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Pierogi: An American Story of Polish Food
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August 29, 2026
Pierogi are often identified as the quintessential Polish food. Anna D. Jaroszynska-Kirchmann, a Polish immigrant who came to Minnesota in the late 1980s, traces the history of Polish and Polish American food through the centuries, from food shortages in communist occupied Poland to boiled cabbages in American tenements to Martha Stewart, née Kostyra, bringing Polish hospitality to the broader landscape of American cooking.
When many Americans think of Poland and Polish cooking, the doughy, typically boiled pierogi is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Jaroszynska-Kirchmann does spend a good portion of her book talking about pierogi, but also about the other kinds of Polish foods that adapted to and others that withstood an Americanized influence. This is a dense and informative nonfiction read, written by a scholar, but I was drawn to the history of the food types, discussions of shortages, and a reminder of the adaptability of my ancestors. She uses cookbooks as her primary sources, reviewing the types of recipes that needed to be written down as opposed to those passed through families. She argues that immigrant women relied more on cookbooks - which became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America - as they moved further afield from their families. The largely learned tradition of pierogi meant that we didn't see them appear in cookbooks as frequently, but we did see them in Polish language newspapers.
As someone of Polish heritage who did not grow up eating much Polish food beyond pierogi, it was very interesting to me to see my own experiences in the pages of this book. As immigrant families established themselves, they tried to assimilate more, and by my generation, Polish food became a novelty instead of a tradition. And while I've always been a fan of pierogi, I rediscovered a love of Polish food traveling in Poland, where food is fresher and cooked in season. The reputation of starchy Polish foods in America though, means friends are consistently shocked when we talk about eating our way from Gdansk to Krakow.
This book was informative and interesting, but with a more academic focus than a popular nonfiction or narrative style. I could see this being helpful for researchers trying to understand more about Soviet era food scarcity or the feasting of the late medieval eras. I'd recommend this for anyone looking to trace the roots of their babcias' kitchens, or readers who are interested in the culture of food.
Thank you to Columbia University Press for an eARC. Pierogi: An American Story of Polish Food is out 8/25/2026.
When many Americans think of Poland and Polish cooking, the doughy, typically boiled pierogi is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Jaroszynska-Kirchmann does spend a good portion of her book talking about pierogi, but also about the other kinds of Polish foods that adapted to and others that withstood an Americanized influence. This is a dense and informative nonfiction read, written by a scholar, but I was drawn to the history of the food types, discussions of shortages, and a reminder of the adaptability of my ancestors. She uses cookbooks as her primary sources, reviewing the types of recipes that needed to be written down as opposed to those passed through families. She argues that immigrant women relied more on cookbooks - which became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America - as they moved further afield from their families. The largely learned tradition of pierogi meant that we didn't see them appear in cookbooks as frequently, but we did see them in Polish language newspapers.
As someone of Polish heritage who did not grow up eating much Polish food beyond pierogi, it was very interesting to me to see my own experiences in the pages of this book. As immigrant families established themselves, they tried to assimilate more, and by my generation, Polish food became a novelty instead of a tradition. And while I've always been a fan of pierogi, I rediscovered a love of Polish food traveling in Poland, where food is fresher and cooked in season. The reputation of starchy Polish foods in America though, means friends are consistently shocked when we talk about eating our way from Gdansk to Krakow.
This book was informative and interesting, but with a more academic focus than a popular nonfiction or narrative style. I could see this being helpful for researchers trying to understand more about Soviet era food scarcity or the feasting of the late medieval eras. I'd recommend this for anyone looking to trace the roots of their babcias' kitchens, or readers who are interested in the culture of food.
Thank you to Columbia University Press for an eARC. Pierogi: An American Story of Polish Food is out 8/25/2026.
October 2, 2026
*This book was received as a free advanced reviewers copy from NetGalley.
Ever since encountering the frozen type at my local supermarket as a child, I have loved pierogi. Not having grown up in a very diverse area, food options were limited, and so the pierogi represented novelty. I'd eat the edges first, being that they were somewhat rubbery from boiling and not as tasty as the part with filling, saving the best for last. Now, having grown up, I've discovered the delights of frying in butter.
But I digress. This book encompasses the last century or so of Polish American food history. Starting with the immigration pathways and establishment of communities, there is bouncing between Poland and immigrants in America and their food traditions. The book wasn't just about pierogi either, but an array of Polish foods and the ingredients prevalence and use. Intermixed with this was stories from the authors own family and their food traditions and history.
While in general I liked the book, there was one aspect that hit on my pet peeves. When the references accompanying each chapter are as long (or longer) than the chapter itself, just write that part in with a citation. I don't want to bounce back and forth reading a page worth of content at a time just to try to re-immerse myself in the narrative after. I guess having them in the chapter may be better than at the end of the book (although at least there I don't feel compelled to read instantaneously), but if it's important enough to have more than a sentence or two in reference, it's important enough to insert in the book in my opinion. But again, I digress. I liked the overall perspective of history this book gave on the American adoption of Polish food and the Polish adoption of American food into their practices. The explanation of why ingredients were used for certain things were also compelling as so much of social and political forces drive food - not just what you can actually grow in a region.
Overall I think this was a very interesting book. While I think it would tend more to the academic side of readability, if you're deep into food history, this will definitely fulfill that topic.
Ever since encountering the frozen type at my local supermarket as a child, I have loved pierogi. Not having grown up in a very diverse area, food options were limited, and so the pierogi represented novelty. I'd eat the edges first, being that they were somewhat rubbery from boiling and not as tasty as the part with filling, saving the best for last. Now, having grown up, I've discovered the delights of frying in butter.
But I digress. This book encompasses the last century or so of Polish American food history. Starting with the immigration pathways and establishment of communities, there is bouncing between Poland and immigrants in America and their food traditions. The book wasn't just about pierogi either, but an array of Polish foods and the ingredients prevalence and use. Intermixed with this was stories from the authors own family and their food traditions and history.
While in general I liked the book, there was one aspect that hit on my pet peeves. When the references accompanying each chapter are as long (or longer) than the chapter itself, just write that part in with a citation. I don't want to bounce back and forth reading a page worth of content at a time just to try to re-immerse myself in the narrative after. I guess having them in the chapter may be better than at the end of the book (although at least there I don't feel compelled to read instantaneously), but if it's important enough to have more than a sentence or two in reference, it's important enough to insert in the book in my opinion. But again, I digress. I liked the overall perspective of history this book gave on the American adoption of Polish food and the Polish adoption of American food into their practices. The explanation of why ingredients were used for certain things were also compelling as so much of social and political forces drive food - not just what you can actually grow in a region.
Overall I think this was a very interesting book. While I think it would tend more to the academic side of readability, if you're deep into food history, this will definitely fulfill that topic.
October 17, 2026
This review is for an ARC from #NetGalley ##Pierogi
I have no Polish American heritage. However, I did still enjoy this expansive volume on the foodways of Poland and how it evolved in America. I have always loved dumplings and pierogi of any type and found this a fascinating in-depth read.
For those who enjoy reading about where their food comes from, or have Polish heritage they want to dive into, this is the perfect volume.
I have no Polish American heritage. However, I did still enjoy this expansive volume on the foodways of Poland and how it evolved in America. I have always loved dumplings and pierogi of any type and found this a fascinating in-depth read.
For those who enjoy reading about where their food comes from, or have Polish heritage they want to dive into, this is the perfect volume.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“I muse over the realization that only food, which is so temporary, can produce memories that are so permanent.”
I think I was the perfect audience for this book. First generation US born to Polish immigrants. The book was a real connection, flooding me with memories of my Babcia, tradition, culture, and of course food. I appreciated the history both of Poland and of Polonia.
Loved the immigrant stories that filled me with pride being a part of a determined, hard working people. There was one that hit me particularly hard, that of Paul Wolfer. He’s “a grandson of Polish displaced persons who came to Connecticut in the early 1950s after surviving Siberia, the Middle East, the Italian campaign, and a brief resettlement in England.They settled in New Haven.” I got a chill. This is my Babcia’s history (other than that my family settled in NJ, and his in CT). It felt a bit overwhelming to see the story in writing and connect so palpably to mine.
I can remember so much described in the book. Both positive and negative. I remember social networks and Bobby Vinton. I definitely remember the negative stereotypes of Polish as I grew up. It’s the immigrant reality. But also the pride in being a strong people.
The food memories were most significant. I could practically smell my Babcia’s kitchen as I read. And so many specifics that I didn’t realize others would have had the same memories like that of lazy noodles and kotlety. I connected very much on the importance of Easter and Wigilia. And how communal cooking is much more than people chipping in on the cooking, but rather a sharing of culture.
Above all, the significance of Polish hospitality is something ingrained in the soul. Why do we cook so much food? Because “Gość w dom, Bóg w dom”…. A guest in the home is like God in the home…. that is our heritage.
Thank you to the author for sharing your learnings.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!!
I think I was the perfect audience for this book. First generation US born to Polish immigrants. The book was a real connection, flooding me with memories of my Babcia, tradition, culture, and of course food. I appreciated the history both of Poland and of Polonia.
Loved the immigrant stories that filled me with pride being a part of a determined, hard working people. There was one that hit me particularly hard, that of Paul Wolfer. He’s “a grandson of Polish displaced persons who came to Connecticut in the early 1950s after surviving Siberia, the Middle East, the Italian campaign, and a brief resettlement in England.They settled in New Haven.” I got a chill. This is my Babcia’s history (other than that my family settled in NJ, and his in CT). It felt a bit overwhelming to see the story in writing and connect so palpably to mine.
I can remember so much described in the book. Both positive and negative. I remember social networks and Bobby Vinton. I definitely remember the negative stereotypes of Polish as I grew up. It’s the immigrant reality. But also the pride in being a strong people.
The food memories were most significant. I could practically smell my Babcia’s kitchen as I read. And so many specifics that I didn’t realize others would have had the same memories like that of lazy noodles and kotlety. I connected very much on the importance of Easter and Wigilia. And how communal cooking is much more than people chipping in on the cooking, but rather a sharing of culture.
Above all, the significance of Polish hospitality is something ingrained in the soul. Why do we cook so much food? Because “Gość w dom, Bóg w dom”…. A guest in the home is like God in the home…. that is our heritage.
Thank you to the author for sharing your learnings.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!!
October 7, 2026
Like so many of the readers of this book, I have Polish American heritage. I grew up eating pierogis, not homemade, but from the frozen aisle of the supermarket. I now live in Australia and so I can also see the Polish heritage from within Australian immigrant culture too. It's big enough here I have a Polish food shop just down the road. Funnily enough, I have tried frozen pierogi from there and they don't seem the same to me as the ones I ate growing up. And probably there are variations, especially coming straight from Poland. And within the context of the local community.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading this book because I recognised many aspects of family heritage within it. Even though most of my growing up years were outside the main Polish American areas. Even though I haven't ever made them myself (but never say never). The book tracks pierogi within the context of Polish cooking and follows it into the American culture. It touches on the community aspect of pierogi making (which I haven't experienced) and lets me know how there is no definitive version, in the same way paella has no definitive version for the Spanish.
The book is immensely readable and not at all dry in the content. It's a good lesson on immigrant heritage, not just Polish. While i grew outside of the Polish American specific communities, I did experience other communities, and it really is a universal aspect of heritage to see how a food can bring you together. I do recommend this for reading to those interested in heritage and food in the community, It's a treasure trove of experiences and tradition.
Thank you to Netgalley and Columbia University Press for providing a free copy for me to read. I've provided my feedback under no obligation.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading this book because I recognised many aspects of family heritage within it. Even though most of my growing up years were outside the main Polish American areas. Even though I haven't ever made them myself (but never say never). The book tracks pierogi within the context of Polish cooking and follows it into the American culture. It touches on the community aspect of pierogi making (which I haven't experienced) and lets me know how there is no definitive version, in the same way paella has no definitive version for the Spanish.
The book is immensely readable and not at all dry in the content. It's a good lesson on immigrant heritage, not just Polish. While i grew outside of the Polish American specific communities, I did experience other communities, and it really is a universal aspect of heritage to see how a food can bring you together. I do recommend this for reading to those interested in heritage and food in the community, It's a treasure trove of experiences and tradition.
Thank you to Netgalley and Columbia University Press for providing a free copy for me to read. I've provided my feedback under no obligation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a culinary history of polish food in the United States and there are no recipes included. The author notes “Since Colonial times, immigrant cuisines have shaped what American’s eat.” Pierogi are possibly the most frequently associated Polish food, although people also may think of cabbage rolls and kielbasa.
This book is, in fact. a history of food and recipes in Poland, going back to medieval times and possibly earlier. Some of these recipes, or descendants are currently eaten in Poland. The author notes that immigrants to the US “carried with them an attachment to the food from their particular villages, towns, and regions, and most importantly from their homes and families.” She also notes that “if food “could not be produced at home, immigrants relied on local ethnic entrepreneurs.” Included in the book are historical photos of home kitchens and stores in the US.
She also provides reminiscences of her home in Poland and how life was lived there, including stories of WWII.
While I found the book interesting, I didn’t read it like another book. I skimmed and lingered on paragraphs, photographs, and chapters that caught my eye.
The end of the book contains an extensive list of references, for those who would like to delve even deeper into this book.
Because of my level of interest in reading the book, I rate the book a 3.5, rounded to a 4, but for those who are very interested in reading the history of Polish food, particularly pierogi, this book is a treasure.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this e-book.
This book is, in fact. a history of food and recipes in Poland, going back to medieval times and possibly earlier. Some of these recipes, or descendants are currently eaten in Poland. The author notes that immigrants to the US “carried with them an attachment to the food from their particular villages, towns, and regions, and most importantly from their homes and families.” She also notes that “if food “could not be produced at home, immigrants relied on local ethnic entrepreneurs.” Included in the book are historical photos of home kitchens and stores in the US.
She also provides reminiscences of her home in Poland and how life was lived there, including stories of WWII.
While I found the book interesting, I didn’t read it like another book. I skimmed and lingered on paragraphs, photographs, and chapters that caught my eye.
The end of the book contains an extensive list of references, for those who would like to delve even deeper into this book.
Because of my level of interest in reading the book, I rate the book a 3.5, rounded to a 4, but for those who are very interested in reading the history of Polish food, particularly pierogi, this book is a treasure.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this e-book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun and informative read about a delicious ethnic dish that my whole family enjoys. It covers everything from Polish history, to the foods they ate during the many political regime changes, to what food traditions they brought with them to America. This is NOT a cookbook but the author does describe many Polish cookbooks in detail. One sounded so interesting that I've requested it from my library: Polish Chicago: Our History, Our Recipes by Joseph W. Zurawski. She also covers the stories behind some of the best-known frozen pierogi makers such as Mrs T's and Kasia's, as well as various pierogi festivals, restaurants and food trucks.
I met and married a Polish-American man and had my first taste of his mother's pierogi. Our own homemade versions have become a tradition in our family for Easter and Christmas brunch, along with ham, kielbasa, and fried eggs. I'm proud to say we have made pierogi converts of our two sons-in-law and grandson as well. 😋
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this informative book via NetGalley. It was a delight to read. I'm looking forward to finding a recipe for bigos, a hunter's stew, to try.
I met and married a Polish-American man and had my first taste of his mother's pierogi. Our own homemade versions have become a tradition in our family for Easter and Christmas brunch, along with ham, kielbasa, and fried eggs. I'm proud to say we have made pierogi converts of our two sons-in-law and grandson as well. 😋
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this informative book via NetGalley. It was a delight to read. I'm looking forward to finding a recipe for bigos, a hunter's stew, to try.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm the pierogi maker for our family's Christmas party every year. I thought that I might find some helpful hint or some recipes to try. Nope, not in this book. Pierogi: An American Story of Polish Food contains research about every conceivable tie to Polish food. Super interesting, especially if you are Polish and/or are a foodie .
I'm a huge fan of Martha Stewart and there was several pages about Martha Stewart and her mother (Big Martha) in this book. Especially loved that chapter!
Many references to the Midwest in Pierogi. I loved that!
Between 4 & 5 stars, but deciding to go with 4 stars.
A tremendous amount of research went into this book. The author was born in Poland and was able to translate many documents herself. I feel that this book might have been a thesis that turned into a book. Kudos to the author!
Many thanks to author Anna D. Jaroszyńska-Kirchmann for writing Pierogi. Many thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Pierogi in exchange for an honest review.
Approx 376 pages. Approx 18% of the book is Acknowledgements and Notes/References. Anticipated publication is Aug 25, 2026.
I'm a huge fan of Martha Stewart and there was several pages about Martha Stewart and her mother (Big Martha) in this book. Especially loved that chapter!
Many references to the Midwest in Pierogi. I loved that!
Between 4 & 5 stars, but deciding to go with 4 stars.
A tremendous amount of research went into this book. The author was born in Poland and was able to translate many documents herself. I feel that this book might have been a thesis that turned into a book. Kudos to the author!
Many thanks to author Anna D. Jaroszyńska-Kirchmann for writing Pierogi. Many thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Pierogi in exchange for an honest review.
Approx 376 pages. Approx 18% of the book is Acknowledgements and Notes/References. Anticipated publication is Aug 25, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Pierogi" is exactly what I was craving. Growing up I knew I was Polish- we had meals and celebrations, Roman Catholicism, pictures of Pope John Paul II and a few Polish phrases, but it was important that we assimilate into American culture. I desired the history of the Polish people and what it felt like to be a Polish immigrant in the United States and "Pierogi" fed that to me. It was a marvelous take on history through storytelling, cooking and recipes. Throughout the book I felt connections with people I never met and found things to add to my bucket list. I even bought my mom one of the cookbooks discussed. I appreciate the resiliency of the Polanie both in the way of food (cook with what you have) and attitude.
Pierogi is a quick read, well-written, well-researched and made me hungry throughout. I recommend it for anyone who has a curiosity for the Polish/American way, loves Pierogis or even just want to read a couple hundred pages that will make your mouth water. I will be buying copies for my Polish kin and fictive kin.
Pierogi is a quick read, well-written, well-researched and made me hungry throughout. I recommend it for anyone who has a curiosity for the Polish/American way, loves Pierogis or even just want to read a couple hundred pages that will make your mouth water. I will be buying copies for my Polish kin and fictive kin.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Nana would be disappointed in my rating of this book. But this is a book that felt mostly like it was about cookbooks including lists of how many different types of recipes each one had. Very analytical but not what I expected nor wanted in a book about culture and food. I was amused to see that I own one of the cookbooks frequently referenced, including lots of notes from my Nana. I loved the personal references to Ms. Jaroszynska-Kirchmann's family and traditions. I loved hearing about communities coming together. All the history was great! The thru line connecting all this was the beautiful pierogi, but sometimes this got lost in the story and sometimes the connections felt forced. Ultimately, I feel like the book was trying to do too much, to prove the author had done the research. I didn't need that. I didn't need the recipe for her work. I just wanted the end result: pierogi. (If that analogy makes sense.)
Thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
September 21, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
3/5 stars
As someone who is, at a distance, descended from Polish immigrants (my great-grandparents were immigrants who came to the US from somewhere in Poland, but unfortunately they’ve since passed and much of the details of their lives has been lost), I was very curious about this book as a way to connect to my own distant heritage. The author is clearly fascinated with Polish cookbooks and honestly, this book reads much more of a review/history of Polish cookbooks than anything else. I was hoping to learn more about the people and the progression of how the pierogi entered American cuisine. There were interesting things to learn about Polish cookbooks, but I don’t feel like I walked away really understanding more about pierogi. I do really want to try a number of foods the author mentions though.
3/5 stars
As someone who is, at a distance, descended from Polish immigrants (my great-grandparents were immigrants who came to the US from somewhere in Poland, but unfortunately they’ve since passed and much of the details of their lives has been lost), I was very curious about this book as a way to connect to my own distant heritage. The author is clearly fascinated with Polish cookbooks and honestly, this book reads much more of a review/history of Polish cookbooks than anything else. I was hoping to learn more about the people and the progression of how the pierogi entered American cuisine. There were interesting things to learn about Polish cookbooks, but I don’t feel like I walked away really understanding more about pierogi. I do really want to try a number of foods the author mentions though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a wide-ranging history of everything Polish and Polish-American from the perspective of the kitchen, cooking and eating. In many ways, it's the untold women's history of Poland from the earliest of times. In addition to so much more, the author surveys Polish cookbooks and recipe collections from the first ones available until now, and that in itself is so interesting because of the long legs of many classic dishes, plus the adaptations and innovations because of poverty, war, upheaval. As a reader of Ukrainian heritage (with a peppering of Polish), much was familiar and I was so hungry as I read. For anyone interested in Polish material history, women's history, food, women's rights, women's work, social history -- this is a must-read.
Thank you #Netgalley and Columbia University Press for the e-arc of this fabulous book.
Thank you #Netgalley and Columbia University Press for the e-arc of this fabulous book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pierogi is a wonderful representation of how integrated food and culture truly are. While this is not a cookbook, I felt totally immersed in the culinary backdrop of Polish cuisine while also learning some Polish history and the integration and evolution of the people in America. I loved seeing the older cookbooks to seeing specialty foods in deli’s and even food trucks!
I am half Polish and don’t know much of that side but have the fondest memories of my Babcia, (Grandma) teaching me to make pierogi’s and other Polish treats when I was a very young girl. The pictures were a really nice touch, especially of the author’s family, and made me feel instantly connected.
This is immediately going on my list for my Polish Dad for Father’s Day!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the ARC of Pierogi.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is not a cookbook but an ode to Pierogi. The history, the changes, the development and the impact on family, home and culture. Understanding food and the connection to the past provides an insight into history, the people and the times as the food evolves. Understanding the beginnings, the impact and how the people embrace the food is important to the flavor just like the ingredients. People get to know others and other cultures through food and it is something that joins us and allows others to appreciate the journey. This book lays out the history of the pierogi and what it means to the Polish people as well as how immigrants brought it to different places. Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Pierogi, it's evolution, and a surprisingly long history, with pictures even. This book isn't a cookbook, it's a history book, so no one confuse the two. That said, I was super hungry when I finished. Peppered with personal stories (both the authors and others), some fun black and white photographs, advertisements, this is a fascinating look into not only the food, but the history and culture across time and the globe. Fun read for those foodie history buffs out there, be sure to pick this up.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book entitled simply “Pierogi ” certainly fulfills one’s curiosity about this popular Polish food. Besides its’ history, the author remarkably shows how the ethnic Polish identity is deeply tied to the pierogi.
This is an amusing read, not just for the food history buffs or for those who want to learn about their cultural roots. The author fills pages with hilarious tales about pierogi runs, massive festivals, to the time pierogi actually made it to the International Space Station! It balances fascinating facts with pure enjoyment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the eArc to review.
This is an amusing read, not just for the food history buffs or for those who want to learn about their cultural roots. The author fills pages with hilarious tales about pierogi runs, massive festivals, to the time pierogi actually made it to the International Space Station! It balances fascinating facts with pure enjoyment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the eArc to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Pierogi: An American Story of Polish Food. I was drawn to this book because I am obsessed with pierogi, which has been my favorite food since childhood. This book was so much more than information about the beloved dish. It was full of history, culture, memories, and passion. All of which led to me to new ideas of how to create and share new dishes. I had no idea that this much could be written, but it was well done! I recommend this book to anyone who has a love for pierogi and interest in Polish American culture.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an excellent history of pierogi, with plenty of personal stories throughout. If you want to dive into a book that chronicles the experiences of those with pierogies, this is a lovely book. The pierogi-making parties are particularily important because that is exactly how people make community while doing so. I really loved the references to making and sharing pierogi because it is so true that even the introverts will become involved dyring perogi making. Thank-you, Columbia University Press, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love to read books that are love stories to cuisines and this is a good one!
The pierogi, to a lot of people, is just a Polish dumpling. In reality, it’s a lot more. It’s a cultural touchstone full of warmth and comfort. There are festivals devoted to this pillow of yumminess.
This book covers that, as well as everything you need and want to know. Except a recipe. There’s a lot of cookbooks recommended, so that helps, but a basic recipe would have been nice.
This is well written and a lot of fun. I recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
The pierogi, to a lot of people, is just a Polish dumpling. In reality, it’s a lot more. It’s a cultural touchstone full of warmth and comfort. There are festivals devoted to this pillow of yumminess.
This book covers that, as well as everything you need and want to know. Except a recipe. There’s a lot of cookbooks recommended, so that helps, but a basic recipe would have been nice.
This is well written and a lot of fun. I recommend it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
September 1, 2026
This is a departure from my usual dark romance genre, so bear with me as I try to review a history/food related book.
My family is Polish/German and I grew up with some of the language and food - but pierogi were strangely not one of the foods we made around the house. I loved learning the history of Polish food in America, the cultural aspects of attitudes and treatment of Polish immigrants, and Polish hospitality and homes.
I do wish there were at least a few recipes - it seems a bit odd to make a food book without including at least one recipe.
My family is Polish/German and I grew up with some of the language and food - but pierogi were strangely not one of the foods we made around the house. I loved learning the history of Polish food in America, the cultural aspects of attitudes and treatment of Polish immigrants, and Polish hospitality and homes.
I do wish there were at least a few recipes - it seems a bit odd to make a food book without including at least one recipe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘Pierogi’ reads like a love letter to Polish-American culture. There is so much love and history packed into this book. I loved being able to learn so much about my own culture and what my own ancestors experienced. Family recipes and traditions are so priceless, and this book really encapsulates the experience of many Polish American families.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
October 21, 2026
Thank you to the author, Columbia University Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I loved the personal references to the author's family and their traditions, I found a lot of this very heavy going. It was too top-heavy with research and academic tangents to read well as a book about culture and food, which is what I was hoping for.
While I loved the personal references to the author's family and their traditions, I found a lot of this very heavy going. It was too top-heavy with research and academic tangents to read well as a book about culture and food, which is what I was hoping for.
Did Not Finish
August 15, 2026This book isn’t for me. I expected more food-focused topics but it’s too historical.
The formatting is irritating me and I don’t like the “-1” “0” “+1” randomly interpreted throughout the narrative.
The formatting is irritating me and I don’t like the “-1” “0” “+1” randomly interpreted throughout the narrative.
September 13, 2026
Who writes a whole book on the history and all the nuances of a culture's food but doesn't contain one recipe? I mean, I enjoyed the history of the pierogi, something my Polish grandmother never made, but I was looking to, you know, actually try to make some, too.
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