Verena TohOne of my favourite parts about travelling is to explore various cuisines and try new foods. I believe that a country’s cuisine is just as important to its cultural identity as its history or language. In Poland, I found it particularly important to get a taste of as much as I can because the local cuisine is not easily available across the world.
Just like many other European cuisines, Polish food consists of a lot of meat, cabbage, and potatoes—simple but delicious. Here are some of my favourite dishes from my recent trip to Warsaw and Krakow.
1. Pierogis (Polish dumplings)
Image credit: Charles Haynes
This is the only dish I knew of prior to my trip, so I would say it is one of the most classic and well-known Polish foods. Pierogis are the Polish version of dumplings, and can be served savoury or sweet. Popular fillings include meat, sauerkraut, cottage cheese, or seasonal fruit (like blueberries and cherries).
Also read: Walking Around the Mysterious Crooked Forest of Poland
2. Placki Ziemniaczane (potato pancakes)
This was probably one of my favourite meals in Poland. It is essentially a thin pancake made with a combination of potatoes and vegetables (such as onion, carrots, or parsnips), which is then fried to perfection. It tasted amazing with gravy on top and a small serving of sour cream on the side.
3. Rosół (chicken soup)
Image credit: Mariuszjbie
Similar to your average chicken noodle soup, this is a simple hot chicken broth served with noodles and an assortment of vegetables. The one I had was a little too oily for my taste. Nonetheless, If you visit during the winter, it is perfect to warm you up from the brutal cold.
4. Pączki (Polish donuts)
Image credit: Liza Lagman Sperl
These are sugar donuts commonly filled with jam, chocolate, custard, or marmalade. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t see a difference between paczki and regular donuts. But I like donuts and these tasted just as good, so I’m not complaining.
Also read: 10 Funny Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Poland
5. Gołąbki (cabbage roll)
Image credit: Martin P. Szymczak
My favourite Polish dish is either this or the potato pancakes mentioned above. Gołąbki is a typical traditional Polish meal made with minced meat, chopped onions and rice, and wrapped in a cabbage leaf. It is usually served with a creamy tomato sauce, which gives it the extra punch needed to complete the meal.
6. Łazanki
Image credit: Beaver Choice
Basically the Polish version of pasta, it is a dish made of homemade pasta, fried cabbage, pork, and other vegetables (like onions and carrots). A very simple dish that tastes great and should be easy to recreate.
7. Kotlet Schabowy (breaded pork cutlet)
Image credit: Wikipedia
This is one of the oldest Polish foods that dates back to the 19th century. Similar to a traditional Viennese schnitzel, it is the Polish variation of a fried pork cutlet. Made from pork tenderloin coated in breadcrumbs, it is typically served with buttered potatoes.
Also read: When In Poland, Visit This Marvellous House That Stand On Its Roof
8. Barszcz (Polish red borscht)
Image credit: Liz West
A classic Polish borscht recipe made with red beetroot, onions, and other vegetables like carrots and celery. There are different variations that can be served with meat, or as a thicker stew, or with uszka (a ravioli-type of dish with mushroom filling).
9. Bigos (Hunter’s stew)
Image credit: Eugene Kim
I actually did not get a chance to try this whilst I was in Poland. I figured I should still include it since it was on the menu of every Polish restaurant I visited. It is a traditional Polish stew consisting of cabbage, sauerkraut, tomatoes, onions, and meat. I’m definitely going back to try this dish!
10. Dried fruit compote
Image credits: jarmoluk
A non-alcoholic sweet drink that is popular throughout Eastern Europe, dried fruit compote is made by cooking fruits (such as apple, peaches, berries) in water and combining that with additional sweeteners and spices. The one I drank had apples, pears, and cinnamon as the primary ingredients. It can be served either hot or cold, but the hot drink was perfect to keep me warm in the frigid winter.
