
Written by Justin Mewse
March 2024
Are you planning a visit to Poland and eager to explore its rich culinary traditions? Look no further! Polish cuisine is a delightful blend of hearty flavours, traditional ingredients, and centuries-old recipes that reflect the country’s vibrant history and diverse cultural influences. From savoury pierogi to aromatic soups and indulgent desserts, Polish food offers a tantalising journey for your taste buds. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure through the flavours of Poland…

Pierogi: Poland’s Iconic Dumplings
No exploration of Polish cuisine would be complete without indulging in pierogi, perhaps the most iconic dish of all. These delicious dumplings are typically filled with a variety of savoury ingredients, such as potatoes, cheese, cabbage, mushrooms, or meat, then boiled or fried to perfection. Served with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of butter, pierogi are a comfort food favourite that embodies the essence of Polish cooking.

Bigos: The Hunter’s Stew
Known as “the hunter’s stew,” bigos is a hearty and robust dish that has been enjoyed in Poland for centuries. Made with a delicious combination of sauerkraut, assorted meats (such as pork, beef, and sausage), mushrooms, and spices, bigos is a dish that’s as rich in history as it is in flavour. Traditionally cooked over low heat for an extended period, this stew develops complex flavours that will leave you craving more with each spoonful.

Zurek: A Tangy Soup with Tradition
Zurek is a traditional Polish soup that boasts a unique tangy taste thanks to its key ingredient: fermented rye flour or sourdough bread. Often enriched with chunks of sausage, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs, zurek is a comforting and nourishing dish that’s especially popular during Easter celebrations. Its distinctive sour flavour is sure to intrigue and delight your palate, offering a taste of Polish culinary heritage.

Golabki: Cabbage Rolls Full of Flavour
Golabki, or stuffed cabbage rolls, are another beloved Polish dish that exemplifies the country’s culinary ingenuity. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savoury mixture of ground meat (typically pork or beef), rice, onions, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender. Served piping hot with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread, golabki are a satisfying meal that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Oscypek: A Taste of the Tatra Mountains
For a taste of Poland’s mountainous region, be sure to try oscypek, a distinctive smoked cheese that hails from the Tatra Mountains. Made from sheep’s milk and intricately shaped using wooden molds, oscypek has a rich, smoky flavour that sets it apart from other cheeses. Often served grilled or fried and drizzled with cranberry sauce, oscypek is a deliciously indulgent treat that showcases the culinary diversity of Poland.

Paczki: Indulgent Polish Donuts
No culinary journey through Poland would be complete without sampling paczki, indulgent Polish donuts that are a beloved treat, especially during the festive season of Fat Thursday. These pillowy pastries are typically filled with sweet fillings like rose jam, custard, or plum preserves, then dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a midday snack, paczki are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Makowiec: A Festive Poppy Seed Roll
Last but not least, makowiec is a traditional Polish dessert that’s often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. This festive poppy seed roll features a tender, yeast-based dough filled with a sweet and aromatic mixture of ground poppy seeds, honey, nuts, and dried fruits. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, makowiec is a delightful indulgence that perfectly captures the spirit of Polish hospitality and tradition.

Recommended Flight-Inclusive Poland City Break Deals
Discover a range of recommended 3* to 5* hotel and flight Poland short break packages for below.
- 3* Gdansk Hotel & Flight Short Break
- 4* Gdansk Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option A
- 4* Gdansk Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option B
- 5* Gdansk Hotel & Flight Short Break
3* Hotel Bonum
Hotel Bonum in Gdansk offers a charming blend of modern comfort and historic ambiance, providing guests with a cosy retreat in the heart of the city’s vibrant Old Town.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £134pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Puro Gdansk Stare Miasto
Puro Gdansk Stare Miasto offers a stylish and contemporary retreat in the heart of the historic Old Town of Gdansk.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £148pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Holland House Residence Old Town
Holland House Residence Old Town Gdansk combines historic charm with contemporary luxury, offering a delightful retreat in the heart of Gdansk’s captivating Old Town.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £131pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
5* Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk
The Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk epitomises sophistication and comfort, providing a luxurious stay with a stunning location in Old Town close to the city’s picturesque waterfront.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £157pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- 3* Krakow Hotel & Flight Short Break
- 4* Krakow Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option A
- 4* Krakow Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option B
- 5* Krakow Hotel & Flight Short Break
3* Hotel Atrium
Hotel Atrium in Krakow offers modern accommodations in the heart of the city, combining elegant design with exceptional amenities for a comfortable stay in Poland’s cultural capital.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Bed & Breakfast
From £153pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Hotel Indigo Krakow Old Town
In the heart of the city and next to Florian Gate, the largest gate into the historical city, sits the Hotel Indigo® Krakow – Old Town.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £183pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Plaza Boutique Hotel
Plaza Boutique Hotel in Krakow offers a sophisticated and stylish retreat in the heart of the city, boasting elegant accommodations, modern amenities, and personalised service for a luxurious stay in Poland’s cultural capital.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £150pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
5* Hotel H15 Luxury Palace
Hotel H15 Luxury Palace Krakow exudes opulence and charm, offering a lavish experience amidst the historical splendour of the city.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £222pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- 3* Warsaw Hotel & Flight Short Break
- 4* Warsaw Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option A
- 4* Warsaw Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option B
- 5* Warsaw Hotel & Flight Short Break
3* Motel One Warsaw – Chopin
Motel One Warsaw – Chopin offers a stylish and affordable stay in the heart of Warsaw, inspired by the iconic composer Frédéric Chopin’s timeless elegance.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £133pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Golden Tulip Warsaw Centre
Golden Tulip Warsaw Centre provides a modern and comfortable accommodation option in central Warsaw, blending convenience with sophistication for a memorable stay in the Polish capital.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £154pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Puro Warszawa Centrum
Puro Warszawa Centrum stands out as a sleek and contemporary urban oasis in the heart of Warsaw, offering a unique blend of modern design, vibrant ambiance, and personalised hospitality.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £176pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
5* H15 Boutique Hotel Warsaw
H15 Boutique Hotel in Warsaw exudes elegance and charm, seamlessly blending historic architecture with luxurious modern amenities to offer guests a refined and unforgettable experience in Poland’s capital.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £208pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
- 3* Wroclaw Hotel & Flight Short Break
- 4* Wroclaw Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option A
- 4* Wroclaw Hotel & Flight Short Break - Option B
- 5* Wroclaw Hotel & Flight Short Break
3* Hotel Patio Old Town
Hotel Patio Old Town Wroclaw offers a cosy and inviting retreat in the heart of Wroclaw’s historic Old Town, providing guests with a charming blend of comfort and convenience.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £186pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* SleepWalker Boutique Suites
SleepWalker Boutique Suites in Wroclaw redefine luxury with their elegant design, personalised service, and prime location, promising guests an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £196pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
4* Scandic Wroclaw
Scandic Wroclaw Hotel combines simple, modern Scandinavian design with warm hospitality, offering guests a stylish and comfortable stay in the vibrant city of Wroclaw.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £181pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com
5* Hotel Altus Palace
Hotel Altus Palace stands as a beacon of sophistication and luxury in Wroclaw, offering discerning guests a refined sanctuary with unparalleled views of the cityscape.
** SAVE up to £25pp **
2 Nights Room Only
From £203pp
Including flights
Operated by Lastminute.com

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