Perogies are a beloved comfort food around the world, especially in Ukraine, Poland, and other Eastern European countries. But beyond their delicious taste, there are a few fun facts about perogies that might surprise even the biggest fans.
When Ukrainians began immigrating to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many brought their cherished food traditions with them—especially perogies. These dumplings became an important part of Ukrainian Canadian culture, often featured at church suppers, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations. Today, perogies are a beloved symbol of cultural heritage for Ukrainian communities across Canada.
Canada has fully embraced perogies, especially in provinces like Alberta and Manitoba. One of the most famous perogy events in Canada is the annual Perogy Eating Contest held in Saskatoon, where competitors race to eat as many perogies as possible in a set amount of time. The event draws food lovers from across the country and celebrates Eastern European culture in a fun and tasty way.
While perogies are now a common comfort food, they were once considered a dish for special occasions. In rural areas of Ukraine, perogies were reserved for festive events like weddings, Christmas, and harvest festivals. They were often made in large batches, with families gathering to fi ll and fold hundreds of perogies at a time. This communal activity was a way for people to come together and celebrate.
That’s right! In Canada, there’s an entire day dedicated to celebrating perogies. National Perogy Day is observed every year on October 8th, and it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in this delicious dish. Whether you prefer your perogies boiled, fried, or baked, there’s no better day to enjoy them than Perogy Day.
Most people are familiar with savoury perogies fi lled with potatoes, cheese, or meat, but did you know that there are sweet versions, too? In Ukraine, sweet perogies fi lled with fruits like cherries and blueberries are a popular dessert, often served with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey. These sweet perogies are a delightful end to any meal.
Whether you enjoy them savoury or sweet, perogies are a dish full of history, culture, and fun. So, next time you sit down to a plate of these delicious dumplings, remember these fun facts—and maybe even share them with a friend!
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