GO! SEE! EXPLORE! : Halinka’s Polish Eatery
Even though I’m adopted, I claim that I’m Polish. My great grandparents on my dad’s side of my family immigrated from Poland and became farmers in western Pennsylvania, only speaking Polish at home. My grandma (“Baka”) was bilingual. I remember her saying Polish phrases to me growing up. Unfortunately, she didn’t teach my dad or my aunt any Polish and the language died within two generations in our family. Fast forward and I get married — his mother’s side of the family? Polish. So many things about the way I was raised and how my husband was raised are the same. That nurture vs. nature thing? Yeah — definitely nurture won out with my (sometimes very) Polish personality. ALL THIS TO SAY — I was PUMPED to discover Halinka’s Polish Eatery that recently opened in Memphis. Halinka’s (pronouned Ha-lin-as) is the FIRST AND ONLY authentic Polish food provider in the Mid-South.
Halinka’s Polish Eatery is currently a food truck! This is great, since you can find owner Magda rolling around Memphis in various neighborhoods. We caught up with her at the new Shelby Farms Park Food Truck Park. Click here for her weekly schedule, but she’s usually at the Food Truck Park on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. In addition to ordering fresh food straight from the truck, you can also book Halinka’s Polish Eatery catering for parties, events, or even just at your own home! In addition to the special catering menu, you can find seasonal items for sale at the Memphis Kitchen Co-Op at 7942 Fischer Steel Rd. in Cordova!
Ok! Now let’s talk about the FOOD.
Polish food might have the reputation of being bland (think plain Eastern European recipes), but it’s anything but that! Magda has put a spin on some traditional recipes (like her hot shredded beats) but has kept the quality and integrity on most of her family recipes she makes.
Pierogi
Pronouned pe-roh-gee, pierogis are small dough dumplings stuffed with fillings. Traditionally potato and cheese are served with carmelized onions and sour cream — so amazing! You can find other fillings as well. My grandmother made cottage cheese pierogis, plum filled pierogis, and cabbage filled. Halinka’s Polish Eatery also offers a meat filled version of minced pork and beef, as well as sauerkraut and mushroom (my personal favorite!). Pierogis are first boiled and then typically pan-fried right before serving piping hot.
Kielbasa
Pronounced keel-baa-suh, kielbasa is a type of Eastern European sausage made from various meats such as pork, beef, or turkey. Usually smoked and then grilled or fried, it’s a versatile meat used in sandwiches, soups, and stews. Kielbasa is flavored with spices, heavy on the marjoram. The key to any meat is to source it from a quality farm or butcher. Magda has hers flown in from Chicago and it isn’t like anything you’d buy in the grocery store! Polish kielbasa sandwiches are just the meat, grilled bread, and some spicy mustard or horseradish. Simple but hearty — and a mouthful of flavor you can’t even imagine! Steamed kielbasa is traditionally served in Polish homes alongside sauerkraut and mashed potatoes on New Year’s Day.
Beets, Horseradish, and Sauerkraut
Let’s just say, don’t knock these unusual sides and sauces until you’ve tried it. Halinka’s Polish Eatery serves the beets shredded and warmed as a side to various dishes. The sauerkraut is served in a similar fashion — small chopped pieces are cooked with diced onions and eaten hot — either with a mouthful of pierogi or you can put a scoop on a sandwich. I prefer just eating the sauerkraut plain, but I’ve been eating it since I was a baby, so I’m used to it like that. Don’t like sauerkraut; try buttery cabbage instead! Take some egg noodles, cabbage, butter, and onion and you’ve got yourself a whole new dish — Haluski (huh-loo-skee).
Halinka’s Polish Eatery
Visit her webite : halinkaspolisheatery.com
Request catering form here
“Smacznego!” (Enjoy your meal!)
The unique learning environment at Lausanne Collegiate School includes small class sizes as well as inspiring and supportive faculty. Lausanne is located at 1381 W. Massey Rd, 38120. Learn more about what sets academics at Lausanne apart or call (901) 474-1000 to schedule a tour.
