Lamb and Potato Pierogi from Domku Cafe.

There’s just something about dumplings. From Italian ravioli to Swedish kroppkaka to Tibetan momos, most food cultures around the world have their own signature version of unleavened dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Eastern Europe enjoys one of the heartiest dumplings of them all: the pierogi. Originally peasant food, pierogi are boiled or fried dumplings often filled with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, onions, or cheese. They are commonly served with sour cream and fried onions, making them an ideal winter comfort food.

Pierogi are popular in the Midwest and along the Rust Belt — generally, you can find pierogi anywhere you can find a large Polish or Ukrainian population. Indeed, the Midwest takes their pierogi quite seriously. Every summer, Whiting, Indiana holds a pierogi festival, featuring the world’s largest pierogi, Eastern Bloc-themed Jeopardy!, and Mr. Pierogi and the Pieroguettes. Pierogi are a bit harder to find in this part of the country, but you can get your fix at Domku Cafe in Petworth.

While pierogi are always on the menu, Domku has recently started holding a monthly pierogi night. On the second Wednesday of the month, diners can choose from seven or eight different savory and sweet pierogi, in addition to the regular menu. Fillings change each month and include both traditional and unconventional flavors.