Poland is one of the countries of Central Europe, in the northeast this state borders on Russia. The climate of temperate latitudes prevails on the territory of Poland: winters here are mild, and summer weather pleases with a large number of warm days.
Many tourists from all over the world visit Polish resorts in the Baltic every year - Sopot, Krynica Morska, Kolobrzeg, Miedzyzdroje, Wladyslawowo. And winter sports lovers tend to the ski slopes of Zakopane and Szczyrka.
Those interested in historical landmarks or modern architectural beauties also come to Poland to see:
- the Wilanów palace and park ensemble and Krakowskie Przedmiescie in the capital Warsaw;
- Wawel Royal Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and Kazimierz Jewish District in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Krakow;
- the ancient Torun, which miraculously survived during the terrible wars of the twentieth century;
- graceful Gothic Wroclaw with its scattering of cheerful street gnomes;
- picturesque northern Gdansk with majestic buildings and richest museums;
- huge Malbork - the castle of the knights of the Teutonic Order.
Those who want to learn more about the Polish national cuisine or simply re-energize for new tourist achievements visit cafes and restaurants in Poland - and do not regret the time spent on it! But what exactly to try in Poland?
Taste of Poland
Since Poland borders our country, it is not surprising that Polish and Russian cuisines are very similar, their mutual influence is obvious. But the national cuisine of Poland also has many differences from the Russian one, because it was also formed under the influence of French, German, Italian, Jewish and Scandinavian cuisines.
The modern national Polish cuisine has been created over the centuries, becoming more and more varied and delicious. Medieval Polish dishes were rich in pepper and other spices and were often served with very hot sauces. Perhaps that is why the written sources of those times note that the Polish cuisine, very satisfying and even heavy, did not seem tasty to everyone.
But times have changed. Now, in Polish cuisine, a large number of cereals have been replaced by dishes from potatoes, and game has been replaced by pork and poultry. Tomatoes, which the Poles had not yet heard of in the Middle Ages, gained great popularity. There have been a number of other changes as well. They have resulted in modern Polish cuisine, for the sake of which many tourists are ready to travel hundreds and even thousands of kilometers every year.
Dumplings, cabbage rolls, Polish soups and pies, rolls and donuts are just the beginning of a long list of delicious dishes that are equally popular with tourists and locals alike. In Polish cuisine, there is a lot of flour and meat, mushrooms, nuts, fruits, herbs are often mentioned in recipes.
In the story about Polish cuisine, one should at least briefly mention the famous bison - vodka infused on grass from Belovezhskaya Pushcha (bison are found there, hence the name of the drink). Many brands of vodka and other types of alcohol are produced in Poland, but zubrovka is practically the country's hallmark.
Top 10 Polish dishes
Flask
Flask
A thick soup made from tripe. Beef scars are used most often. The dish also contains various roots and spices. Sometimes flour, bacon and onions are added to the soup. The dish is served hot. It takes several hours to cook. You don't have to visit a cafe or restaurant in order to taste flaks, the soup is sold in stores (poured into cans). And you can warm up the purchased dish at the hotel. Leaving Poland, tourists sometimes take a jar or two of this soup with them.
Chill
Chill
Another first dish of Polish cuisine. Unlike the previous one, it is served cold. The basis of the soup is beet broth or kefir, the ingredients of the dish are chicken eggs, dill, cucumbers, onions, pickled beets and sour cream. Sorrel broth can be used instead of beet broth. The dish is sometimes served with a side dish - boiled potatoes. The color of the cold pot resembles Russian borscht, but the taste is very different from it.
White borsch
White borsch
Polish soup "Zurek" this is not at all what we are used to understanding by the word "borsch". This Polish soup lacks cabbage and beets. For the preparation of white borscht, rye flour sourdough is used. Important ingredients of the soup are potatoes and sour cream. The consistency of white borscht resembles a puree soup.
Bigos
Bigos
One of the most popular Polish dishes. There are so many bigos recipes that hardly any local resident knows all of them. Polish chefs can argue for a long time about how to properly prepare this dish, and never come to a consensus. Most often, the ingredients of the dish are cabbage, pork, bacon, smoked sausage. Mushrooms, tomatoes, spices, prunes, wine are sometimes added to bigos. The dish is often served as a vodka snack. Many locals eat bigos with bread, so it becomes even more satisfying.
Vareniki
Dumplings / pies
Polish dumplings are called "Pies" (with emphasis on the second syllable). They can be boiled or fried - try them and see which ones you like best. A wide variety of fillings are used - mushrooms, potatoes, cherries, apples … And dumplings are often served with finely chopped herbs.
Sausages
Polish sausages
Similar to German sausages, but many people find the Polish dish tastier. For the preparation of Polish sausages, several types of meat are used, cereals, potatoes, garlic, and various types of spices are added.
Casserole
Casserole
And again, this is not at all what we Russians are used to understanding by the word "casserole". In Poland, this word refers to the national variety of fast food. It is very simple and very tasty: a long roll is baked with onions, cheese and mushrooms. Try it!
Yeast woman
Yeast woman
It resembles a Russian Easter cake. The composition of the Polish yeast woman includes the following ingredients:
- raisin;
- candied fruit;
- cherries (dried);
- vodka.
Top the finished dish with icing - fruit, creamy or chocolate.
Jam biscuits
Jam biscuits
One of the most delicious desserts in Polish national cuisine. These shortbread cookies are shaped like envelopes. They are stuffed with jam or preserves. If you want to really appreciate the taste of this cookie, it is best to taste it fresh. Previously, the Poles prepared this dessert only for Christmas, but now the delicacy pleases guests of Poland and local residents all year round.
Mazurek
Mazurek
Another name for the dish is mazurka. Its origin is from Mazovia, hence the name of the dish. This is a shortcrust pastry pie with a variety of filling of dried fruits, nuts, candied fruits. On top it is smeared with various types of fruit jam or cream, then the cake is sprinkled with powdered sugar.
You will find more information about the culinary traditions of Poland on the website
Polish Tourist Organization:
- To Poland - for the taste!
- Culinary routes
- Culinary events and festivals
- Polish dishes and recipes
The visiting card of Poland is the hospitality of its inhabitants. Polish proverb "Lay the last thing, and cover the table!" - fully characterizes the hospitality of Poles to their guests. Therefore, plan your trip to Poland, visit its unique sights, admire its beauty and enjoy delicious and hearty Polish cuisine!
