This Polish food is dangerously good. Like "someone's grandma is in the back judging portion sizes" good. Everything tastes 100% made from scratch, no shortcuts, no funny business. I'm not Polish, but if you were lucky enough to grow up with a nona (or any grandmother who showed love through food), this place will hit that same comfort food nerve regardless of your background. You don't need to know what everything is called, you just need to trust the process. The potatoes? Unreal. Perfectly cooked, seasoned like they knew me personally. As for the other two mysterious balls on the plate... no clue what they're called, but I do know they disappeared fast and I regret not ordering more. That's all the science I need. This spot is tucked in the back of a deli, which honestly makes it even better. Tons of imported Polish goods up front, and then boom, comfort food heaven hiding in the rear like a secret level in a video game. And the ladies working there? Absolute sweethearts. One big smile, genuinely welcoming, and clearly proud of what they're serving, as they should be. Come hungry. Leave full. Accept that you will be back. read more

Kicha - Delis Near Me - Linden, New Jersey

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The Garden State is well known for being a haven of international cuisine. In many of its cities and towns, one is likely to find a veritable United Nations of restaurants on every street corner. For Linden, an old-fashioned town situated along the popular Northeast Corridor commuter train, it is a hub for immigrants--home to some of the best Polish cuisine. Since 2001, this establishment has been translated from the Polish meaning "mermaid" and "symbol of Warsaw," so I decided on Syrena Polish Deli, which is located at Linden Center. Upon entering, it was a bit overwhelming as the cozy, clean, cool interior features a grocery store with everything Polish, like canned sauerkraut, mustards, jellies, etc., a deli, and hot food to go. Step toward the back where one finds everything from pierogies to kielbasa; every bite showcases the authentic flavors of Poland. That is where I decided on takeout as a first-timer. Their menu changes daily. I went for the Pork Stuffed Cabbage Golabki and Coleslaw. The food was authentic, well seasoned, tastefully delicious, and remained hot. The staff was friendly. The price was comparable to the area. Can't wait for a repeat performance, which I can recommend. read more

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Great food Service was good Store has a lot of great selections Located in a good place Plenty of parking read more

The highlight of this place is the hot food bar!!! Tucked in the back of the store there is a wonderful variety of cooked polish foods. I almost walked out because entering it looks like a standard corner store with a bunch of polish stuff, then I saw the "deli" with a variety of cold cuts. I was Like where is the food from the pics I saw online. Then I realized to get to the fresh prepared foods, they make u walk thru the entire store (smart) in case anything catches your eye. I wasn't sure how it worked, there was a slight language barrier. The menu read Lunch $10 but I didn't know what that meant because there was no description. And the woman did ask if i was getting Lunch. I just ordered 1 stuffed cabbage and 1 pork meatball. Both were delicious and it reasonably priced. I like that many if the dishes were labeled so you know what is what. I now know lunch is 1 entree and 2 sides, but I'm not versed in polish food so I'm still not sure exactly which dishes were sides. Next time I'll attempt to get the lunch. Oh and be sure to grab your own utensils if u need them. I will visit again. I just wish there was some seating nearby where I could enjoy my food outside while it's hot. read more

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I enjoy finding different ethnic shops since thats where you will find the authentic food. It has a little market up front and a hot food station in the back. They have pierogies and a bunch of other stuff. I went with the pork stuffed cabbage. Classic. It was good. I loved that it didn't fall apart and each component had its own flavor. The mushroom ravioli with bacon and onions was surprisingly light and a nice side. Not too oily or salty. The food was a good price too. I am not always in the mood for Polish food but when I am I will come back. read more

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All the lunch items are delicious. Really authentic Polish food. I highly recommend Syrena Polish Deli. read more

Really tasty, authentic food!! The best pierogi and kielbasa I've had in the States. All hot food is made on location and is delicious and fresh! read more

I frequent Syrena because I do enjoy their food immensely. I love the stuffed cabbage, the variety of pierogis, the dill and mushroom soups and a few other regular things I come in here to buy. Everything is delicious and authentic. Amazing. The staff is nice but if you are not Polish/Slovak, they will ignore you on line and you have to wait for everyone else to order. I say this after MANY times being overlooked on MANY occasions. But at least the people are nice while they make you wait. Lol. read more

I've been going to Syrena Polish Deli for years now, so here's a quick review of them. It's like a small mart filled with all kinds of authentic Polish ingredients, wares, baked goods, cured meats, and cheeses. However, the best part is the steam table hot food selection located in the rear of the store! They have standards like different pierogies, kielbasa, baked chicken, fried fishes, and others. They also rotate an awesome array of more traditional Polish dishes like goulash, pork knuckles, stuffed cabbage, veal meatballs, and at least 4 different soups daily. They even throw in some Italian flair with chicken parm and lasagna, so you always have various options. The portions are very generous as their "lunch" specials will get you a protein of choice plus two sides and a small salad. They all are around 10-11 dollars and will certainly fill you up!! All the food tastes like your favorite Polish Yaya is in the kitchen in back working her magic!!! However, you definitely have to like sauerkraut because it ends up in almost every dish.... As for the service, it can be spotty. Sometimes, there's a language barrier with whoever is working that day, so it can be hard for them to communicate with you. Usually, someone steps in, and you are able to have all the dishes described to you for your order. Just great scratch made cooking is to be found here. Give them a try, and you'll almost always find something that you like !! Cheers to all!!! read more

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After reading a number of positive reviews and realizing I drive by Syrena fairly regularly I decided to stop in to pick up a lunch and dinner meal. For lunch I tried two types of pierogies and for dinner stuffed cabbage. Really good and the service at the steam table was efficient and friendly. Next visit will be for kielbasa and pastries. Lots of canned and jarred vegetable options, sweets, and packaged goods to choose from. It's fun to figure out what to pick up on my next visit. read more

I have been going to that place since they opened , lately their cold cuts and kiełbasy are lacking quality and freshness, I guess when people get comfortable making $$$ then they drop their guard down. On average I spent 80-120 each time since I live very far. To put plainly not returning there , so sad they were so good when they opened. Also their new staff is extremely rude and lack customer service 2 items I purchased had no prices on it and they refused to get the price so told me to put it back if I didn't want it in a very rude manner . Very disappointed customer read more

Nice store with a very good selection of things and even some freshly made items to take home and eat. The deli had good meats and also some pastries , and they had various salads and such that they make on site in the fridge. The regular grocery items also had a nice variety of things and I was able to find some fresh bread too. I would recommend this location if you are looking for some good polish food. read more

Phenomenal food at great prices! Had the breaded chicken breast ( huge ), stuffed cabbage ( veal I believe ) and potato pancakes.... Well worth the trip read more

True geniuses here. Guaranteed no meat is in their red borscht. There was bacon in it. I found out the unpleasant way.

I never shop at this store there's nothing there that interests me. In the summer bought a box of candy for my american friends who eat boxed candy (i don't). I picked what looked like a nice box in a gift bag. It had a price sticker. At the register cashier charged $3 more than the sticker price. I asked what's the deal with overcharging? She said it was the price from yesterday. There's no price from yesterday. Cashier thought i was a dumb foreigner and she could make quick cash. No problem. I never shop there and never will. Next time i'll buy gift boxed candy at Costco for my american friends. Or will order a good brand on Amazon. Anything, anywhere but this crooked store. read more

Highly recommended stop for delicious polish food. Even if you're in the mood for something else, the Italian can wait, try this hearty food that happens to come at a low price. read more

As a fellow pole, it was a refreshing experience walking through an authentic Polish deli. The meats smelled enchanting and the pierogis were old school, old lady roller flattening delights. Cannot wait to go back. read more

Really good homemade polish food. Very large portions and easy in the wallet. Will definitely be back.

Great value! I had the kielbasa with mashed potatoes beet salad Portions were generous Mashed potatoes were dry and kinda bland Kielbasa was delicious! Beet salad was good too Pierogis were good but they dont come with sour cream Veal meat pies are worth a try also Credit card ok Parking ok read more

As a 2nd generation Pole, I have to admit that I've never had a better pierogi or stuffed cabbage. I also had their fried flounder. It was the best. 12 pierogi for 7 bucks. What a deal. All the workers are Polish. Might not sound like anything but it' s not like going to a pizza place and the people making the food aren' t Italian. Or any other ethnic food place. Anyway if you like Polish food you will not be disappointed. Oh. It has to be a 10 dollar. minimum charge to use a credit card read more

Out of all the Polish delis I've tried in this area, Syrena's my favorite!! Sometimes the language barrier is a bit of an issue. But I wouldn't change that bc it just makes for a more authentic experience. Only once did an employee get super pissy bc she didn't understand what I wanted from the hot food section. She got really nasty which was unnecessary. Also, I was making a rather large purchase so she could have been more patient. We love their double smoked garlic Kielbasa, if you get there too late, it'll be sold out. My mom and my older boys really like their selection of head cheese. My entire family adores their potato salad. It's so simple but just so addictively delicious. read more

Kicha - Delis Near Me - Linden, New Jersey

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Went for pierogies while in the area and they were pretty good. My problem is they sit in hot plates for hours. If fresh probably a 4 out of 5 stars but they were hard in some areas where they were sitting in the hot plates and a little dry from being kept warm for hours. I like places that cool them fresh to order. read more

Love picking up dinner from here! The food is absolutely delicious and friendly on the pocket. Their pirogues and stuffed cabbage are my absolute faves! I never liked stuffed cabbage until I tried it from this place- sweet with a hint of saltiness, meaty and the sauce definitely doesn't overpower the taste of the stuffed cabbage. Worth a try if you're in the area. The people that work there are nice to if you need help or assistance with what's what! read more

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Great pierogis! For Christmas Eve we ordered potato and cheese as well as sauerkraut filled pierogis and they were awesome. Really tasted fresh and like traditional, well made Polish pierogis. We'll be back for more awesome Polish foods for holidays! read more

Read all the great reviews and since I happened to be up in Elizabeth I figure Linden is right there and I can finally try this place. I love the Polish atmosphere in there and the foods you can buy to make your own meals. Also was happy to see and hear the Polish speaking workers. The workers was all friendly. Now people said what great baked goos they had. Well this is not a baker and mostly is it just some cakes you pay by the pound and rye breads. I bought a loaf of rye bread and was disappointed in it;s taste, barely tasted like rye and was very dry and almost stale as soon as I opened the bag. I tried some kielbasa and while I like the more chunk type I did not Ike that there were such hard pieces in there I almost broke a tooth. I also good some stuffed cabbage, they ere also kind of a letdown. There was hardly any sauce which to me can make them and also the cabbage was hard and under cooked. The inside was good, but without tender cabbage and sauce it loses it's appeal. If it were just for the food I would have given a lower score, but what brought up the score was the employees and all the Polish items on the shelves. read more

You want it, they have it. My first time in there yesterday and I was so glad we made the trip from food-bland South Jersey. The kielbasa options are wonderful. We threw ours on the grill when we got home and it was maybe the best kielbasa we've ever eaten. Husband said the bigos was outstanding. By the way, we don't speak any Polish and had no problem talking to any of the (very friendly) staff. We'll be making regular trips to this fabulous shop. read more

Syrena's never disappoints! They have delicious kielbasi, we just served it on the grill this weekend and it was enjoyed by all our guests. The hot and cold food bar is just excellent, great stuffed cabbage, pierogies, veal meatballs, fried fish, chicken and many other varieties of polish foods. We always try something new and have enjoyed everything. I have ordered food from their hot food bar to cater parties. My onlycomplaint is that they run out of hot food by dinner time, I would love to stop off and pick up take out dinner. It would also be great if they served it restaurant style. read more

They won't pan fry your pierogis. But they're very delicious regardless. They gave lots of onions on the side and sour cream IMO though not enough for the amount ordered. I also go crazy with condiments.. the spzinak, spinach and cheese.. omg was so good with fresh dill on top. The ruskie and lemiak were my favorites... I'm not about meat in the pierogis but tried one and it was very good as well.. i also ate roughly 17 pierogis yesterday... so you can say they hit the spot read more

Kicha - Simply awesome - Delis Near Me - Linden, New Jersey

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Syrena is a Polish deli specializing in smoked meats (kielbasa, kabanos, etc). Also, they have a deli for ordering take out pierogies, cabbage rolls, kapusta, etc. I recently had a lunch/dinner dish with fish, potatoes, and cold salad which was purchased for me and I ate the next day. The fish was a white fish variant lightly breaded with fried onions on top. The fried potatoes were spiced with paprika, salt, and pepper. My biggest complain about these two items was that they were loaded with oil, ie fat. This is very typical of authentic Polish cooking (I would know), however, it is not very healthy. The salad was a sauerkraut salad with some onions, carrots, and potentially a little apple. This was pretty good and may actually not kill you in large consumption volumes. It is important to note for those extremely health conscious that the fish and potatoes were served in a Styrofoam container (bad) and the salad in a 1/2 pint container (just perfectly sized). To start, giving them a 3 star review as I have been unable to try their smoked meat selection. Food was good but greasy and oily. Salad was really good. Average in regards to Polish cooking. read more

Great Polish deli, cooking several varieties of daily dinners including 4 kinds of soups. Making some of their own delicious provisions (cold cuts). Also selling rolls and breads brought fresh daily from different Polish bakeries in New Jersey. Let's not forget Polish made products of every kind imported in cartons, jars, bottles directly from Poland; from pickles to honey, from marmalades to every kind of candy and chocolates, from facial creams to vitamins and cold remedies. As well as seasonal holiday items: from tablecloths, to decorations and even some tee-shirts and children's outfits, all made in Poland. read more

I'm a Ukie. I grew up on this food. I've only reviewed two Polish Deli's because they are my go to places. There may be other good shops, like that place down in Lakewood, but these are my picks in my area. See my reviews for the other place. I discovered Syreena's while working in the area. In a word -- it's authentic. Many of the Polish beauties working the counters don't speak English so you may have to ask for one who does. But hey, 99% of the customers speak Polish so if you want what they have, just ask for English. Syreena's kielbasa is excellent. Everything is made in house in their own smoke room. A few years back two younger guys in the family took over day to day and they are doing a great job. They are true smoke heads -- really into making their smoked meats. They have passion for it and I like that. And they are quick with a sample if you are unfamiliar with the product. I like that too. Here, I like the dried kabanosy as my first choice. I also recommend the fresh, the garlic, double garlic, and double smoked kielbasas. Whatever you like, just tell them and they'll find one for you. Also try the bacon. read more

I love this place. The hot food is amazing and the deli has so many yummies, you'll have a hard time choosing. There are so many kinds of kielbasa and they will explain everything. I love the tongue head cheese, which some might be scared of but it is amazing! They make the best pierogies and potato salad ever. Don't forget the chickpea and parsley salad. That is a treat! read more

Highly recommend Syrena, the fresh food is out of this world! Europeans Loves this Deli!!!!!!!!!!!

I came here for the hot food bar, to try something different. And oh boy, it did not disappoint. I ordered the lunch special barbecue pork ribs with mashed potatoes and radish salad.... very tasty and more than enjoyable. The food was fresh and the ladies behind the counter were very helpful. My friend ordered the chicken cutlet and to my surprise, it was delicious, juicy, Aneri, and light. We will definitely be back. You can't beat $7 for a lunch special. read more

It was such a sad day when I found out that the sausage shop that I had patronized for years in Detroit closed (Markowycz European Home Style Sausage, rest in peace), because they made the best kielbasa that I had ever tasted. Then, as luck would have it, when I was in New Jersey a while ago I spotted Stas' Deli and found that their kielbasa was just as good! Hurrah! Only yesterday, they were closed, hopefully temporarily. Aaargh! But, once again, Yelp to the rescue: found Syrena Deli close by. Their kielbasa is on par with either of the other two establishments and their hot food counter looked amazing. Packed two links of kielbasa into my suitcase to tide me over until the next time I will be in the Garden State. Long live Stas and Syrena! read more

Food is so tasty and delicious much better than mrs. T's brand ! best polish in NJ! Beats every polish restaurant in nj!!!!! Trust me you won't go wrong choosing syrena polish deli in linden nj! Try the potato pancakes!!!! read more

Kicha - Food - Delis Near Me - Linden, New Jersey

Great polish deli! Huge selection, and I would say even that this is the best place to get some polish lunch. They offer great catering for Easter or Christmas holidays. read more

Terrific hot and cold prepared foods....the sausages, franks, kielbasa, and other wursts, are true to the Eastern European tradition....one problem tho', or I would give 5 stars...difficult to find help that speaks English......in one instance, I asked for one style wurst, and got another. when I ask a question, they don't understand.......frustrating..... read more

Fantastic deli specializing in all delicious Polish dishes and more. The store is stocked with lots of specialty items, prepared foods, everyday items, imported goods and so much more. It's conveniently located in Linden with ample free parking. read more

I apologize for the re-post as Yelp does not allow the message threads to be viewed by the public. You will need to scroll down to the end of this post to read my comments to the owner, Karolina. My original post dated 3/31/16: I took my parents to Syrena's the day before Easter (based on a recommendation from a friend). We wanted to try the pierogis and stuffed cabbage. My mom saw some cheesecake that looked good so she bought that as well. We had the pierogis for lunch, they were OK (somehow the church makes them a little better). Anyway, we had our Easter dinner the next day and served up the cheesecake....it was awful!!! No one could eat it. It was dry and had no taste or flavor. I can only describe the taste was more like cardboard! Needless to say, my mom was very upset,(and embarrassed because she served it to company) -- she wanted to take the cake back to get something else or get a refund. Mom drove there on Monday and the store was closed for the holiday. So she went back again on Tuesday and spoke to the owner. Surprisingly, the owner REFUSED to give my mom a refund and would not allow her to pick out something else. To me this is totally unacceptable! How can you do business like this?! If a customer is unhappy with an item or could not eat it because it tasted horrible it is not the customers fault! Poor, poor business etiquette. I will never go back to that store again and will be sure to tell my friend, "Thanks, but no thanks to Syrena's Polish Deli!" *********************************************************************************************** The Owner, Karolina K response to me dated 4/5/16: Karen, I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy our cheesecake, as I always want you leaving feeling more than satisfied. That said, while I understand that this occurred over a holiday, the two days between purchase and return made it difficult to offer a refund. Again, I'm sorry that this happened to begin with, but let me know if you do have any additional questions. Best, Karolina, Owner ************************************************************************************************8 My response back to the owner, Karolina K. dated 4/5/16: Karolina, What does the holiday have to do with a cake that was so terrible it could not be eaten?! Explain that? Again, poor customer service. I don't see how that is making your customers "more than satisfied!" (per your statement). And that is NOT what you said to my mom. Your exact words to her were, " I can do nothing about this cake because the pieces are missing...you must bring back the whole cake." Really?! You needed the whole cake?! Are we supposed to dig in the garbage and bring back the half eaten pieces back to you? Would that have prompted a refund? You are just making up excuses and still offer no customer satisfaction. The right thing to do would have been to let my mom pick out something else. She was happy with her other purchases...just the cake was not so great. And I see that you get the cheesecake from another vendor...personally, I would not use that vendor, as it puts your business to shame. read more