Dive into the rich flavors of Poland with our culinary guide, featuring the national dish of Poland, Pierogi, and Bigos. Discover what to eat in Poland, including popular food and Poland famous food, to experience the best of Polish national dish and regional delicacies.
From hearty comfort food to unique regional specialities, Poland offers a treasure trove of flavours waiting to be discovered. Indulge in the iconic Pierogi, savoury dumplings filled with various fillings like potato and cheese, mushrooms, or meat. These delectable treats are a staple in Polish cuisine and are sure to leave you craving more. Another culinary delight not to be missed is Bigos, a hearty stew made with sauerkraut, various meats, and aromatic spices. If you’ve wondered what is the national dish of Poland – this is it. Its rich and complex flavours have earned it the title of one of Poland’s best dishes.
Additionally, readers can enrich their culinary journey by exploring articles on the renowned restaurants and celebrated dishes of Vilnius (Latvia), offering insight into the country’s esteemed food scene.
For those with a sweet tooth, try the luscious Sernik, a traditional Polish cheesecake made with creamy cheese and a buttery crust. Or indulge in the delicate Pierniki, spiced gingerbread cookies that have been a favourite treat for generations.
Traditional Polish dishes and delicacies
Polish cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, with dishes that have been passed down through generations. These famous Polish dishes highlight the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. One such dish is the iconic Pierogi, savoury dumplings filled with various fillings. Whether it’s the classic combination of potato and cheese, the earthy flavours of mushrooms, or the savoury goodness of meat, Pierogi are a staple in Polish cuisine. These little pockets of deliciousness are typically boiled or fried and served with a dollop of sour cream. You’ll be wanting seconds.
Another traditional dish not to be missed is Bigos, often called the Hunter’s Stew. This hearty stew is made with sauerkraut, various types of meat such as pork, beef, and sausage, and a medley of aromatic spices. Bigos is a labour of love, requiring slow cooking to develop its rich flavours. It is often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a comforting meal on a cold winter’s day. The combination of tender meats, tangy sauerkraut, and fragrant spices make Bigos a true delight for the senses.
No exploration of Polish cuisine would be complete without mentioning Polish sausages and cured meats. The country is famous for its wide variety of sausages, from the smoky and robust Kielbasa to the delicate and flavourful Krakowska. These sausages are made using traditional methods and are often seasoned with garlic, marjoram, and other aromatic spices. Paired with crusty bread and a dollop of mustard, Polish sausages make for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Pierogi – The Polish Dumplings
Poland is famous for its pierogi, savoury dumplings with various fillings. They can be found in nearly every restaurant and household. Whether you prefer them boiled, fried, or even baked, there’s a pierogi for everyone.
The classic pierogi filling is a combination of potatoes and cheese. The creamy and slightly tangy filling is encased in a thin, tender dough, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures. Other popular fillings include mushrooms, sauerkraut, meat, and even sweet options like fruit or chocolate. Each bite is a burst of flavour.
Don’t forget to try the regional variations of pierogi. In Krakow, you’ll find pierogi stuffed with blueberries, while in Warsaw, the pierogi are often filled with a mixture of meat and cabbage. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavours or looking to try something new, pierogi are a must-try dish in Poland.
Bigos – The Hunter’s Stew
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish, look no further than Bigos, Poland’s national dish. Also known as Hunter’s Stew, Bigos is a rich and flavourful concoction made with sauerkraut, various meats, and aromatic spices. Each region in Poland has its own version of this stew, making it a truly diverse and versatile dish.
The key to a delicious Bigos is the slow cooking process. The flavours meld together over hours of simmering, creating a complex and robust taste that is truly satisfying. The combination of sauerkraut, pork, beef, sausage, and a variety of spices gives Bigos its unique flavour.
Bigos is often served with rye bread or potatoes, allowing you to soak up every last bit of the rich stew. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly winter day or when you need some comfort food.
Polish sausages and cured meats
Poland is renowned for its sausages and cured meats, which are an essential part of Polish cuisine. One of the most popular sausages in Poland is the Kielbasa, which is often grilled or pan-fried and served with mustard and sauerkraut. Its robust and savoury taste is a testament to Poland’s traditional curing and smoking methods for centuries. It’s also among the most popular food in Poland.
In addition to sausages, Poland is also known for its cured meats, such as ham, bacon, and smoked pork. These meats are often used in traditional Polish dishes like Bigos or served as a cold-cut platter with pickles and bread. When in Poland, be sure to visit a local butcher shop or market to sample the wide variety of sausages and cured meats.
Polish soups – Barszcz and Zurek
No culinary journey in Poland would be complete without trying the traditional Polish soups – Barszcz and Zurek. These soups are not only delicious but also showcase the diverse flavours and ingredients used in Polish cooking.
Barszcz, also known as beet soup, is a vibrant and tangy soup made with fermented beets. It’s often served hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. The earthy and slightly sweet flavours of the beets combined with the tartness of the fermentation create a unique and refreshing soup that is loved by many.
On the other hand, Zurek is a sour rye soup traditionally made with fermented rye flour. It has a distinct tangy flavour and is often served with sausage and hard-boiled eggs. Zurek is considered a comfort food in Poland and is especially popular during Easter.
Polish desserts – Paczki and Makowiec
Poland is not only known for its savoury dishes but also for its desserts. Two must-try Polish desserts are Paczki and Makowiec, which are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Paczki are deep-fried doughnuts that are filled with various sweet fillings like fruit preserves, cream, or chocolate. They are often enjoyed on Fat Thursday, a Polish tradition that marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten season. Paczki are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavour. They’re a favourite treat for many.
Makowiec, on the other hand, is a traditional Polish poppy seed roll. It’s made with a sweet yeast dough that is rolled out and filled with a mixture of ground poppy seeds, sugar, and sometimes nuts or raisins. The roll is then baked until golden brown, creating a deliciously aromatic and moist dessert.
Regional specialities – Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk
In addition to the national dishes and desserts, each region in Poland has its own specialities that are worth exploring. Krakow, Warsaw, and Gdansk are three main cities that offer a diverse range of regional delicacies.
In Krakow, be sure to try the traditional Krakow sausage, which is known for its smoky and juicy flavour. Another must-try is the obwarzanek krakowski, a chewy and slightly salty bagel-like bread that is often topped with poppy seeds or salt.
In Warsaw, don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Warsaw-style schnitzel, a breaded and pan-fried pork cutlet that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. For dessert, indulge in the delicious babka, a moist and rich cake often made with chocolate or cinnamon.
In Gdansk, go for the smoked fish, such as herring or mackerel, a region speciality. Another popular dish is the pierogi leniwe, which are lazy dumplings made with farmer’s cheese and served with melted butter and sugar.
Where to eat Polish food in Poland
When it comes to finding the best places to eat Polish food in Poland, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From traditional family-run restaurants to trendy cafes and street food stalls, plenty of options exist to satisfy your cravings. In Poland famous food is everywhere.
In Warsaw, head to the historic Nowy Swiat Street, where various restaurants serve traditional Polish cuisine. For a more modern twist on Polish food, check out the Praga district, which is home to several hip and innovative restaurants.
In Krakow, the lively Main Market Square is a great place to start your culinary adventure. Here, you’ll find many restaurants and cafes offering traditional Polish dishes and international cuisine.
Gdansk is known for its seafood, so be sure to visit one of the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront. You can indulge in fresh fish, shrimp, and other delicious seafood dishes while enjoying the scenic views of the Baltic Sea.
Don’t be afraid to explore the local markets, food festivals, and hidden gems to discover Poland’s best flavours.
