Hearty, comforting and simple, Polish food is not created with the waistline in mind. A window to the city’s soul and history, sampling the local cuisine is always a must when travelling. Here are the top dishes to try when in Warsaw:
Pierogi
One of the most classic and well-known Polish foods, pierogi are crescent-shaped parcels filled with sweet or savoury fillings, and can be served crispy or boiled. This former peasant food is extremely popular throughout the country, and can be found in numerous pierogarnia eateries on street corners. Traditionally filled with potato and cheese, this dish is constantly evolving and the ingredients that can be used are limited only by the imagination of the chef. With both meat and vegetarian versions available, there is no reason not to order pierogi when in Warsaw.
Bigos
Polish cuisine prides itself in hearty and comforting dishes, and bigos–a traditional Polish stew–is one of the classic representatives of their culinary tradition, and is considered to be Poland’s true national dish. Also known as “hunter’s stew”, this hearty stew is traditionally a winter dish and is accompanied with rye bread or potatoes. For the authentic Polish experience, wash it down with shots of famous ice-cold Polish vodka.
Gołąbki
Translating to ‘little pigeons’, this favourite dish consists of minced meat, chopped onions and rice wrapped in boiled cabbage leafs. Usually served with a tomato or mushroom sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes, this dish has roots dating back centuries. Polish legend claims that King Kazimierz fed his army gołąbki prior to the Battle of Malbork against the Teutonic Order in 1465, and their unlikely subsequent victory has since been attributed to the high nutritional value and strength-boosting qualities of the dish.
Kotlet Schabowy
Made from pork tenderloin coated in breadcrumbs and served with buttered potatoes and pickled cabbage, the Polish variation of a fried pork cutlet is often likened to a Viennese schnitzel. A staple of every Polish home, this popular dish is served in almost every restaurant in the country and is a solid bet for a cheap, filling, risk-free meal. Comforting, tender and juicy, eat as the Poles eat when in Warsaw!
Barscz (Polish Borscht)
Served hot in the winter and cold in the summer, the classic Polish borscht is most commonly made with beetroot and meat stock. This nourishing soup can be served in a variety of ways, with potatoes and vegetables tossed in, with a croquette or miniature pierogi in the soup, or simply as broth in a mug for the express purpose of drinking. The hot version is generally more popular in Poland, and is the perfect dish to warm you up in the winter.
Oscypek
Made exclusively in Poland’s Zakopane mountain region, this tough smoked cheese is made of salted sheep milk. This exclusive cheese can only be produced between late April and early October, and is as delicious as it is beautiful. Traditionally eaten raw, grilled, or fried, this golden-hued cheese is the perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes. Though hard to find, no visit to Poland is complete without at least a token sample.
Zurek
This soup is quintessentially Polish – simple, hearty and delicious. Traditionally eaten at Easter, this filling dish is made of meat broth leavened with rye sourdough and served with a boiled egg and white sausage, served in a bread bowl. Break off bits from the side as you progress or scrape out the soggy bread from the inside, this soup is often enough to comprise a full meal. An order of zurek definitely recalls the Polish expression, jesc oczami (to eat with the eyes)!
Kielbasa
Sausages are a staple in Europe, and the Polish kielbasa is second to none, made from everything from turkey to bison. The white version is generally cheaper and fattier, than the regular, red kielbasa. Traditionally made with pork meat, salt and various spices and herbs, this flavourful sausage is smoked, and grilled, served with mustard, bread, fried onions or horseradish. Pair with a cold Polish beer to complete the feast.
Pyzy
Every Varsovian is intimately familiar with the taste of these potato dumplings, a Praga specialty. A true people’s dish, this simple dish is made with potatoes, mixed with flour, salt and eggs, with an optional meat filling. The finished pyzy are soft and delicate, and their mild doughy exterior perfectly complements the rich, meaty filling. Shallow-fried for a thin and crunchy outer layer, the finished dish is served with sautéed onions, pieces of fried bacon, meat dripping, and salty pork cracklings. Some of the best pyzy can be found at Pyzy Flaki Gorace.
Wuzetka
One of the symbols of the Polish capital, this chocolate cream cake is named after the W-Z route that runs under the Old Town. The cocoa pastry is saturated with rum or punch, with layers of whipped cream and jam simply melts in the mouth and is an absolute must on the menus of all traditional Warsaw cafés.
Golonka
Slow cooked to perfection, golonka is a must-try food when in Poland. A true Polish delicacy, the pork knuckle is boiled or braised till the meat slips right off the bone. Usually served whole alongside boiled potatoes, cabbage and horseradish, the dish is often served at weddings and special occasions, and varies regionally. Alongside the traditional golonka, Warsaw is also known to have it served in an aromatic jelly, with a touch of vinegar and a slice of bread.
Zapiekanka
The ultimate Polish drunk food, this ‘Polish pizza’ is a relic from Poland’s communist past. An open-faced toasted sandwich made of baguette and topped with a variety of tasty ingredients and a generous helping of grated cheese, the zapiekanka is Poland’s answer to fast food. The classic, original zapiekanka is topped simply with mushrooms, cheese and ketchup, and served sizzling hot. Simple but delicious, having a zapiekenka after a fun night-out is a must.
For serious-foodies who want to experience Warsaw’s culinary scene, a food tour is a great option to savour the very best of Warsaw’s culinary offerings. With a local expert leading the way, delight your tastebuds with sensational authentic, local foods. Alternatively, the avid-chef amongst you may also want to sign up for a cooking class to learn to prepare, make and taste Polish signature dishes.
