National cuisine always has its own history, flavor, and can introduce you to the culture and way of life of a country. This time, I want to immerse you a bit in the world of Polish cuisine. What is it like? The first thing that comes to mind is hearty. Even after trying just one dish, you will never remain hungry. And the taste of Polish national dishes can be spicy, fermented, and sweet-and-sour. Polish cuisine will stay in your memory forever!
Żurek
Opening the list is the most famous Polish soup. It is so popular among Poles that it can even be served at weddings! It also appears on the Easter table.
Żurek is a soup made from fermented flour with meat broth. Recipes vary in each region, and the dish is prepared differently: some add horseradish, while others add bacon. It is usually served in a bread bowl, but there are places where it is presented in a regular soup bowl. The soup is typically eaten with sour cream and greens.
Mazurek
This is a low cake made of shortcrust pastry with various fillings: candied fruits, oranges, caramel, nuts, dried fruits. Cooks can combine several types of layers based on preference. Mazurek is considered an Easter dish, but it can be tried at other times as well.
Sernik
If compared, sernik is something between a cheesecake and a cottage cheese casserole. The base is shortcrust pastry, with a cottage cheese filling and cream, sometimes with added lemon juice and raisins.
You can try sernik almost everywhere: from bakeries to cafes or in supermarkets by weight. One important note: it is a dairy product, so it cannot be taken across the border. Therefore, you can only enjoy this dish within the country.
Sękacz
Sękacz is a cake that resembles a tree. What makes it special? It is prepared on a spit. It is poured with batter, rotated, and poured again. Another method is letting the batter slowly drip onto the spit without external help, and sękacz is cooked directly over the fire.
Flaki
Another Polish soup known for its richness and nourishment. It is made from a part of the beef stomach. Preparing it requires about five hours in the kitchen.
During cooking, the tripe is brought to a boil several times, the water is drained, and the process is repeated. The remaining tripe is then cooked for about three and a half hours. This takes up most of the preparation time.
It is said that this soup was the favorite dish of Władysław Jagiełło. In its modern version, flaki can be found with bacon, tomato paste, and other ingredients.
Bigos
This dish is also called hunter’s stew because it is very hearty. The classic version uses sauerkraut and any stewed meat. But nowadays, Poles add anything they like: from sausages to mushrooms.
Golonka
Also known as pork knuckle or hock. Golonka is usually slowly roasted until it reaches a beautiful and juicy brown color. It can also be stewed in dark beer.
It is served whole, often with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and various boiled vegetables. Golonka is usually part of the menu at weddings and other festive events. It is also one of the main dishes in Polish restaurants.
Kaszanka
Kaszanka is a quite popular sausage in Poland. Some like it, while others are horrified by it. That’s because it is made from animal blood, pork offal, and buckwheat or barley.
Previously, it only appeared on the tables of the nobility, as peasants could not afford it. In modern times, Poles even grill kaszanka.
St. Martin’s Croissants
You can only try these croissants in Poznań, as they are protected by the European Union and have PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. This “badge” of protection means that the product is protected by territory. This label prohibits producing the dish outside the specific region.
Locally, St. Martin’s croissants are also known as croissants or rolls. They are glazed pastries filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and raisins.
Toruń Gingerbread
For over seven centuries, this sweet treat has been produced in the city of Toruń. It is considered a traditional Christmas delicacy and a great souvenir. They come in various types: glazed or covered with chocolate, filled with different jams or classic, and in various shapes. In general, everyone will find a gingerbread to their taste.
