Location

Whether you are from the outskirts of Warsaw or just visiting the city for the first time, this triangular slice of old Praga, nestled between Warszawa Wschodnia and Skaryszewski Park, feels like you are visiting another European city. You can wander the streets, observing remnants of different decades of architecture, or engage in some urban exploration at the closed Orzeł cycling track, which once hosted the 1985 Polish cycling championships. I would recommend to friends starting their exploration with a visit to the Neon Museum to see the illuminated neon relics of times gone by, followed by dinner or brunch at Sour Deli.

What we Ate

A simple survey of a recent visit to Sour Deli included a diverse tasting from their menu, which offers something for everyone. The dishes all embody a certain cherry-picked bistro trend, executed well and fresh, with their flavors hitting the spot. There is beauty in diversity, one might say, almost like a Rubik’s Cube of European tastes. From simple dishes like the Scandinavian-influenced gravlax to more clean ones like leeks and Labneh (a soft Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt), which is one of the best small plates I have tried on the east side of the river. Or my personal favorite, the savory delight of smashed potatoes with shredded, mouthwatering braised beef birria, pecorino, lime, guacamole & pico de gallo, cilantro, and pickled onions. My soup-loving friend, who chose the barszcz Ukraiński, remarked happily after the first spoonful, “This tastes like it was made with love by a Ukrainian babcia.” I was not aware of the trending food craze for sernik baskijski (Basque cheesecake), but after stealing a taste, since I had already devoured my raspberry and chocolate ptyś (puff pastry), I understand why this cheesecake, with its creamy interior and slightly salty cheese filling, drives people crazy.

Takeaway

While there are many memorable moments from conversations leaving Sour Deli as we wandered around the neighborhood, two important things stand out. Firstly, their non-alcoholic beverages were exciting and unexpected, like the matcha and orange juice, and secondly, the servers were genuine and pleasant, almost worthy of a monument in the city center. This led me to conclude that the owners have a sensitivity to what a real pleasant dining experience entails, down to the details of offering a wide variety of traditional cuisines, selecting the right staff, and even curating the music soundtrack for dining. That being said, I would be remiss not to mention the biggest takeaway from Sour Deli: their sourdough bread for breakfast the next morning.

SOUR Deli Bar

Mińska 23 (Praga)