Stop reading this and get in line... then continue reading!
Wandering around the Pike Place Market in Seattle, I found a long line of locals waiting for their chance to buy some food from this place. After a quick glance at their menu, I immediately hopped in line.
This is a tiny little store front, with just enough room for a display case and a register. But, what this place lacks in size, it makes up for in delicious Russian baked goods. With many options of the savory and sweet variety, with some vegetarian items mixed in, I had to narrow down my order to four items. We went with the cheddar garlic roll and chicken curry & rice piroshky for the savory, and then had a caramel apple pie and rhubarb piroshky for dessert. Total came to around $26 for those four good-sized and fulfilling items.
I knew from the first bite of the cheddar garlic roll that we had made the right choice to grab food from there. This thing was substantial and was like a garlic knot on steroids. Somehow both light and heavy. It was fantastic. The chicken curry & rice was also incredibly tasty. This one was more or a pastry dough filled with savory goodness. Well baked and prepared dough too. Tons of flakey and buttery laminated layers housing a healthy portion of filling. Both were still warm after carrying them down to the pier too, making them very efficient take-and-go food options.
The two sweet flavors were really good too. The rhubarb was my favorite of the two, but the caramel apple was nothing to shake a stick at.
We enjoyed them so much that we stopped back in on our walk back to the monorail and grabbed another 4 savory options that we would snack on whilst waiting for our flight later in the day. This time we had the cheesesteak which was fantastic, the beef and cheese (essentially a chopped cheese in their warm bread), and then two potato options (mushroom and potato as well as potato and cheese). Both potato items were tasty with a wonderfully cooked potato texture, but could have used perhaps some additional spices or perhaps a dipping sauce. Tasty nonetheless though. Much to my delight, the final piroshky was still good nearly 12 hours later. Not as good as the warm ones, but still much better than anything you can find...
Read moreSeattle's Pike Place Market is no stranger to culinary gems, but nestled among the bustling stalls and artisan stands lies an institution that transforms a simple hand pie into an art form. Piroshky Piroshky, a Russian bakery with over three decades of history, has captivated locals and tourists alike with its intoxicating aromas and warm, flaky pastries.
The menu is a treasure trove of sweet and savory options, each hand-crafted with a meticulous eye for detail. Among the stars is the Potato & Cheese Piroshky, a comforting blend of creamy potatoes and tangy cheese encased in their signature golden crust. It's a timeless classic, balancing nostalgia with satisfying simplicity.
For those craving something hearty, the Swedish Meatball Piroshky delivers a savory punch. Perfectly spiced meatballs, smothered in a rich gravy, nestle inside the pillowy dough, creating a portable meal that's as satisfying as it is flavorful. Vegetarians, too, will find joy in the Potato & Mushroom Piroshky, where earthy mushrooms complement smooth potatoes in a symphony of umami.
On the sweeter side, the Cinnamon Cardamom Braid is an aromatic masterpiece. Each bite is a delicate interplay of warm spices and buttery dough, showcasing the bakery's ability to elevate even the simplest of ingredients. The Apple Cinnamon Roll, meanwhile, is a celebration of autumnal flavors, featuring tender apple slices and a cinnamon glaze that feels as cozy as a flannel blanket.
The line stretching out the door is a testament to Piroshky Piroshky's enduring appeal. Yes, there's a wait— but each bite confirms that it's worth it. This is not just a bakery; it's a Seattle rite of passage, a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every piroshky tells a story of care, craftsmanship, and culinary delight.
Piroshky Piroshky is more than a bakery; it's a destination. For those seeking an authentic taste of Seattle with a Russian twist, this iconic establishment...
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When I walked back to the Westlake train station, I unraveled my slightly warm wax paper bag and dug in.
Right before I visited, I had just finished off 2 pints and a swig of Crown Royal apple at a local dive.
I needed something in my stomach.
Something that would soak up my sudsy indulgence.
Like I said, I didn't have time to wonder where to go, get a table, and be waited on by a slow waiter.
Instead, my half-inebriated brain chose the path of least resistance and went with a four-minute walk to Piroshky Piroshky.
Finally, I stumbled to the end of a moderately short but still impressive line on the side of a bustling Pike Place sidewalk.
Ahead, at the entrance to the well-established restaurant, stood a prompt female voice shouting instructions for her hungry line. With the authority of a crossing guard and the attitude of your elementary school gym teacher, she made a way for her customers.
Getting head-on with the oncoming pedestrian traffic, she told and proclaimed, "My line is moving in!" and escorted you with a gentle gesture into the warm oven-like store.
She did this for each group of visitors, asking direct questions. Mine was, "Just you today?"
After I received my Swedish meatball Piroshky, I meandered up Stewart Street towards the train station, munching and huffing my way up the hill.
Still slightly buzzed, I let that warm bread, meat, and mushroom combo seal off a memorable day of warm,...
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