add a dollop of cream for pure bliss.
How to Serve and Eat Vareniki
Savoury Vareniki Toppings
The classic accompaniment for savoury vareniki is sour cream (smetana) — its cool tanginess cuts through the richness of the filling beautifully. Fried onions are another essential topping, adding sweetness and crunch. Fresh dill, melted butter, and crispy bacon bits are also popular additions.
Sweet Vareniki Toppings
Sweet vareniki are traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous spoonful of sour cream or whipped cream, and sometimes a drizzle of honey. Fresh berries on the side make a lovely garnish and add extra fruity flavour.
Vareniki for Every Dietary Need
Vareniki are naturally one of the most inclusive foods on our menu. With multiple vegetarian fillings available — potato, cabbage, cheese and spinach, mushroom, cherry, and strawberry — there is something for everyone. Our sweet vareniki also make a wonderful dessert option. For detailed allergen information, check our Allergens page. Vareniki dough contains wheat (gluten) and may contain eggs and dairy.
Why Try Vareniki in London
London’s food scene is all about discovery, and vareniki are one of Eastern Europe’s best-kept culinary secrets. Whether you are looking for a satisfying vegetarian lunch, a unique dessert, or a new comfort food favourite, our vareniki deliver. Visit us at our market locations to discover why Londoners are falling in love with these incredible dumplings.