Polish cuisine is rich and varied and has undergone a long process of evolution over the centuries due to the historical events that have affected the country.

Today, the Polish gastronomic tradition has many similarities with those of neighboring European countries, in particular Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Hungary, but we must not forget the great influence of Jewish culture.

The dishes of Polish cuisine are simple but substantial, with great use of meat, in particular pork, chicken and beef, and many vegetables, cereals and herbs grown locally that are the basis of various soups and sauces that allow to better deal with the harsh winters in Poland.

The main ingredient of the kitchen is undoubtedly potatoes, consumed in large quantities, and used a little as a substitute for our bread. Eggs and cream are also used frequently.

10 typical dishes not to miss in Poland

Bigos

A dish of cabbage, sauerkraut (kapusta kiszona), various cuts of meat and sausages, often whole or puréed tomatoes, honey and mushrooms, and is served with rye bread or mashed potatoes.

Pierogi

Dumplings stuffed with meat, mushrooms, and cabbage or cheese.

Placki Ziemniaczane

Thin pancake made with grated onion, carrot, parsnips, or other vegetables. Delicious served hot either sprinkled with sugar or dolloped with sour cream.

Zurek

Soup made with stock, bacon, onion, mushrooms, and sour cream, and is given a distinctive, almost sour taste with the addition of kwas.

Gołąbki

Cabbage leaves stuffed with beef, onion, and rice and baked in tomato sauce.

Kotlet Schabowy

Pork breaded cutlet, coated with breadcrumbs made of pork tenderloin (with the bone or without), or with a pork chop.

Kiełbasa

Polish sausage.

Flaki

Dense and meaty tripe soup.

Szarlotka

A dessert that’s somewhere between an apple pie and a pastry.

Piernik

Ark and moist honey cake made with a number of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, usually served with a chocolate glaze

Żywiec

A fairly strong lager.

Wódka

The country’s national tipple is Polish vodka, which comes in many different varieties.