The ‘pastrogi’ is a new mashup of pierogi and pastrami from 2 legendary NYC eateries

Alex Mitchell
·2 min read
Katz's Deli and Veselka have teamed up to bring the best of both worlds to plates everywhere.
Katz's Deli and Veselka have teamed up to bring the best of both worlds to plates everywhere.

We’ll have what they’re having.

Sandwich icon Katz’s Delicatessen and beloved Ukrainian East Village eatery Veselka have teamed up to create a new menu mashup: the “pastrogi,” a pastrami-stuffed pierogi.

The city’s oldest deli provides its signature deli meat, and Veselka works the pastrami into its classic Eastern European dumplings.

Katz’s Deli is known for its pastrami, which will be featured in the new menu mashup. J.C.Rice
Katz’s Deli is known for its pastrami, which will be featured in the new menu mashup. J.C.Rice

Famished New Yorkers best mark their calendars and prepare for a quick trip to Brooklyn, though.

The one-of-a-kind “flavorful fusion” will only be available for one month at Veselka’s new Williamsburg location at 646 Lorimer St. starting on its opening day, Wednesday, June 5.

However, the meat-dumpling concoction is also available via pre-order for shipping nationwide, with 12 boiled pastrogies for $35.

Veselka’s pierogies will be a featured part of the new menu item. Brian Zak/NY Post
Veselka’s pierogies will be a featured part of the new menu item. Brian Zak/NY Post
Katz’s hand-carved pastrami will be the other star ingredient. Alamy
Katz’s hand-carved pastrami will be the other star ingredient. Alamy

The “innovative” pastrogi — available either boiled or fried — emerged through trial and error, with the restaurants saying it took weeks to perfect. In the end, “we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with both our customers and theirs,” Veselka owner Tom Birchard said, adding that the partnership was a way “to showcase our Ukrainian heritage while celebrating the diverse culinary landscape of NYC.”

An appetizer portion of four is $12, while an entree portion of eight costs $22.

Adding to the hype, the 1954-born Ukrainian spot and Katz’s — the latter oft-remembered as a filming location for the 1989 hit rom-com “When Harry Met Sally” filming location — are also offering a super-stuffed “New York Classics” combo package that can be shipped nationwide for the next three weeks.

For $160, it includes a pound of each of hand-carved pastrami and corned beef; a 12-pack of potato pierogies; a 16-slice half-loaf of deli rye; 2 quarts of sour pickles; 8 ounces each of deli mustard, ruben dressing and sauerkraut; a pound of Swiss cheese; and a dozen Veselka potato pierogies.

The restaurants have also combined to create a “New York Classics” food package. Katz’s Deli
The restaurants have also combined to create a “New York Classics” food package. Katz’s Deli
Diners have flocked to Veselka’s Lower East Side location (above) for years, and now they’ll have a chance to sample dishes at a new Brooklyn restaurant. Astrid Stawiarz
Diners have flocked to Veselka’s Lower East Side location (above) for years, and now they’ll have a chance to sample dishes at a new Brooklyn restaurant. Astrid Stawiarz

“We love having the capability to ship these exclusive and iconic tastes across the country, making it possible for everyone to experience and provide a bit of nostalgia to those who may have moved away from the city,” said Jake Dell, owner of Katz’s Deli.

Two years ago, Katz’s teamed up with Italian sandwich shop Alidoro and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for a subway-themed pastrami Ruben sandwich.