Vareniki are one of the most wonderfully versatile dumplings in the world. While their meat-filled cousins pelmeni stick to a single category, vareniki embrace an extraordinary range of fillings — from hearty savoury options like potato and cabbage to sweet dessert choices like cherry and strawberry. Whether you are a vegetarian looking for satisfying comfort food, a vegan seeking plant-based options, or simply someone who loves discovering new flavours, this complete guide to vareniki fillings will help you find your perfect match.
What Are Vareniki?
A Brief Introduction
Vareniki are traditional Eastern European dumplings made from wheat flour dough and filled with a wide variety of non-meat ingredients. They are larger than pelmeni and shaped like half-moons with crimped edges. Vareniki are boiled until tender and served with toppings like sour cream, butter, fried onions, or sugar depending on the filling. They are a cornerstone of Eastern European home cooking and have been made for centuries.
Vareniki vs Pierogi
If you have ever eaten Polish pierogi, you already know what vareniki taste like. The two are essentially the same dish from different culinary traditions. Vareniki come from the Eastern European tradition, while pierogi is the Polish name. The fillings, preparation method, and serving style are virtually identical.
Savoury Vareniki Fillings
Potato Vareniki — The All-Time Classic
Potato vareniki are the most popular and traditional filling. Smooth, creamy mashed potato is seasoned with salt and pepper, then enclosed in soft dough. The result is pure, uncomplicated comfort — warm, starchy, and deeply satisfying. Potato vareniki are the filling that most Eastern Europeans grow up eating, and they remain one of the most popular varieties.
Best toppings for potato vareniki: Sour cream and fried onions is the gold standard. Crispy bacon bits, fresh dill, and melted butter are also excellent. Some people add a pinch of black pepper on top.
Dietary info: Vegetarian. May contain dairy (butter in the filling). Not typically vegan due to possible butter content — ask our team for specifics.
Cabbage Vareniki — Light and Vegan-Friendly
Cabbage vareniki feature finely shredded cabbage that has been slowly sauteed until sweet, tender, and slightly caramelised. This slow cooking process transforms humble cabbage into something surprisingly rich and flavourful. The sweetness of the cabbage provides a beautiful contrast to the soft dough wrapper, and the overall result is a lighter dumpling that does not feel heavy.
Best toppings for cabbage vareniki: Sour cream and fresh herbs. Fried onions add extra sweetness and crunch. A splash of vinegar can brighten the flavour.
Dietary info: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The filling is entirely plant-based, making these one of the best options for vegan diners.
Cheese and Spinach Vareniki — Rich and Nutritious
Cheese and spinach vareniki combine creamy, soft cheese (similar to ricotta) with fresh spinach for a filling that is both indulgent and nutritious. The mild cheese melts into the earthy spinach, creating a beautifully balanced flavour. These vareniki are a favourite among vegetarians and anyone who appreciates a slightly more sophisticated dumpling experience.
Best toppings for cheese and spinach vareniki: A dollop of sour cream is perfect. They are also excellent with garlic butter or fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
Dietary info: Vegetarian. Contains dairy (cheese). Not suitable for vegans.
Mushroom Vareniki — Deep Umami Flavour
Mushroom vareniki are for those who crave depth and earthiness. The filling is made from a mix of button and chestnut mushrooms sauteed with onions and herbs until fragrant and packed with umami flavour. These are the dumplings that most closely rival the satisfaction of a meat filling — the mushrooms provide a meaty texture and rich, savoury taste that is deeply satisfying.
Best toppings for mushroom vareniki: Sour cream and fresh herbs. Fried onions complement the mushroom beautifully. A sprinkle of black pepper enhances the earthy notes.
Dietary info: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The filling is entirely plant-based.
Sweet Vareniki Fillings
Cherry Vareniki — A Beloved Eastern European Dessert
Cherry vareniki are one of the most iconic sweet dumplings in Eastern European cuisine. Each dumpling is filled with ripe, juicy cherries that burst with flavour when you bite into them. The contrast between the warm, soft dough and the bright, tangy-sweet cherry filling is absolutely addictive. Cherry vareniki have been a beloved dessert and special-occasion dish across Eastern Europe for generations.
Best toppings for cherry vareniki: Sour cream is the traditional pairing — its tanginess balances the sweetness of the cherries beautifully. A light dusting of sugar or a drizzle of honey are also popular. Some people add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Dietary info: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. No dairy in the filling.
Strawberry Vareniki — A Seasonal Summer Treat
Strawberry vareniki are a seasonal speciality that captures the essence of summer. Fresh, sweet strawberries are wrapped in dough and boiled until the fruit softens into a warm, fragrant filling. These dumplings are bright, fruity, and a genuine celebration of seasonal produce. Strawberry vareniki are typically available during the summer months when strawberries are at their peak.
Best toppings for strawberry vareniki: Sour cream, sugar, or honey. Fresh mint can add a lovely aromatic touch. They are also wonderful with a drizzle of condensed milk.
Dietary info: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. No dairy in the filling.
Vareniki Calories and Nutritional Information
How Many Calories Are in Vareniki?
The calorie content of vareniki depends on the filling. As a general guide, a 200g serving of savoury vareniki (potato, cabbage, or mushroom) contains approximately 300 to 400 calories. Cheese and spinach vareniki are slightly higher due to the dairy content. Sweet cherry and strawberry vareniki tend to be slightly lower in calories. All vareniki are a good source of carbohydrates and provide energy for an active day exploring London’s markets.
Are Vareniki Healthy?
Vareniki are made from simple, wholesome ingredients — flour, water, and natural fillings. They are free from artificial preservatives, flavour enhancers, and processed ingredients. While they are not a low-calorie food, they are balanced and nourishing. The vegetable-based fillings provide fibre and nutrients, and the dough provides sustaining complex carbohydrates.
Vareniki Dietary Information
Are Vareniki Vegetarian?
Yes — all vareniki at Varenik&Pelmen are vegetarian. None of our vareniki fillings contain meat.
Are Vareniki Vegan?
Several of our vareniki are vegan-friendly. Cabbage, mushroom, cherry, and strawberry vareniki have plant-based fillings. Potato vareniki may contain butter. Cheese and spinach contain dairy. Please ask our team for specific details about the dough ingredients.
Are Vareniki Gluten-Free?
No — traditional vareniki dough is made from wheat flour and contains gluten. For full allergen information, visit our allergens page.
How to Choose Your Vareniki at Varenik&Pelmen
At Varenik&Pelmen, our self-service concept means you can try as many vareniki fillings as you like in a single visit. All vareniki are priced at £5 per 100g alongside our pelmeni, bliny, and syrniky. Mix savoury and sweet, combine them with meat dumplings, or fill your entire bowl with your favourite — the choice is yours. Take what you want, pay for what you take.
Find us at London food markets or follow @eatpelmeni on Instagram for locations.