Gastronomía

Strong and Comforting Flavors

Polish gastronomy is rich, varied and very tasty, with influences from Slavic, German and Jewish cuisines. It is a cuisine that makes the most of local products such as meats, cereals, forest mushrooms and root vegetables. Get ready for hearty dishes, resurrecting soups and a surprising variety of dumplings.

Platos Imprescindibles

Pierogi

The jewel in the crown of Polish cuisine. They are thin dough dumplings that are boiled and sometimes fried later. The fillings are very varied: the most classic are the 'ruskie' (potato and fresh cheese), with meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, or sweet, with berries.

Bigos

Known as the 'hunter's stew', it is one of the national dishes. It is a stew of sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and fresh cabbage, with different types of meat (pork, beef, sausages), dried mushrooms and prunes, cooked over very low heat.

Żurek

A soup with a characteristic acidic flavor, obtained from the fermentation of rye flour. It is served hot, often with hard-boiled egg and white sausage (kiełbasa), and is sometimes spectacularly presented inside a hollowed-out bun.

Kotlet Schabowy

The Polish version of schnitzel. It is a breaded and fried pork chop, traditionally served with potatoes and coleslaw. A simple but omnipresent and much loved dish.

Gołąbki

They are cabbage leaf rolls filled with minced meat and rice or barley, cooked in a tasty tomato sauce. A homemade dish par excellence, comforting and delicious.

Barszcz Czerwony

A deep red beet soup with deep flavor. The clear version is drunk hot from a cup, often accompanying filled pastries ('paszteciki'). The denser version is eaten as a soup with small dumplings called 'uszka' (little ears), especially at Christmas.

Bebidas Típicas

Wódka (Vodka)

Poland and Russia dispute the origin of vodka, and in Poland it is the national drink. It is produced from grain or potato. There is a huge variety, from pure to flavored ones, like the famous Żutrówka, with bison herb in the bottle.

Piwo (Beer)

Beer is extremely popular in Poland, with a craft brewery scene booming. Big brands like Żywiec or Tyskie are everywhere, but local beers from each region are worth trying.

Miód Pitny (Mead)

A traditional alcoholic drink made from fermented honey. It is one of the oldest drinks in the world and in Poland it has a long tradition. It can be sweet or dry and is drunk both hot and cold.

Kompot

A very homemade non-alcoholic drink. It is made by cooking fresh fruits (such as strawberries, cherries or apples) in sugar water. It is served cold in summer and is a common accompaniment to family meals.