5 Types of Slovakian Dumplings

By: Joy Ananda

Slovakia is a country in Central Europe, and its mostly mountainous areas mean that hunting is popular and it influences the kind of food that is consumed there. Although the more known meats like pork and poultry are eaten too, the all-year-round menu includes boar, rabbit and venison as well.

Much like its neighbors in Europe, Slovaks utilize the humble vegetable, the potato in most of their dishes, with potatoes making up most of their traditional fare. Slovaks started eating potatoes in the 18th century, and it proved to be a useful vegetable as it can be easily stored and kept for different kinds of meals throughout the year. Other types of food products that helped the villagers be self-sufficient included wheat, milk and milk products, sauerkraut and onion.

Traditional Slovak foods vary from savory to sweet, and this time we’re going to take a closer look at European dumplings. In Asia, you think of minced meat and chives when one says dumplings. However, the dumplings in Slovakia are thick and stuffed with hearty fillings, and they’re not eaten with the soy sauce and chilli we’re familiar with.

Bryndzové pirohy

(photo from tripadvisor)

These thick potato dumplings are filled with traditional sheep cheese and bacon bits, eaten with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkles of fried onion and chopped chives. Sheep cheese is more savory than cow’s milk cheese, and it has a very strong and unique smell. Be prepared to share, because this dish is super filling. Parené buchty (photo from pinterest)

Steamed dumplings that are filled with a rum-spiced jam, doused with a butter or vanilla sauce and then a smattering of poppy seeds, cheese or chocolate. I’d imagine this is the European version of a soft stuffed bakpao or donut.

Strapačky

(photo from wikipedia)

These dumplings are made of a mix of flour and grated potatoes, but they are not stuffed. Instead they are spread on a strainer so the dough pops out into thick but short pieces, they resemble gnocchis or macaroni. They are eaten with stewed sauerkraut, a pickled cabbage side often enjoyed in Europe. Its natural sourness pairs well with the salty bacon pieces. Sulance (photo from tripadvisor)

Hand-rolled potato dumplings sprinkled with a variety of sweet toppings; traditionally poppy seeds and sugar, but now you can see walnuts or melted butter on top. You can’t find poppy seeds in Asia, but these seeds are good sources of protein and fiber. They also are a symbol of wealth as the seeds are meant to represent coins. The poppy seeds look like they could be crushed up oreos so don’t be surprised by the visuals. It’s ugly delicious for sure.

Parené buchty

(photo from pinterest)

Steamed dumplings that are filled with a rum-spiced jam, doused with a butter or vanilla sauce and then a smattering of poppy seeds, cheese or chocolate. I’d imagine this is the European version of a soft stuffed bakpao or donut.

Sulance

(photo from gymbeam)

Hand-rolled potato dumplings sprinkled with a variety of sweet toppings; traditionally poppy seeds and sugar, but now you can see walnuts or melted butter on top. You can’t find poppy seeds in Asia, but these seeds are good sources of protein and fiber. They also are a symbol of wealth as the seeds are meant to represent coins. The poppy seeds look like they could be crushed up oreos so don’t be surprised by the visuals. It’s ugly delicious for sure.

Šišky

(photo from Varecha.sk)

Fried dumplings with a marmalade or jam center and sprinkled with icing sugar. They look like jam donuts, and they honestly remind me of that yummy-looking jam cookie in Disney’s movie Brave. If you know what I’m talking about, comment below! The best thing about these dumplings is that they are available all year round, so make sure to try these 5 delicacies if you ever go to Slovakia!

The best thing about these dumplings is that they are available all year round, so make sure to try these 5 delicacies if you ever go to Slovakia!