Varenik&Pelmen

Blog

Stories, recipes and news from the dumpling bar.

How to Cook Frozen Pelmeni (3 Easy Ways)

Boil, fry or cook in broth — here's how to cook frozen pelmeni perfectly every time, straight from the freezer. No defrosting needed.

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Smetana (Sour Cream): The Dumpling’s Best Friend

Smetana — Eastern European sour cream — is the classic dumpling topping. Here's what makes it special and what to pair it with.

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What Is Kissel? The Drink You Can Almost Eat

Kissel is a thick, fruity Eastern European drink-dessert hybrid. Here's what kissel is, how it's made and how to enjoy it.

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What Is Uzvar? The Dried-Fruit Drink Explained

Uzvar is a traditional Eastern European drink made from dried fruit. Discover what uzvar tastes like, how it's made and when it's served.

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What Is Kompot? The Eastern European Fruit Drink

Kompot is a lightly sweet Eastern European drink made from simmered fruit. Here's what it is, how it's made and why it's the perfect pairing.

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Sweet vs Savoury Bliny: The Fillings Guide

Jam or mushroom and herbs? A guide to sweet and savoury bliny fillings — and how to pick your perfect roll.

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What Is Syrniky? Sweet Toppings and How to Eat Them

Honey, jam or sour cream? Here's how to eat syrniky — golden cheese fritters — and the toppings that make them sing.

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Meat Dumplings Explained: Pelmeni Fillings Guide

Pork, beef, chicken, lamb — a guide to every pelmeni filling, what each tastes like, and which to pick at our London dumpling bar.

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What Do Pelmeni Taste Like?

Curious about pelmeni? Here's what these Eastern European meat dumplings actually taste like — and how toppings change the experience.

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How to Varenik&Pelmen Like a Local

Sour cream, herbs or berry jam? Here's how to eat pelmeni the traditional way — and how we serve them at our London dumpling bar.

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