Katz’s Delicatessen And Veselka Create Their First Co-Branded Pastrami Pierogi

16.05.2024 - 20:19 / forbes.com

Two iconic Manhattan restaurants, with over 200 years of history combined, has teamed up to create a dish featuring their most popular menu items.

The downtown landmarks just revealed the ‘Pastrogi’, a Pastrami Pierogi made with Katz’s pastrami as the filling of Veselka’s signature Ukrainian dumpling. Weeks of testing and trials by both restaurants led to the flavorful fusion item, created in celebration of Veselka’s brand-new Williamsburg location serving up Eastern European comfort food at 646 Lorimer St.

The new Veselka restaurant, slated to open on June 5, will offer limited daily quantities of the ‘pastrogi’ throughout the month. Those not in Brooklyn can also order a limited number will also be available on Veselka’s website for shipping nationwide.

"We are thrilled to partner with Veselka to give the gift of NYC’s classic pastrami and pierogi to foodies nationwide," said Jake Dell, owner of Katz's Deli, the oldest deli in New York. "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.”

Tom Birchard, owner of Veselka, echoed Dell's excitement:"At Veselka, we're always looking for innovative ways to showcase our Ukrainian heritage while celebrating the diverse culinary landscape of NYC,” he said. “Partnering with Katz's allows us to do just that, and we couldn't be more thrilled to share it with both our customers and theirs."

This is the first collaboration the two historic food brands have embarked on, since Katz’s opened on the Lower East Side in 1888 and Veselka in the East Village in 1954. Both restaurants continue paying homage to their respective culinary legacies while embracing the vibrant food culture of the city.

Those outside of New York can also get a taste of both downtown landmarks via a package on Goldbelly. The New York Classics Package featuring Veselkaincludes one dozen of Veselka’s classic potato pierogi along with Katz's hand-carved pastrami and all the classic fixings (deli rye, mustard, sour pickles, and much more). The combo is $160 and ships for free throughout the continental U.S.

Katz’s has been shipping its beloved meat products for nearly as long as the restaurant has been in existence. Fans of the store may recognize a prominent sign, “Send Salami to Your Boy in the Army.” The slogan became popular in the 1940s, when Katz’s owners sent their deli fare to both of their sons serving in the U.S. Army. In 2017, Katz’s expanded its shipping beyond nationwide to overseas, for international deli lovers to get a taste of the iconic sandwiches.