What’s on offer?
After seeing a recent feature in the Dublin InQuirer, I decided to visit the street food market at The Place on Grand Canal Street to try out a new food stall from two Polish chefs, Adrian Kasprzak and Arnold Przadka. They hail from Poznan, a region known for its potato dishes, and festivals to celebrate them, so much so that locals are nicknamed “pyra”, meaning potato in the local dialect.
GooLoong, their food stall, is a play on the words “go long”, referencing the zapiekanka that they sell, a long baguette cut in half and topped with mushroom and cheese. This dish dates from the communist era, when food shortages led people to get creative with the ingredients they had. The Polish hot-dogs have a similar story, while the pierogi (polish dumplings) and potato pancakes that they serve are typical of Polish home cooking.
Their baguettes and hot dog buns are custom-baked by a Polish bakery in Ireland exclusively for GooLoong. All menu items are also available as vegan options.
What did we order?
A classic zapiekanka, mushroom and sauerkraut pierogi, a hot dog, and potato pancakes with goulash.
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How was the service?
Very pleasant. You order at the counter and wait for your name to be called.
Was the food nice?
The home-made pierogi were delicious. The dough was silky and nicely cooked and they are well stuffed with a tasty mixture of mushroom and sauerkraut, topped with sour cream and crispy onions. The hot dog, in a seedy roll, was substantial and tasty, topped with crispy onions, mustard and chopped scallions.
The Polish baguette (zapiekanka) was perhaps a little less exciting. It came topped with cheese, mushrooms, chopped scallions, and a touch of ketchup, which added sweetness. The potato pancakes, however, were excellent – crispy and delicious, made from shredded potato and onion that had been fried till they were golden. We had them with a smoky goulash made with sausage, mushrooms, onion, and red peppers. Next time I might opt for sour cream to let the potato pancake itself take centre stage.
What about the packaging?
Everything was served in compostable brown cardboard boxes with wooden cutlery. There is a compostable bin on site.
What did it cost?
€42.50 for dinner for three people: classic zapiekanka, €11; pierogi, €8.50; hot dog, €12; and potato pancakes with goulash, €11.
Where does it deliver?
Takeaway only, open Tue-Sun, noon-8pm. Soon to be available on Deliveroo and JustEat.
Would I order it again?
Yes, this is very tasty food, particularly the pierogi and the pancakes.
