The Best Perogies in Toronto

The best perogies in Toronto are a far cry from the frozen variety my mother used to make. These were typically a generic-brand sort filled with mashed potatoes and cheddar (and, not to mention, preservatives). As a child it's all I knew. Luckily, the Polish/Ukrainian staple found around the city is made the way it should be - homemade and fresh. (Sorry mom, I'll never go back.)

End-of-summer plans to lay off the carb inhalation have suffered, but for a good cause. It's been a week full of slippery half-moons of unleavened dough boiled and fried and crammed and topped and slathered with things I couldn't have imagined. Yeah, I should probably have a salad now.

Whether they're the authentic potato version, hand-pinched by old ladies in a church basement, or a new-spin variety stuffed with gourmet goodies like smoked gouda, the perogies in Toronto don't disappoint.

Here are the 14 best perogies in Toronto.

Inter Steer

Inter Steer is an immaculate European tavern where chatty regulars sip imported tap beer, and where food doesn't come second. With a former sous chef of Susur Lee at the helm, the menu is a good reason to visit. Six versions of the perogy dish are homemade and appetizer-priced, but fill like an entree. Try the Nacho perogies. They’re traditionally-filled, deep fried, then topped with guac, sour cream, salsa and cheese. (No, you’re not dreaming.) More »

Cafe Polonez

Cafe Polonez serves its house-made perogies boiled, and I convince myself that they’re healthy, just so I can finish the plate. The sweet and attentive staff prepares me a mixed plate, so that I can try them all. Four varieties are up for grabs, in both dinner and appetizer sizes. I am smitten with the mushroom and sauerkraut-stuffed option. It’s a pleasant alternative to potato and has an earthy, meaty flavour. More »

Roncesvalles Bakery

Do-it-yourself perogies are up for grabs here. Ok, they’re not pretty, but they’re handmade in-house and amazingly cheap ($4 per dozen), ready to be fried or boiled at home and dolled up with toppings. Pre-boiled or raw and frozen, these little pasty pockets come filled with a choice of cheese or meat. More »

Future Bakery

Famous for filling the homesick bellies of many a U of T freshman, Future Bakery packs a serious amount of food into its student-priced meals. On a normal day, eight perogies plus two generous sides will run you less than $8, but come on a Wednesday and the potato-and-cheese packets are all-you-can eat. All I can eat, I discovered, is nine. More »

St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church

An unusual addition to our list, St. Demetrius typically serves sermons, not food. But every month, this way-West-end church dishes out lunch to churchgoers and the community. Handmade perogies and borscht are prepared by the senior members of the church, and won’t run you much more than a fast-food lunch. More »

Pravda Vodka Bar

Pravda means truth. The truth is that this Russian inspired vodka bar has more to offer than just an impressive library of spirits. The tapas-and-nibbles menu is designed for sharing and pairing. Vodka is the star here. It even makes an appearance in one of two perogy dishes. Potato and mushroom packed pockets are served with a vodka cream reduction, onions and double-smoked bacon. More »

Starsky's

The deli counter staff isn’t really the most pleasant on my recent visit, but I’m not here for chit-chat. I come for the perogies. Faced with several choices, I select a mix of potato-cottage cheese and cabbage-mushroom. They come bulk and pre-cooked, only requiring a quick re-heat at home. Starsky’s perogies earn big points for convenience and wallet-friendliness. More »

Czehoski

Technically, these are perogies, but you won’t find any of the expected ingredients here. Cheddar is swapped for smoked gouda, and potatoes for yams. The chef personally delivers six crisp pockets towering over a bed of braised cabbage, a tart companion to the smoky-sweet filling. The side of thick crème fraiche takes four days to make, he says (but only four seconds to finish). Czehoski succeeds in reinventing a classic! More »

Amber European

Friendly staffers keep us happy with bread and drinks while we wait for our perogies. They take 15 minutes, we’re told, because they’re made from scratch. My discerning Polish friend joins me, and admits that while they’re not her Babcia’s perogies, they do belong on this list. Choose from beef, cheddar, cottage cheese, mushroom and sauerkraut, lamb and even fruit-filled. More »

Chopin

The fifth Roncesvalles location on this list, Chopin still competes. The restaurant has been churning out its popular perogy dish for 25 years. The ample entree-sized portion is perfect for sharing over beers while catching a game on the big screen in the sport-bar-like atmosphere. More »

Yummy Market

This North York grocery store carries a world of imported delights from kim-chi to pirozhky. Most impressive is a section of frozen food dedicated entirely to perogies. Yummy Market clearly made our list for variety. Pick up do-it-yourself perogies stuffed with anything from cherries to beef. More »