A comforting flour-and-egg dumpling brimming with fillings such as meat, potatoes, cheese, onions and more—it’s no wonder pierogi have won hearts around the world.
Anyone who has travelled to Poland, had a Polish friend, or even simply known someone with a Polish grandmother will be familiar with pierogi.
Pierogi rank among the most iconic dishes of Polish cuisine, to the extent that many people consider the word itself synonymous with Poland’s culinary tradition.
And with good reason—traditional pierogi are hearty, flavourful and satisfying. With countless variations to choose from, there’s a pierogi for everyone’s taste.
From the classic potato-and-cheese varieties to those filled with wild mushrooms, salmon, or even sweet plum, this beloved dish offers a flavour for every preference.
That’s why pierogi deserve their own special day—a perfect occasion to savour the rich and diverse flavours that have made them a Polish favourite.
How to Celebrate National Pierogi Day
The best way to mark this day is by tasting authentic Polish pierogi. Skip the supermarket versions—the chewy, bland dough balls often stuffed with processed cheese or potato starch bear little resemblance to the real thing.
For a true taste of tradition, ask a Polish friend or neighbour to share some next time they make a batch. If that’s not possible, visit a genuine Polish deli run by immigrants for an authentic experience.
You’ll likely be amazed at how different proper pierogi taste compared to the sticky, flavourless imitations you may have tried before.
Feeling adventurous? Try making your own pierogi at home. A good starting point is the classic version filled with mashed potatoes, onions, and farmer’s cheese—simple yet deeply satisfying.
Basic Polish Pierogi
Ingredients
Dough:
3 cups flour
1 cup warm water
1 egg
Filling:
750 grams potatoes
2 large onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
250 grams farmer’s cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Peel the potatoes, boil them in salted water until soft, then drain, mash, and leave to cool. Cook the onions in butter over a medium-low heat until fragrant.
Mix the farmer’s cheese into the cooled potatoes and add the cooked onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, egg, and warm water, kneading until the dough is smooth.
Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and cut out circles using a large glass.
Place a heaped teaspoon of filling in the centre of each circle, folding and sealing the edges firmly—use a little water if needed to help them stick. Boil in batches of 10–12 in salted water for 7–10 minutes or until they float to the top.
Sit back and enjoy an authentic taste of Poland.
History of National Pierogi Day
Pierogi date back to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a European state that flourished between the 16th and 18th centuries.
In those days, hard physical labour in fields and forests was a daily reality, long before the invention of modern machinery.
High-calorie, carbohydrate-rich meals like pierogi became an essential staple—affordable, easy to make, and hearty enough to sustain workers through long days. They soon became one of the most cherished dishes of the Commonwealth.
National Pierogi Day FAQs
Did pierogi originate in Poland?
While pierogi are now a hallmark of Polish cuisine, their true origins remain disputed. Some historians believe they came from China via the Silk Road before making their way to Eastern Europe.
Others suggest that Saint Hyacinth introduced them to Poland in the 13th century.
Are there any myths associated with pierogi?
Yes, one legend credits Saint Hyacinth with bringing pierogi to Poland.
After a devastating storm destroyed crops, he is said to have prayed, prompting a miraculous harvest. In gratitude, villagers prepared pierogi using the newly restored produce.
How do different countries celebrate pierogi?
In Canada, the town of Glendon, Alberta, proudly displays a 7.6-metre-high pierogi statue in honour of the dish’s cultural legacy.
In the United States, cities such as Pittsburgh host lively pierogi festivals with music, dance, and pierogi-eating competitions.
What’s the most unusual pierogi filling?
Beyond the savoury classics, some regions prepare dessert pierogi stuffed with sweetened quark or seasonal fruits like cherries, strawberries, or blueberries—offering a delightful twist on the traditional dish.
Are there any records related to pierogi?
Indeed. In 2019, Beata Jasek from Kraków achieved a Guinness World Record by making 1,066 pierogi in a single hour—averaging one every 3.4 seconds.
Do pierogi have a patron saint?
Saint Hyacinth is often referred to as the patron saint of pierogi. The old Polish saying, “Święty Jacku z pierogami!” (“Saint Hyacinth and his pierogi!”), is still used to express surprise and reflects his connection to the dish.
How are pierogi linked to lunar symbolism?
In Ukrainian tradition, varenyky—a close cousin of pierogi—are associated with the crescent moon and were once used in pagan rituals symbolising abundance and a good harvest.
Are there monuments dedicated to pierogi?
Yes. In 1991, Glendon in Alberta, Canada, erected a monumental 7.6-metre-tall pierogi statue poised on a fork, honouring its cultural significance.
How do pierogi feature in popular culture?
In Pittsburgh, baseball games often include the “Great Pierogi Race,” where people dressed in pierogi costumes compete on the field—a playful nod to the dish’s place in local tradition.
Are there any misconceptions about pierogi?
A common misconception is that pierogi are always savoury. In fact, sweet pierogi made with fruit or sweet cheese are equally popular and often served as a dessert.