The people behind Toronto's hidden pierogi place just opened a new Ukrainian restaurant
The team behind some of Toronto’s best (albeit most secretive) pierogis just opened a new restaurant paying homage to Ukrainian cuisine.
Churches, they’re not just for church anymore. That’s the standing belief at Heavenly Perogy, Toronto’s not-so-secret pierogi restaurant, hidden in the basement of Little Italy’s St. Volodymyr Cathedral.
Founded in 2019 by Ukrainian Tanya Matkivska, who moved to Toronto in 2004, Heavenly Perogy has quickly become one of Toronto’s favourite hidden gems, though the now-ample signage and undeniable street cred may have revoked its hidden status by now.
Hidden or not, through Heavenly Perogy, Matkivska has become a culinary figurehead of the city’s Ukrainian community.
Now, Matkivska has turned her attention to a brand-new venture that pays respect to Ukrainian cuisine in a whole new way.
Hoyra Gastrobar, Matkivska’s new restaurant, officially opened its doors to the public about a month ago, in early August, and has already made good on the promise emblazoned across its website to become “your new favourite spot.”
Where Heavenly Pierogi is all about the crowd pleasers, likeĀ schnitzel,Ā sausage,Ā borscht, and, of course,Ā pierogi, Hoyra serves up a more refined, elevated menu, putting a spotlight on a side of Ukrainian cuisine broader audiences may have never been exposed to before.
Yes, old classics like borscht and schnitzel still make appearances, but the real standouts at Hoyra are the more distinct ones.
Deruny,Ā a comforting dish of potato pancakes, is served with a rich mushroom sauce, whileĀ Salmon CaviarĀ comes with mlynski, a distinctly Ukrainian type of buckwheat pancake.
Cabbage rolls,Ā Kinkalli, andĀ Braised Red CabbageĀ with sea buckthorn and cinnamon are all among the other standouts.
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There are also a few non-Ukrainian dishes on the go, like Adjarian Khachapuri, a Georgian staple of cheese-filled bread with egg yolk.
In a city known for its diversity (in terms of populationĀ andĀ cuisine), Ukrainian restaurants have always occupied a somewhat quieter corner of the scene. It is our sincere hope that, with Matkivska’s help, the cuisine starts to get the recognition it rightly deserves.
Hoyra Gastrobar
Address:Ā 1566 Bloor St. W.
Phone:Ā 416-516-2677
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