Streecha
Streecha is a true hole-in-the wall in the East Village. Their menu is as small as the discreet sign taped on the building. Located in the basement, old Ukrainian women are rolling up varenykys (dumplings), stuffed cabbage, and borscht. While most people venture to the 24-hour Vaselka across the street, Streecha is a cheap way to get food straight from the hands of elderly, church-going Ukrainians. (The proceeds go to a nearby Ukrainian Catholic Church.) Varenyky, a twice-boiled potato dumpling, is the highlight here, which is why local Ukrainians line up at 6am. The elderly women don't enjoy small talk, and can come close to the "Soup Nazi." But when you can order a bowl of borscht--a beet-root based soup--and a dozen dumplings for $9, it's worth getting in line. Note: Streecha is open only Friday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Streecha- 33 E 7th St, New York, NY
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