Polish Gastronomy
Introduction To Polish Gastronomy
Polish gastronomy, a topic so vast and interesting that thousands of books have been written about it. Whilst in Krakow you definitely have to try it. Without the experience of Polish gastronomy and cuisine, your visit here will not be complete. And there are so many dishes and things to taste!
Pierogi
First off – by the way, the most popular Polish dish is pierogi. Though we know them as dumplings, the proper term to use is pierogi. There is so much to write about them. What you have to know is that they are delicious and can come in different flavors. Sour, seasoned or sweet, there is a lot of variety. It is a traditional Polish dish also eaten at Christmas. Though most of the Polish grandmas and mums do not make them on a daily basis, you can find pierogi in more or less every restaurant, bistro and bar in Krakow. Be sure to check them out!
Kotlet Schabowy
Another great Polish traditional dish you ought to try is the kotlet schabowy. Another name for pork chop, pork cutlet or pork schnitzel. Again, use the proper Polish. It has a cover of breadcrumbs, and is very tasty and big. It should go with side dishes, like potatoes (boiled or baked) or french fries and cabbage or raw salads. Believe us, it is simply delicious! It’s quick and easy to make and you’re likely to find it in a Polish home on a Sunday. Of course, most restaurants serve it as well.
Borsch
There is a variety of soups you can and should taste whilst in Poland. These include Polish chicken soup, mushroom soup, and our own barszcz, called borsch. It is, as we say, czerwony-red (beetroot soup) or biały-white (sour rye soup). Not only do we eat it at Christmas, but also at Easter. Different regions have their own kinds, slightly different from the official recipe, which makes it even more tempting to taste it! Though it sounds discouraging by the sound of it, give it a go and you will not regret it! And here’s a look at Polish street food.
Images by Mateusz Świercz for Absolute Tours