There is so much incredible food in Poland to try on your first trip! After many visits ourselves, we can’t get enough of all the hearty Polish cuisine and drinks. Here is some of the best traditional Polish food we’ve tasted, from pierogi to unique soups, and more!
Our Poland Food Adventures
We recently made our third trip to Poland this spring. Of course, we loved the historic cities, spa resorts, and mountain towns. Yet, the real highlight was all the traditional Poland food!
Unlike other countries, you will find the best food in Poland at a multitude of different places. This means not only at local restaurants, but milk bars, food markets, breweries, and vodka bars.
While there is endless food to discover in Poland’s large cities, don’t overlook the smaller villages and towns. Some of the best meals we had in this country has been in the Tatra Mountains near the Slovakia border.
What is Polish Food?
Before we get into some of our favorite dishes, you should have an idea what the food in Poland actually is. These dishes are hearty, meat centered, and out of this world flavorful.
Trust us when we say there was never a night on our recent trip that we went to bed hungry! Polish food ranges from broth based soups to large pork plates, and bakery treats.
Now, there are veggie options around, but we would be lying if we said this is the best destination for vegans or vegetarians. Just something to keep in mind if you’re picking out your next vacation destination and that’s important to you.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the food in Poland is by going to a milk bar. We first discovered the milk bars in Gdansk, and they’ve become our favorite places to eat out!
These cafeteria-style eateries allow you to pick out a bunch of different plates at extremely low prices. If you see the words “Bar Mleczny” outside a restaurant, don’t hesitate to head right in.
The Ultimate Poland Food Guide
Appetizers, Sides & Bar Snacks
1. Mixed Salads
Let’s begin with something light before we dive into the heavier Poland food items. You won’t see many leafy green salads here. Instead, it’s more of a mix of shredded carrots, white cabbage, beetroots, and sauerkraut.
These are a great side to the big plates of meat and potatoes, as the tangy sweet veggies go perfectly with them. You will often have the option to order just one at a milk bar or mix them. Where at restaurants, they might give you three mixed together as an appetizer.
2. Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Mizeria)
Another one of our favorite salads to have with Polish food is Mizeria. This is essentially just sliced cucumbers mixed with yogurt or sour cream, with dill on top.
It’s a great pairing with a pork or chicken cutlet (more on this later) and something we always order when it’s on the menu. Also, don’t forget to get a side of pickles with your food in Poland!
3. Herring
Ready to get fishy? Herring is one of our favorite things to eat in Europe, from the Netherlands to Germany. So we were obviously excited when we found out it was a staple of traditional Poland food.
It’s something that you can easily buy at the store, but we most enjoyed it out at the vodka bars. The herring is served with onions and bread, making it a great starter with an ice cold beer.
4. Steak Tartare
By now, you may be getting the sense that the food in Poland is tailored more towards adventurous eaters! While not specifically Polish cuisine, we saw tartare in abundance at local bars and restaurants.
At one vodka bar in particular in Wroclaw, it seemed like almost every table had one in front of them! The minced raw beef is served with egg yolk, pickles, onions, and a side of bread.
We have also had versions of the dish that were more fancy with the ingredients stacked together. Again, we should emphasize that this is raw meat you’re eating. Be sure to order it from a reputable restaurant that stays busy.
5. Zurek Soup
It’s time to move onto Poland’s most famous soup! Zurek gets its unique flavor from the fermented rye starter called zakwas.
This gives it a special tangy zing that separates it from other soups. Other common ingredients include kielbasa, boiled eggs, potatoes, mushrooms, and garlic.
We loved ordering this to start of our meal at dinner. At some restaurants, you can even order your Zurek in a large bread bowl.
6. Kielbasa
Speaking of kielbasa… This is another Poland food staple you won’t want to miss out on!
You may see these scrumptious sausages on their own as an appetizer, in soups, or grilled as an entree with potatoes or sauerkraut. This really depends on the variety of kielbasa (sausage) you order, as there are endless options.
Krakowska is a dry smoked sausage from pork that is typically served cold with bread. The Biala is the white sausage that’s boiled or grilled, and you will also see in soups such as Zurek. There are also the Kabonosy, which are long, dry, and often eaten as a snack.
You will find all types of kielbasa depending on what region of Poland you’re in. One of our favorites was the Slaska that hails from the the Silesian region.
Poland Food Tip: For something fun, you could also stop into the popular minimart Zabka and try a Polish hot dog! These have gone viral in recent years and are on almost every street corner.
7. Smoked Sheep Cheese
One of our favorite things we ate on our recent trip to Southern Poland was Oscypek. This smoked sheep cheese is an iconic part of the Polish food scene in Zakopane and Tatra mountains region.
It is grilled or fried and served with cranberry sauce, making for a delicious start to any meal. We practically saw it at every food stand around Zakopane and even along the legendary Morskie Oko hike.
You will also see this cut up into string cheese, which makes for a fun snack for kids.
→ 10 Amazing Things to Do in Zakopane Poland
8. Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak)
If you can pick one more soup besides Zurek to try on your Poland food adventures, make it a Kapusniak! This sour cabbage soup is a popular choice during the harsh winter months.
It combines sauerkraut, pork ribs, potatoes, and veggies, for the ultimate cold weather treat. This was a favorite of ours to have before dinner or even on its own for lunch.
9. Pretzels & Bakery Treats
There are bakeries and pretzel stands on every street corner in the cities of Poland. It’s easy to find traditional pretzels, but also keep an eye out for the braided bread rings called Obwarzanki.
We absolutely love how big of a variety of pretzels they offer. Some of our go-to orders were topped (or filled) with cheese, spicy herbs, and chocolate!
More of the Best Food in Poland
10. Pierogi
Where do we even begin! Pierogi is undisputed king of Polish food, and something we eat at least once a day when we’re traveling in the country.
The most common way they’re cooked is steamed, which makes for a tasty, soft outer layer. These are our favorite version, but we also are fond of the fried and crispy ones as well. On our tour of the best restaurants in Wroclaw, we even went to a spot that specialized in oven baked pierogi!
While the type of pierogi available may depend on what part of Poland you’re visiting, there are a few classics that are on practically every menu. The most popular option is actually the Russian pierogi (ruskie) that’s filled with potatoes, onions, and white cheese.
Many of the best come with minced pork or beef. You’ll also find plenty of standalone cheese pierogi with the restaurant adding their own twist and original flavors.
Forest mushrooms are a popular filling, especially around Christmas time mixed with Ssuerkraut. You’ll even see dessert pierogi with fruit and cream inside!
11. Pork Cutlet (Kotlet Schabowy)
Did you know Poland has its own version of the schnitzel? Kotlet Schabowy is a pork cutlet that’s breaded and fried. This beloved dish can be found everywhere, from local milk bars to traditional restaurants and bars around the country.
The main difference from other Central European countries like Germany and Austria, is they almost exclusively use pork for their cutlet and not veal. It’s often served with a side of mashed potatoes, cucumber yogurt salad, or sauerkraut and cabbage.
12. Potato Pancakes (Placki Ziemniaczane)
Another Poland food classic that can be found around this part of Europe is potato pancakes. It’s a dish you can find at every milk bar from Gdansk to Krakow, and beyond.
The level of crispiness typically depends on the restaurant you’re ordering them from. They’re made with grated potatoes, which are then fried to perfection.
The fun part about the dish is that it’s usually up to you what you have with it! You can keep it simple and have just a side of sour cream.
For a heavier meal, we enjoy a goulash meat or mushroom sauce that drowns the pancakes. This is a dish we couldn’t get enough of while discovering the best food in Budapest Hungary and the Germany Christmas markets.
13. Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)
Known in Polish as Golabki, stuffed cabbage is such an essential part of food in Poland. It’s so ingrained in the culture that if you have Polish grandparents, then you likely have a family recipe for these passed down!
The most well-known type of stuffed cabbage has minced pork, rice, onions, and different seasonings. The mixture is then wrapped in white cabbage and cooked in a pot (or baked) with tomato sauce.
When you cut it open, the stuffed cabbage explodes with flavor. As with the soup, this makes for the ultimate Poland food order during the cold winter months.
14. Pork Knuckle (Golonka)
Hungry yet?? Well, the hearty Poland cuisine isn’t stopping any time soon! The pork knuckle is another plate that’s served in abundance in nearby countries such as Germany and Czech Republic.
However, the ones we’ve had in Poland can compete with any pork knuckle around. This massive hunk of meat comes from the lower part of the pigs leg. It’s usually boiled then roasted or grilled over many hours.
The final product is a crispy exterior with a soft and tender inside, where the meat is basically falling off the bone. Like many Polish dishes, it goes so well with a side of sauerkraut or potatoes.
Just don’t plan to do any strenuous activities afterwards because a pork knuckle can really take you out! In fact, they’re so big it’s not shameful to split one with your dining partner.
15. Zapiekanki
Okay, it’s time for a slight switch up in our Poland food guide. We’ve had some great pizza on our trips this country, but nothing as unique as the Zapiekanki!
It’s got very similar toppings as a pizza. Yet, it’s served on a baguette instead of normal dough. The most traditional is with mushrooms and cheese, but you can order a variety of sauces and cured meats.
Our first taste of these was during our first trip to Krakow Poland. Here they have an entire corner of the city dedicated to this treat! Stop at one of the many food stands at Plac Nowy and enjoy a Zapiekanki on your visit.
→ A Food Lovers Weekend in Krakow Poland
16. Zrazy
Zrazy is another hearty dish to enjoy at the restaurants around Poland. It’s essentially their version of the German classic rouladen, with some small variations.
Both are thin sliced beef rolled with different ingredients. In the tasty Polish rouladen, you’ll commonly find mustard, pickles, bacon, onions, and mushrooms.
The first time we ordered this was at Chochołowskie Termy, Poland’s largest thermal spa. We originally thought we had ordered a cabbage roll because it looks very similar! Nevertheless, when we cut it open, we saw all the wild goodies inside.
→ What’s the Best German Food? 18 Authentic Must-Try Dishes
17. Goulash
That brings us to our next hearty Polish food! Aside from pierogi, goulash is something we eat almost every day on our visits.
It typically comes as a thick stew with chunks of beef or pork and garlic, onions, and other spices and veggies. Depending on the region, you also may find goulash made with deer, wild boar, rabbit, and even moose!
While it is certainly good enough by itself, know that you don’t eat goulash on its own very often. Our favorite way to enjoy it is over the crispy potato pancakes we mentioned earlier. It’s also very good with bread dumplings, mashed and boiled potatoes, or anything that can soak up those Polish food flavors.
18. Flatbreads (Podpłomyki)
You can probably tell that a lot of the best food in Poland comes from recipes that have been perfected over hundreds of years. Yet, this may be one of the oldest traditional meals!
Podlomyki is a flatbread style pizza that is cooked with no yeast. The unleavened bread offers a super thin and crispy taste, but with incredibly flavorful toppings.
We first tried this at a popular micro-brewery called Szynkarnia on our last trip to Wroclaw. They make their dough fresh daily with a mix of rye and wheat flour. Our podlomyki came topped with a creamy sauce, onions, and cured wild boar.
→ 11 Best Things to do in Wroclaw Poland
19. Seafood
We’re going to be completely honest… besides an occasional herring bar snack, we haven’t really eaten that much seafood in Poland. Still, there are some incredible dishes that should not be ignored!
This is especially the case if you’re looking for what to eat in Gdansk, or traveling anywhere along the northern Baltic coast. Here you can find fried or baked cod in abundance, flounder, and even smoked salmon.
There are also popular fish soups to try, dumplings with seafood fillings, and freshwater fish such as trout and pike-perch.
Delicious Desserts in Poland
20. Cheesecake (Sernik)
We can’t talk about the best food in Poland without an ode to its sweet treats! Sernik is the country’s most popular cake, and can be found at almost every bakery and traditional restaurant.
It’s usually prepared with a unique farmer’s cheese called twarog, which gives it a thick textured taste. You may also see it topped with raisins or chocolate.
This was our go-to treat with a coffee when we needed a break from walking all day in the city.
21. Apple Pie (Szarlotka)
If there was a second favorite dessert we had in Poland, it had to be the mouthwatering apple pies! Of course, we’ve ate our fair share of apple treats around Europe, but the Szarlotka really hits the spot.
The crumbled layers and crust make it taste more like a cake than a pie. If you get a chance to try one with ice cream, do not pass it up.
22. Donuts (Paczki)
You may think you’ve had some good donuts, but you really haven’t lived until you’ve tried one in Poland! Paczki is something we saw everywhere in cities like Wroclaw and Warsaw.
The deep-fried donuts have a soft interior, and are filled with special jams and custards. The most famous paczki by far is the rose flavor with rose petal jam inside. We also loved the plum paczki and anything with chocolate.
→ 10 Fun Things to Do in Warsaw Poland on Your First Visit
Drinks With Traditional Polish Food
23. Polish Vodka
Onto the drinks! After so much amazing food in Poland, you’re sure to be thirsty. Vodka is the first thing we need to mention, as its a huge part of the Poland food culture.
Polish vodka is made from rye, potatoes, or wheat, and stilled to a very high quality. Just like wine in Italy or France, they have strict standards to adhere to. So you can be sure you’re getting the very best in Poland!
Some of our favorite travel memories were stopping into vodka bars where they have every flavor imaginable. It goes so well with some of the bar snacks we discussed earlier, like pickles, steak tartare, herring, and kielbasa.
Vodka is served ice cold in a shot glass, but you’ll want to sip it slowly and fully enjoy it with your food. An official vodka tasting is also one of the best things to do in Krakow!
At almost any liquor store, you will see the famous Zubrowka vodka with a bison on the front. This is because it’s actually flavored with bison grass, giving it a one of a kind taste.
24. Beer
Just like vodka, the Poles take their beer very seriously! We loved the light lagers on draft as they go so well with all the best food in Poland.
Another great thing about the beer is that it’s very cheap. Most local bars won’t charge more than 2 to 3 euros (8 to 12 Zloty) for a cold glass. The most well-known Polish brands are Zywiec, Tyskie, Warka, and Okocim.
Something unique about Poland is that syrups are widely available. It’s common to flavor your beer with raspberry, cherry, or ginger, especially in the warm summer months.
While the light, pale lagers are most popular, there is a blossoming craft beer scene over the last 10-15 years. We saw this firsthand at all the micro-breweries popping up in the cities we visited.
Wine is available as well, but it’s not something we looked for much. After all, Poland is all about the beer and vodka!
25. Mead (Miod Pitny)
There’s just one more alcoholic drink you should know about before your trip to Poland. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try their special mead.
It’s made from honey and anywhere between 10 and 16% alcohol. We didn’t see this too much at the bars, but instead at local stores.
At restaurants, it’s common to order a hot spiced tea that will often be spiked with mead!
26. Kompot
Fruity drinks are the norm around Poland, whether with alcohol or not. Kompot is made by boiling fresh or dried fruit such as apples, plums, cherries, or pears.
It’s served both cold and hot depending on the season, and tastes a bit similar to tea.
Have any questions about this article or want to share more of your favorite Polish cuisine? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
