I was just in Warsaw to help open the Cervantes Institute’s Esteban Vicente exhibit with The Museum de Esteban Vicente of Segovia. As an American, I really never thought about Polish food one way or another. I thought sausage and perogies at most. I didn’t think about the place, architecturally or culturally. Well, I was pleasantly shocked on my visit there! The people could not have been kinder. The food couldn’t have been more mouthwatering, and the city could not have been more alive.
The architecture was a mix of old and new. There were cool pre-and-post war buildings. Some of the buildings reminded me of Paris and Madrid. Sections of the city have an old-world charm. This country does not run from it’s past in World War II and how it treated its Jewish citizens. Museums reflect the history of the city and country. I felt safe in this city walking by myself from 9am till 11pm at night throughout the city as I ate along the way.
Polish food is known for being hearty, flavorful, and comforting. It often features ingredients like pork, cabbage, sour cream, potatoes, mushrooms, and rye. Many would say it is for the working class. It is not delicate.
Some well-known Polish dishes are:
- Pierogi – Dumplings filled with things like potato and cheese, meat, mushrooms, or fruit
- Kielbasa– Polish Sausage of different types
- Kotlet schabowy– schnitzel like breaded pork cutlet
- Golabki– Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat
- Barszcz– Beet soup that can have dumplings in it
- Placki ziemniaczane– Potato pancakes that are like latkes
- Zurek– Rye soup that can be served with egg and sausage
- Bigos – Hunter’s stew that is made with meat, sauerkraut, and cabbage.
- Pączki – Doughnuts that are filled
- Sernik – Polish style cheesecake
Good places to eat in Warsaw are plenty! Here are a few to try while exploring the city:
Restauracja Delicja Polska – classic Polish dishes near the Old Town. [Restauracj…cja Polska]
Bar Mleczny Prasowy –known for soup and pierogi
LUCA Bakery- all over Warsaw to get pretzels, cottage cheese stuffed pastry, and stuffed pretzels
Stary Dom – for classic Polish meals
Bar Bambino– Known for traditional meals with generous portions
Przegryź. Restauracja –for hearty Polish cooking.
Bar Mleczny Lindleya 14- great lunch spot for the value conscious in Central Warsaw
Epoka– known for a modern Polish food.
Syrena Irena – recommended as a good pierogi spot in local-eating guides.
Vege Miasto– Low-cost vegetarian and vegan
Hala Koszyki–food Hall with lots of options
Best areas to explore for food
- Śródmieście for central, solid choices
- Powiśle for fun casual dining options
- Praga for local haunts
- Old Town for food in a historical setting
- Marszalkowska for amazing gyros and Kebab- Try Kebab Diana and Gemuse Haus Kebab
- Nowy Swiat for all types of food from Haagen Dazs, regional, to Mama Pho
- Chmielna for LUCA Bakery to Luz Maria Bar
I was surprised how many locals were eating pretzels at all hours! I never associated pretzels with Polish food. I saw a number of sandwich shops. This was also something that I didn’t associate with Polish food. Gyro and Kebab shops were plentiful. I had the best gyro of my life from a small store on Marszalkowska near Novotel. Vodka and beer were very popular drinks. Pigwa by Krupnik and Soplica Szlachetna Wodka seemed to be two favorite vodkas. They had every Coke and Pepsi product that is in North America for those who do not drink. The fact that a brand of sweets was called Good Mood, made me smile. That could be found in the Polish version of 7/11. Food was everyplace you went.
Home chefs may want to look for wood cutting boards and wood rolling pins to bring home from Poland. The rolling pins have engraved images on them for holidays. They make pie crusts look incredible and cookies easy to make. They sell the wood products in both Old Town and in the airport if you cannot go to one of the main baking stores. I have never seen rolling pins like these before.
Warsaw was a wonderful surprise in many ways! I hope to go back to Poland and visit Krakow next. One can plan an affordable family or romantic vacation here for a great price. Between the cuisine, the architecture, and the people, Warsaw should be added to your must go to travel destinations!
And I collect rolling pins for my cookie making!
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The phrase “I really never thought about Polish food one way or another” resonates with me, as I’ve often found that cultural nuances can be overlooked when visiting a new place. As someone who’s had the opportunity to experience various international destinations, I’ve learned that immersing oneself in local customs is crucial to truly understanding a city. In Warsaw, for instance, I’ve observed that the city’s blend of traditional and modern elements is reflected in its business ecosystem, with a thriving community of developers and entrepreneurs. The parallel between Warsaw’s architectural and cultural heritage and its emergence as a hub for innovation is something I have been thinking about because it highlights the interconnectedness of culture and economic growth. I wonder, as the city continues to evolve, how its unique cultural identity will shape its future as a major business destination.
What a fun read! The carved rolling pins caught my attention — I’d never heard of engraved Polish rolling pins before. Do the imprints actually transfer onto the dough, or are they more decorative? As a fellow cookie maker I’m very tempted to hunt one down next time I’m in Europe. Also seconding Bar Mleczny Prasowy — soup and pierogi there was the highlight of my last trip.