London has a substantial Eastern European food scene. Polish and wider Eastern European communities have brought their food with them, and pierogi — along with their cousins: vareniki, pelmeni, bliny and the rest — have quietly become part of what the city eats. If you know where to look, you will find them. Here is where to start.
Pierogi and dumplings in London
“Pierogi” is the word most Londoners reach for when they mean Eastern European filled dumplings. That is largely a result of Polish immigration — London has one of the largest Polish communities outside Poland — and the visibility of Polish delis, cafés and market stalls that followed.
But pierogi is just one name for a broader category. The same dumpling, made in the same way, goes by different names depending on where in Eastern Europe it comes from: vareniki, pelmeni, varenyky. In London, you will find all of these under various names, at various venues, with varying degrees of authenticity.
What you are looking for — regardless of the name on the sign — is this: handmade dough, a proper filling, boiled to order and served warm with sour cream and toppings. That combination is the benchmark.
Markets to try
London’s food market scene is one of the better places to find Eastern European dumplings made with care. Market traders tend to be specialists rather than generalists, and the best stalls are run by people who grew up eating the food they are selling.
Borough Market (SE1) is the obvious starting point. It draws high-quality traders from across Europe, and Eastern European food has appeared there regularly over the years. The quality varies by stall, and availability changes — check ahead.
Broadway Market (E8) in Hackney has a strong independent food culture and has historically attracted Eastern European traders alongside its broader international mix. Worth visiting on a Saturday.
Portobello Road and the wider Notting Hill market area occasionally features Eastern European food stalls, particularly at the Golborne Road end where the neighbourhood’s Portuguese and Moroccan communities give way to a more eclectic mix.
Maltby Street Market (SE1) is smaller and more curated than Borough but has a track record of interesting independent traders. Eastern European food appears here periodically.
Market availability is not guaranteed. Stalls move, seasons change, traders take breaks. The best approach is to follow specific traders on social media and check before you make a trip.
What to look for
Not all dumplings sold as “pierogi” in London are made the same way. A few things to look for:
Handmade dough. Machine-made pierogi exist and are perfectly fine for what they are, but handmade dough has a different texture — slightly thicker at the edges where it is pinched, with small variations that tell you a person made it. Ask if in doubt.
Made to order or made that day. Pre-cooked and reheated dumplings lose something in the process. The best versions are boiled fresh.
Proper fillings. Potato and cheese, cabbage and mushroom, sweet cherry — these are the traditional options. If the menu reads like a fusion experiment, it may be interesting, but it is not the thing you are looking for if you want the real Eastern European version.
Sour cream. If they do not serve them with sour cream, something has gone wrong.
The price. Handmade dumplings take time. If they are very cheap, they are probably not handmade, or the portions are very small.
Find us
We are Varenik & Pelmen — handmade Eastern European dumplings done properly. We serve pelmeni (Lamb & Beef halal, Pork & Beef, Chicken, Pork) and vareniki (Potato, Cabbage, Mushroom, Cheese & Spinach, Sweet Cherry, Strawberry), all made by hand and served with six toppings included: sour cream, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, sautéed mushrooms, fried onions and berry jam.
Our model is self-serve and pay-by-weight at £5 per 100g, with all toppings included. A proper bowl runs £10–12. We also sell frozen 200g packs at £9 for cooking at home.
We are working towards bringing handmade Eastern European dumplings to London’s best markets. Follow @eatpelmeni or check eatpelmeni.com/find-us to catch our next pop-up.
If you have been searching for pierogi in London and want the Eastern European equivalent — handmade, served the right way, with proper toppings — that is exactly what we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get pierogi in London?
Polish delis and cafés in areas with established Polish communities — Hammersmith, Ealing, Streatham — are reliable options for takeaway pierogi. For fresh, handmade Eastern European dumplings served as a meal, check specialist food market traders and pop-ups. We serve vareniki — the Eastern European equivalent of pierogi — at Varenik & Pelmen. Follow @eatpelmeni or check eatpelmeni.com/find-us for our current locations.
Are there Eastern European dumplings in London?
Yes. London has a significant Eastern European food presence, particularly through Polish community businesses and Eastern European market traders. Beyond pierogi, you will find pelmeni, bliny, syrniky and other Eastern European dishes at specialist venues across the city.
What’s the best dumpling spot?
That depends on what you are after. For Polish-style pierogi, established Polish delis in west London are a good starting point. For handmade Eastern European pelmeni and vareniki served with proper toppings at a market or pop-up, that is what we do at Varenik & Pelmen.
Where are you located?
We do not have a fixed address. We operate as a pop-up and market trader, bringing handmade Eastern European dumplings to London’s best food markets and events. Follow @eatpelmeni on social media or check eatpelmeni.com/find-us to see where we will be next.