[1] It is considered a comfort food, and yapchik has increased in popularity over the past decade, especially among members of the Orthodox Jewish community in North America.
[2] Yapchik, somewhat similar to a cholent, consists of a layer of meat, typically beef flanken or brisket that has been enveloped between two layers of a mixture similar to a potato kugel, containing shredded potatoes and onions, along with beaten eggs, spices, and matzo meal, and then left to slow-cook for many hours and often overnight.
It is a popular dish for Shabbat and many other Jewish holidays.
[3][4][1] As it is a "heimish" or homestyle dish, there are many variations of yapchik including those made with red potatoes, zucchini, or pulled beef.
[5] A restaurant in the predominantly Jewish city of Lakewood, New Jersey, is named after the dish.