Veselka (East Village)
Most people in America have probably never tried Ukrainian food in their lives. Veselka was a first for me too, and I found out that it is a legendary local spot for a reason.
Located in the East Village right next to uluh, Veselka has been a longtime New York City favorite since first opening its doors in 1954. While two other locations have opened up in other parts of NYC, this one in East Village is the original that has not changed or moved since its inception. In fact, most of the staff members are still Ukrainian, and the restaurant is a cornerstone of the Ukrainian community in the city.
Upon walking in, the interior is homely, inviting, and casual. Diners of all backgrounds can be seen enjoying the delicious food, and the service is equally inviting and excellent as well.
Veselka’s most famous item is without a doubt the pierogi (dumpling). The combo plates are a great way to sample different types of these dumplings alongside other dishes. The deluxe meat plate comes with various meat and vegetable-based pierogies, as well as a meat-stuffed cabbage and a grilled kielbasa. The plate also comes with a side of soup and burachky (more on this later). The pierogies live up to the hype, and my personal favorite is the braised beef version as the meat is incredibly juicy and complex inside the boiled exterior skin. The gravy-covered stuffed cabbage is also solid as well and worth trying, even if you have not had it before.
The veal goulash is another excellent entree, especially if you are looking for a heartier option. The veal is braised in a herb sauce and served alongside a scoop of mashed potatoes. The meat is tender and falls apart nicely, and the goulash’s consistency is like a thick hunter’s stew. The mashed potatoes complement the goulash nicely, and guests can also choose one side to go with the dish.
The most interesting item to me was the burachky (also sometimes spelled as “buraczki”). It is a cold dish consisting of shredded beets and horseradish. Somewhat like a salad, the burachky’s bright magenta color stands out immediately, resembling the color of pickled onions. The texture is almost like that of soft noodles, and the taste is bright and zesty with a hint of sourness like that of vinegar. It is delicious and one of Veselka’s most popular sides.
An amazing restaurant with a storied history, Veselka in the East Village is a restaurant loved by locals for almost a century. Whether it is your first time trying Ukrainian food or you have grown up eating pierogies, Veselka is an institution of NYC that is sure to deliver an excellent meal.
