Strudel The Way Your Grandma Used to Make It
Strudel lovers rejoice. If you love strudel, you need to take a road trip to Parma and Parma Heights. It’s there that you will find three (3) local businesses that make some of the best strudel in northeast Ohio. Strudel made the old-fashioned way. Stretched and pulled.
What makes strudel such a treat and art to make?
The strudel dough comes from hand stretching the dough across numerous tables until almost paper thin, like a newspaper. All this stretching yields a flakey layered pastry. After a time-consuming process of stretching, the dough is filled with fruit, cheese or nuts and baked into layers of sweet goodness.
Which place makes the best strudel? That’s a loaded question.
I first set out on my strudel quest to find the strudel that tasted like my grandmother’s. In the process I realized how hard it would be to pick just one.
The strudel tasting process.
I purchased samples from each of the three locations. Then unscientifically asked neighbors, friends and business acquaintances to give me their honest opinion of their favorite. I purchased a traditional apple and a cheese strudel from all locations.
The strudel poll yielded the following:
Rudy’s – Although known for their famous Paczki’s during the lent season, everyone agreed Rudy’s strudel made the grade. Although the tasters felt the dough was not overly flaky, everyone agreed the filling shined.
Das Schnitzel Haus – The strudel is served warm in the restaurant, which may have given a few votes the edge. Their flaky cheese filled slice of goodness will leave you asking for another slice.
Lydia’s –In the end. the taste testers felt Lydia’s strudel had the most flaky dough. A few tasters wanted to know just how they got it so thin.
I have been back a few times now to each of the stops, including Lydia’s and I have to say, their apricot and cheese strudel remind me the most of my grandmothers’ strudels. But I would not turn down a slice from any of the stops, they are that good.
READY FOR A STRUDEL ROAD TRIP?
If you love strudel, I suggest you plan your own road trip to all three locations and enjoy a sampling for yourself. Allow time to enjoy lunch or dinner at the Das Schnitzel Haus.
LYDIA’S HUNGARIAN STRUDEL SHOP Shop
Location: 6230 Stumph Rd., Parma Heights, OH
440.885.2600 | www.lydiashungarianstrudel
Lydia’s Strudel Shop has been family owned since 1938. Lydia (pictured above) says she uses the freshest fillings in all of her strudel. Lydia’s Strudel Shop also sells other bakery items and their famous small and large butter horns. Call ahead and reserve your favorite flavors.
RUDY’S STRUDEL & BAKERY
Location: 5580 Ridge Road, Parma, OH 44129
440.886.4430 | www.rudystrudel.com
Rudy’s Bakery also sells kolacki, a nice variety of pierogies, wedding cakes, bakery and more. During the Lent season you will find them hard at work making thousands of packzi’s, fried filled donuts. Table and chairs are available inside if you would like to enjoy your strudel on the premises.
DAS SCHNITZEL HAUS
5728 Pearl Rd., Parma, OH 44129
440.886.5050 | schnitzelhaus.dshrestaurant.com/
Although you can purchase strudel to go, I would suggest you allow time to enjoy one of the many European favorite dishes served at the Das Schnitzel Haus. One of my favorite dishes is their chicken paprikash. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of their warm strudel.
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
The Parma area is the perfect spot to plan a “foodie” road trip. Other stops I would include are:
COLOZA’S BAKERY
5880 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH 44129
facebook.com/colozzasbakery
It’s hard to decide when you stop at Colozza’s Bakery. The cakes. The cookies. The pastries. The nut and poppyseed rolls. If you only want to pick one thing, may I suggest the cannoli?
GENTILE’S BAKERY, CATERING & DELI
5626 Broadview Rd, Parma, OH 44134
gentilesbakery.com
Find all your favorite Italian items, including fresh braked bread, pizza and a deli.
PERLA PIEROGIES
5380 State Road, Parma, OH 44134
perlapierogies.com
Not only are the pierogis delicious, so are the cabbage rolls.
LITTLE BIRDIE WINE BAR
6060 Broadview Road, Parma 44134
216-785-9922 | littlebirdiewinenest.com
This little coffee shop, plus make the best cold brew coffee flights. You can even make your flight boozy.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
- Before heading out, check their website for dates and times.
- Pack a cooler for all your perishables.
- Credit cards are accepted at all locations.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
