Photos by Sheena Xayasouik Photography
Head to the Rondout District for pillowy pierogi in a variety of flavors, as crafted by the Krupa brothers for Hudson Valleyites to enjoy.
If you’re a fan of pierogi (and more and more people are these days), you’ve no doubt indulged in the Krupa Brothers’ savory and sweet varieties—which the siblings have been selling locally for the past couple of years—at Adams Fairacre Farms of Lake Katrine, Damn Good Honey Farm in Kerhonkson, and Kingston’s Half Moon Rondout Café. Now you can get their classic Polish treats straight from the source at the recently opened Krupa Bros. Pierogi Co. store in the Rondout District.
Kyle and Tyler Krupa are a bit more passionate about pierogi than the rest of us. “We make gourmet pierogi from scratch using a recipe that has been passed down through several generations and taught to us by our grandmother when we were just big enough to see over the table,” Tyler says.
The brothers have been working hard since October 2020 to build their comfort food business. Prior to securing their Kingston space, they rented a kitchen from a deli in Connecticut for a day and a half each week where they would churn out 150–200 dozen pierogi before heading to their fulltime jobs. As soon as they were able to save enough money, they purchased a large freezer and secured a space with their very own kitchen.
“Our initial goal was to make enough money in two years’ time to open our permanent location without having to take on any sizable debt or loans,” Tyler says. They surpassed their own expectations and opened their shop May 1.
Made fresh in the store and packaged by the dozen in metallic red freezer bags, the savory pierogi have a mashed potato base and are available in six varieties (with more flavor combinations to be introduced soon): cheddar, cheddar-broccoli, jalapeño-cheddar, farmer’s cheese, caramelized onion, and roasted garlic and truffle oil. If you prefer your pierogi to taste more like dessert, you’ll love the potato-free sweet cheese version which is stuffed with a combo of farmer’s cheese, vanilla, egg yolks, and sugar.
While the storefront isn’t dine-in or take-out, you can catch Kyle and Tyler every Sunday until October 30 selling their delicious pierogi hot off the griddle at the Kingston Waterfront Farmers Market.
23 West Strand Street, Kingston krupabrospierogico.wixsite.com/website
Related: 10 Hudson Valley Dumplings You Won’t Be Able to Stop Eating
