Narel Smallgoods & Delicatessen

What a find, a Polish deli in my neighbouring suburb, Botany. I used to be a regular at my local one so when it shut its doors a couple of months ago, I was left wondering where I was going to get my fix for wholesome Polish take-​away foods.
Luckily, Narel know how to do a thing or two. The cold cuts have been a key to their growing success story. Customers are treated to a wonderful selection of hams and sausages including cabanossi and breakfast sausages, all made without preservatives. The polish doughnut (‘paczek’), often eaten as a last sugary treat before Lent, is generous in size, with no hole but icing and jam inside. The staff were patient as my partner adorably tried to pronounce the names of some of the products.
What made my day though, were the ‘pierogi’ (dumplings) filled with sweet cheese which brought back childhood memories. I can’t find them in any other deli in Sydney so at just over $ 10 for 16 pieces, they were a real godsend. For a savoury option, the meat dumplings are also one of the best buys.
This is one of those fascinating little shops where just browsing is a pleasure because you never know what you might find or walk away with. Like the $ 1.80 chocolate mousse (‘budyn’) which is unforgettable.