Most food stalls at London markets follow the same formula: you queue up, order from a menu, wait for your food, and get a pre-portioned plate. It works, but it does not leave much room for adventure or personalisation. At Varenik&Pelmen, we threw that formula out the window. Our self-service dumpling bar puts you in complete control of your meal — you choose every dumpling, every topping, and every portion size. This article explains exactly how our concept works, why we designed it this way, and how to get the best possible experience when you visit.
The Varenik&Pelmen Concept Explained
What Is a Self-Service Dumpling Bar?
Imagine a buffet, but specifically for handmade Eastern European dumplings, pancakes, and toppings. Our self-service station displays all of our freshly made products — pelmeni, vareniki, bliny, syrniky, and a selection of toppings — in heated trays. You take a bowl and fill it with whatever you want, in whatever combination and quantity you prefer. Then we weigh your bowl at the counter and you pay based on weight. That is it. No fixed portions, no set menus, no restrictions.
Our Tagline: Take What You Want, Pay for What You Take
This phrase captures the entire philosophy of Varenik&Pelmen. We believe eating should be a personal, empowering experience. Some people want a mountain of pork and beef pelmeni. Others want a small tasting plate with a bit of everything. Some want just syrniky with honey as a snack. All of these are equally valid choices, and our concept accommodates all of them. You are in control.
Step-by-Step: How to Order at Varenik&Pelmen
Step 1: Grab a Bowl
Pick up a bowl or container from the counter. This is your blank canvas — everything you put in it becomes your meal.
Step 2: Choose Your Dumplings and Pancakes
Walk along our self-service station and choose from our full range of freshly made products. Take as much or as little as you like of each item. Want to try all six pelmeni fillings? Go for it. Prefer to fill your entire bowl with cherry vareniki? Absolutely. The choice is entirely yours.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Next, add your favourite toppings. We offer sour cream, bacon bits, fresh herbs, mushrooms, fried onions, and jam. Toppings are included in the bowl weight — so pile them on without worrying about extra charges.
Step 4: Weigh Your Bowl
Bring your bowl to the counter and we weigh it. All food items are priced at £5 per 100g. The price is calculated instantly based on the total weight of your selection.
Step 5: Pay and Enjoy
We accept card payments and cash. Once paid, find a spot to sit (or eat on the go — dumplings are perfect for that) and enjoy your personally curated bowl of Eastern European goodness.
What Can You Put in Your Bowl?
Pelmeni — 6 Meat Fillings
Our pelmeni range includes: Chicken, Pork, Pork & Beef, Turkey (Halal-friendly), Lamb & Beef (Halal-friendly), and Kids’ Colourful (beetroot and spinach dough).
Vareniki — 6 Vegetarian Fillings
Our vareniki range includes: Potato, Cabbage (vegan), Cheese & Spinach, Mushroom (vegan), Cherry, and Strawberry (seasonal).
Bliny — 4 Pancake Fillings
Our bliny range includes: Spinach & Feta, Mushrooms & Onion, Cottage Cheese, and Jam.
Syrniky — 3 Topping Options
Our syrniky are served with: Sour Cream, Jam, or Honey.
Toppings — Included in Weight
Sour cream, bacon bits, fresh herbs, mushrooms, fried onions, and jam. All included in your bowl weight at £5 per 100g.
Pricing — How Much Does It Cost?
The Simple Maths
All food items are priced at £5 per 100g. Here is what that looks like in practice:
100g (light snack) = £5
150g (small meal) = £7.50
200g (average bowl) = £10
250g (generous bowl) = £12.50
300g (feast) = £15
Most customers spend between £10 and £12 for a satisfying meal of around 200 to 250g. That is remarkable value for freshly handmade food in central London.
Drinks Priced Separately
Our traditional drinks are priced individually: Lemonade, Uzvar, Kompot, Kissel.
Why Self-Service Works So Well
Zero Food Waste
Because customers choose their own portions, food waste is dramatically reduced. Nobody is forced to accept a portion size that is too large or too small. You take exactly what you will eat — nothing more, nothing less. This is better for the environment and better for your wallet.
Complete Freedom of Choice
Dietary restrictions, personal preferences, and curiosity all coexist perfectly in a self-service model. Vegetarians can fill their bowl exclusively with vareniki and bliny. Meat lovers can pile on the pelmeni. Adventurous eaters can try a bit of everything. And families can build different bowls for everyone without needing a complicated order.
The Fun Factor
There is something genuinely enjoyable about building your own bowl. It turns a simple meal into an interactive experience — which is exactly why the self-serve format keeps things lively. People love the process of browsing, selecting, and creating their perfect plate. It is food as entertainment, and it creates memories.
Speed and Efficiency
No waiting for your order to be prepared. No miscommunication about what you wanted. You see exactly what is available, make your selection, and you are eating within minutes. For busy market-goers, this speed is a huge advantage.
Tips for Your First Visit
Start Small and Sample
If it is your first time, do not overload your bowl. Take small portions of several different items so you can discover your favourites. You can always come back for seconds.
Ask Our Team
Our staff love talking about our food. If you are unsure what something is, or you want a recommendation, just ask. We are happy to explain every item and suggest combinations.
Do Not Forget the Toppings
Toppings are included in the bowl weight at no extra charge per item. Sour cream in particular transforms every dumpling — do not skip it.
Visit Varenik&Pelmen
Ready to build your perfect bowl? Find us at London food markets, check our full menu, and follow @eatpelmeni on Instagram for real-time location updates. Take what you want, pay for what you take.