Pierożnik (Dumpling)
A gourmet and lover of good food. Above all delicacies, he prefers a plate of hot, richly stuffed dumplings with onion.
As he indulges his culinary cravings without restraint, a blissful and lazy smile never leaves his face. Undoubtedly one of the happiest dwarfs in Lower Silesia.
Pierożnik (also known as Estepek) sits in front of one of Wrocław's restaurants for a reason. He loves to eat well, and enjoying traditional, home-made food is the greatest joy for him. Pierożnik is said to have cooked very well himself years ago. However, as he gobbled up the food without restraint, there was not much left for his guests to eat. Dumplings have always been a particular favourite on his menu. And since there are few dumplings as good as those made in Lower Silesia, the greedy dwarf came to Wrocław attracted by the delicious smell of dumplings stuffed with meat and cabbage.
Like many dwarfs he often engaged in stealing dumplings from people's plates. He was so clever and agile that the unfortunate person sitting at the table had an empty plate before they knew it. The restaurant staff, hearing complaints of customers accusing them of cheating with the scales, would spread their arms open in a helpless gesture and, when asked "who took my dumplings?”, simply replied: "dwarfs”. Over time, however, Pierożnik became too bold and restaurant customers caught him red-handed more and more often. With a fork in his hand, the dwarf would quickly hide under the table and could only watch as others ate. News about the little thief of dumplings, i.e. pierogi, spread around Wrocław so quickly that dumplings lovers began to closely watch the contents of their plates. However, the kind-hearted but cheeky Pierożnik aroused so much positivity that the locals began to share their meals with him. He is especially spoilt by tourists who love to take photos of him with a dumpling impaled on his fork. His big belly is an unmistakable sign that this dwarf cannot complain about a lack of admirers. As a compulsive gourmand, however, he will not miss any opportunity to eat well. So he gladly accepts invitations to all lunches and dinners, and in his spare time sits on the jury of cooking competitions.
