Koshowski Spuds taste of tradition, comfort

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This article was published 07/08/2025 (278 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Over the next several weeks, the Sun will visit small locally owned restaurants and food trucks in Westman, tasting what our great corner of the province has to offer. In this review, I visited Koshowski Spuds, one of the Westman food trucks that feed us during summer.

DAUPHIN — This past Saturday, I joined thousands of visitors at the 60th anniversary celebration of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, held at the picturesque Historic Selo Ukraina site, just south of Dauphin.

The vibrant cultural displays, folk music and high-energy dance performances were captivating, but the culinary experience I had at Koshowski Spuds was just as unforgettable.

After walking up the hill and taking in the buzzing atmosphere, I decided it was time for a bite. I’d read great reviews about Koshowski Spuds, a local food truck known for serving hearty Ukrainian-style comfort food. I was curious, especially when I saw people walking away from the counter with golden fries and something rolled and deep-fried that looked like spring rolls, but looked tempting.

I ordered two things: a serving of pegrolls with sour cream and a helping of french fries topped with hand-grated cheese and gravy. While French fries are no stranger to me, this particular version — “cheese ‘n’ gravy” as it’s affectionately called — was new. And it completely blew me away.

The fries were thick-cut and perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside — made from quality, fresh potatoes. The gravy was rich and savoury, and the cheese, hand-grated right there at the truck, added a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that brought everything together. Every bite was warm, comforting, and indulgent. It wasn’t just fast food — it was festival food at its finest.

But the real surprise came with the pegrolls.

I had never had pegrolls before. I’ve had my fair share of spring rolls, but these were something else. Stuffed with cheese and mashed potatoes (delicious perogy filling), the pegrolls were golden, crispy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. Paired with a dollop of cool sour cream, they were delicious. Hearty, filling and deeply satisfying, the pegrolls brought a beautiful blend of creamy and savoury flavours that just worked. I could feel the warmth of home-cooked goodness in every bite. Honestly, if I hadn’t been so full already, I would have gone back for seconds — but I didn’t want to be an Oliver Twist!

Behind the counter was Kurt Koshowski, the owner and heart behind the operation. What impressed me most — beyond the food — was his dedication and friendliness. Kurt greeted customers with a wide smile and genuine warmth. I later learned that he not only runs the food truck but also grows the very potatoes himself, locally in Dauphin. That farm-to-fork connection was evident in the flavour and freshness of everything I tasted.

While attending to other customers, Kurt had my order ready in less than five minutes — quick, efficient, and with top-notch hospitality. He loves what he does, and his passion shows in both the food and the service. While chatting with him, I learned that they also offer a bacon version of the pegroll — cheese, potato, and bacon, which is a festival favourite. I had the cheese and potato version, and even though I didn’t get to try the bacon one this time, I now have one more reason to return next year or anytime I go to Dauphin.

The whole experience — from ordering to that last bite — was memorable. I left the food truck full, happy and impressed. It’s not often that food truck fare leaves a lasting impression, but Koshowski Spuds did just that.

Overall, I rate the meal a 5/5.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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