Oh dumplings! Xiaolongbao, gyoza, dim sum or pierogi, I love them all. Needless to say, I was pretty excited when I found out about SüLT Pierogi Bar during my last visit in Victoria. I was desperately in need of comfort food after a long trip and this discovery could not have come at a better time.
The Atmosphere
SüLT Pierogi Bar is pretty laid back and it is a great spot for a casual date or a chilled night out with friends.
The Food
Originally, pierogi are from Poland. However, SüLT Pierogi Bar puts a Canadian twist on these Eastern European delicacies using local and seasonal ingredients. Therefore, do not expect traditional pierogi at SüLT Pierogi Bar.
Squeaks: roasted garlic, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, Monterrey jack, cheddar and parmesan cheeses ($3.90), Hulk Smash: fresh spinach, sautéed jalapenos, garlic, cream cheese whipped potato, green onion ($4.10),
The Burger: the filling changes regularly, but it is always burger-inspired ($4.30)
Curious and hungry, my partner and I ordered three different types of pierogi: the Squeaks, the Hulk Smash and The Burger (see descriptions above). They were all good, but The Burger is the one that really left an impression on me. The beef was very well seasoned and the pierogi were sprinkled with coarse salt. The dumplings were served with sour cream, but you can also order fancier dips at an extra cost.
Small Pierogi Poutine ($11)
If you want something even more Canadian, you should try the Pierogi Poutine. Deep-fried pierogi, curd cheese, gravy and sour cream. Does it sound kind of heavy? Well it was — but it was good, so who cares?
The Burger, $4.30 (the filling changes regularly, but it is always burger-inspired),
Berlin Banger Sausage, $7 (currywurst inspired with ground pork, curry spices, butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, breadcrumbs)
Next, we ordered the Berlin Burger Sausage (and yes, a few extra Burger pierogi). The pork sausage was lean, flavorful and spicy, but not hot. It paired very well with the Dijon mustard dip.
The Drinks
Princess and the pom ($15)
(Empress gin, sherringham akvavit, rosemary-grapefruit shrub, star anise-pomegranate molasses, cardamom bitters & pickled pomegranate seeds)
I have to mention the Princess and the pom. This cocktail was amazing. Although it was heavy-loaded, it was still well-balanced and not overly sweet. All the spices blended very well together, making it an extremely pleasant drink.
Bramble Bubbly ($8)
To keep the mood going, I also tried one glass of their cider Bramble Bubbly. This berry-ish cider was light and sweet, just the way I like it!
Overall
I was looking for a casual place for food and drinks, and SüLT Pierogi Bar gave me just that. The pierogi were good, the service was nice and the food affordable.
Although I enjoyed my meal, I must admit that I would have loved to end it on a sweet note. When I asked about dessert I was told that they only had savory dishes and drinks. Aren’t sweet pierogi a thing? I think it is, and if not, SüLT Pierogi Bar should definitely do something about it because they would be a great addition to their menu. I am already dreaming about nutella and banana or apple and cinnamon pierogi…
Verdict? I’ll probably go back, and hopefully they will have a sweet pierogi selection by then!
SüLT Pierogi Bar
Opening hours: open from 12pm to 10pm from Tuesday to Thursday and from 12pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Website: click here
Address: 609 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K9
Telephone: (778)-265-7858
Note that prices and information featured in this article are subject to change.
