In generations gone by, in a time when the East Village wasn’t home to endless Starbucks’ and a Whole Foods, it was in fact a melange of New York’s counterculture subscribers and a rich Ukrainian culture. Few remnants remain from the heyday of Manhattan’s Eastern European nexus aside from a museum and a few restaurants - of which Veselka is undoubtedly the most famous. This (typically) 24-hour institution pumps out diner dishes the hungry and hungover alike adore - ranging from fluffy pancakes to crispy potato latkes and a phenomenal matzo ball soup with herby broth. Yet, the pieces de resistance are, without a doubt, the Ukrainian specialties. The beef stroganoff - thick, curly noodles underneath a soupy and warm beef stew known to cure anyone’s ails - is renowned, but few dishes in New York City are as iconic as the Veselka pierogis. Get these dumplings steamed or fried with fillings ranging from short rib to broccoli cheddar. I for one always go for a mix of traditional steamed potato and beef which, when paired with the accompanying sautéed onions and sour cream, provide a satisfyingly soft and dense bite with a bit of an acidic tang. Eating at Veselka is more satisfying than those Tik Toks of people pruning hedges or landing perfect 3-pointers - each bite includes a moment of sinking of your teeth into soft and warm textures that will start your day off better than anywhere else in town or nurse you back to health after a damaging evening. It's versatile, it's delicious, it's not expensive, it's quintessential New York, and after trying once you will be a regular, too.
See below a collage of Veselka meals from varying dates around 4am.
Veselka
144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
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