One of the most interesting and delicious cuisines in all of Central Europe has got to be Polish. The foods are filled with flavour, as well as being hearty and complex – perfect for travellers looking to expand their palates while abroad. Read on and dive into some of the country’s most delicious traditional dishes. From appetiser to dessert, you’re sure to be as stuffed as a pierogi by the time you’re finished.
Mizeria
Mizeria is a cucumber salad that is served chilled. Its ingredients include chopped onions, thinly sliced cucumbers and sprigs of dill, and it is often dressed in lemon juice and sour cream. This light dish is found alongside meat entrees such as bigos, but can also be eaten by itself as an afternoon snack.
Bigos
Speaking of bigos… This hunter’s stew is a hearty meal that consists of meats (traditionally Polish sausage, pork or bacon, although many modern versions now contain duck or venison), cabbage and mushrooms. It is stewed for around two to four days to enhance the flavours of the various ingredients. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this is sure to be a fast favourite.
Pierogi
It would be a crime if I didn’t recommend perhaps the most famous food in all the country: pierogis. In fact, I doubt there’s a grandmother in all of Poland who doesn’t consider it a staple. This delicious dumpling is made by filling dough with meat, onions, potatoes, cheese, cabbage, mushrooms… anything you can think of, really. Once it’s stuffed, it’s either fried or boiled and served piping hot with sour cream.
Paczki
I hope you saved room for dessert! This indulgent treat is much like a doughnut; it is deep-friend dough that has been formed into a round shape, filled with sweet preserves or custard, and covered with icing or powdered sugar. They are traditionally served on the Thursday directly before Ash Wednesday – a truly decadent way to prepare for Lent.
Next time you’re in Poland (which I sincerely suggest is soon), make sure you polish off these delicious Polish dishes.
