Kluska Restaurant, Knoxfield

Kluska's is a small restaurant in a complex of industrial units in Knoxfield. It is in an unusual location that would not normally attract foot traffic yet it is almost always full. It is run by just two people - the chef who also brings out the food from the small kitchen in a corner of the shop and a waitperson. It is a small and busy restaurant so reservations are recommended but even without a reservation, the serving staff are friendly and welcoming.

Kluska serves traditional Polish food, particularly dumplings ($8.50 each) but there are also other dishes like soup, stew, schnitzel and sausages. I love the Polish reminders around the restaurant like the water pot, plates and decoration items on the counter.

Kietbasa Grilla - grilled house made sausages, caramelised onions, pickled cabbage, salad, mustard and bread ($34.50) 

Bigos - sauerkraut stew, diced beef, sausages, dried prunes and red wine with fluffy potatoes ($32.95)

My favourite is the house made sausages, for it's salty, meaty taste and the satisfaction of biting into a plump juicy sausage. The stew had two of the fluffiest baked potatoes I have ever eaten. I can eat these potatoes every day. They are soft and light. There were prunes in the dish but overall it was savoury and a little tangy because of the sauerkraut. The cousin to this dish would be kimchi jigae, another dish with fermented cabbage.

The prices are a little steep and the venue is cosy, but the service makes one feel at home. 

 

Update: This restaurant is now permanently closed.