{"id":187907,"date":"2026-05-29T19:43:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T17:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=187907"},"modified":"2026-06-06T14:41:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T12:41:05","slug":"polish-food-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Polish Food: 15 Tips on Pierogi, Bar Mleczny, Vodka &#038; Everything You Must Try"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Polish food and pierogi are simply a lifelong love affair. \u263a\ufe0f I totally understand why some people travel to Poland purely to eat. Polish cuisine was a hit even with our kids, and a surprising number of restaurants are dog-friendly too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Polish gastronomy is incredibly rich, blending German, Jewish and Ukrainian culinary influences. And while traditional Polish food is hearty and filling, the modern scene is bursting with hipster coffee shops and vegetarian bistros. So here&#8217;s everything we&#8217;ve tasted over the years \u2014 what we loved and what didn&#8217;t quite work out. Everything from pierogi to vodka, and from milk bars to vegetarian bistros that left Luk\u00e1\u0161 and me completely gobsmacked. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TL;DR for those short on time:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pierogi (dumplings)<\/strong> are the absolute staple and come in dozens of varieties. Try the classic &#8220;ruskie&#8221; with potato and cheese, or the sweet strawberry ones that kids go wild for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bar mleczny (milk bar)<\/strong> is a relic of socialism where you can still eat incredibly well and cheaply. A traditional lunch costs just 2\u20134 \u20ac here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The soups will sort you right out.<\/strong> Especially the sour \u017curek served in a bread bowl or a hearty Sunday ros\u00f3\u0142 (broth).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vegetarians won&#8217;t go hungry.<\/strong> Krak\u00f3w and Wroc\u0142aw have some of the best vegetarian and vegan scenes in all of Europe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vodka-drinking rules are sacred.<\/strong> It&#8217;s drunk neat, ice-cold, downed in one, and never diluted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tipping in restaurants<\/strong> is around 10%, and be aware that drinking alcohol in public is strictly forbidden.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#What_to_expect_from_Polish_cuisine_and_why_we_love_it\" >What to expect from Polish cuisine and why we love it<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Where_to_stay_in_Poland_and_how_much_it_costs\" >Where to stay in Poland and how much it costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Pierogi_as_a_national_treasure_6_types_of_Polish_food_dumplings_you_must_try\" >Pierogi as a national treasure: 6 types of Polish food dumplings you must try<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#1_Pierogi_ruskie_potato_and_cheese\" >1. Pierogi ruskie (potato and cheese)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#2_Pierogi_z_miesem_with_meat\" >2. Pierogi z mi\u0119sem (with meat)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#3_Pierogi_z_kapusta_i_grzybami_sauerkraut_and_mushrooms\" >3. Pierogi z kapust\u0105 i grzybami (sauerkraut and mushrooms)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#4_Sweet_pierogi_z_truskawkami_or_borowkami\" >4. Sweet pierogi (z truskawkami or bor\u00f3wkami)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Bar_mleczny_Eat_for_a_few_euros_and_soak_up_the_retro_vibes\" >Bar mleczny: Eat for a few euros and soak up the retro vibes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Polish_soups_that_warm_you_up_and_cure_hangovers\" >Polish soups that warm you up and cure hangovers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#5_Zurek_sour_rye_soup\" >5. \u017burek (sour rye soup)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#6_Rosol_hearty_broth\" >6. Ros\u00f3\u0142 (hearty broth)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#7_Krupnik_and_Barszcz\" >7. Krupnik and Barszcz<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Bigos_schnitzels_and_mains_that_wont_leave_you_hungry\" >Bigos, schnitzels and mains that won&#8217;t leave you hungry<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#8_Bigos_hunters_stew\" >8. Bigos (hunter&#8217;s stew)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#9_Kotlet_schabowy_and_Golabki\" >9. Kotlet schabowy and Go\u0142\u0105bki<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Vegetarian_Poland_A_surprise_you_wont_expect\" >Vegetarian Poland: A surprise you won&#8217;t expect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Polish_vodka_and_the_rules_of_drinking_it_and_how_to_survive\" >Polish vodka and the rules of drinking it (and how to survive)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#10_Rules_of_the_Polish_%E2%80%9CNa_zdrowie%E2%80%9D\" >10. Rules of the Polish &#8220;Na zdrowie&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#11_What_exactly_to_try\" >11. What exactly to try<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Polish_beer_From_classics_to_the_craft_revolution\" >Polish beer: From classics to the craft revolution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Sweet_finish_Paczki_sernik_and_the_papal_kremowka\" >Sweet finish: P\u0105czki, sernik and the papal krem\u00f3wka<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#12_Paczki_doughnuts_like_no_other\" >12. P\u0105czki (doughnuts like no other)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#13_Sernik_and_Kremowka\" >13. Sernik and Krem\u00f3wka<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Best_Polish_cities_for_food_Our_top_picks\" >Best Polish cities for food: Our top picks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#14_Krakow_and_Warsaw\" >14. Krak\u00f3w and Warsaw<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#15_Gdansk_and_Wroclaw\" >15. Gda\u0144sk and Wroc\u0142aw<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Practical_tips_tipping_and_restaurant_etiquette\" >Practical tips, tipping and restaurant etiquette<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Read_more\" >Read more<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Travel_tips_and_tricks\" >Travel tips and tricks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Finding_cheap_flights_or_transport\" >Finding cheap flights or transport<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Car_hire\" >Car hire<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Dont_forget_travel_insurance\" >Don&#8217;t forget travel insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Internet_on_the_go\" >Internet on the go<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#FAQ_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Polish_food\" >FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Polish food<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#What_are_Polish_pierogi\" >What are Polish pierogi?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#What_is_typical_Polish_food\" >What is typical Polish food?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#How_do_you_make_pierogi_dough\" >How do you make pierogi dough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#What_country_are_pierogi_from\" >What country are pierogi from?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#How_much_does_lunch_cost_in_Poland\" >How much does lunch cost in Poland?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#Is_Polish_cuisine_suitable_for_vegetarians\" >Is Polish cuisine suitable for vegetarians?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/polish-food-guide\/#How_do_you_drink_vodka_in_Poland\" >How do you drink vodka in Poland?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_expect_from_Polish_cuisine_and_why_we_love_it\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_expect_from_Polish_cuisine\">What to expect from Polish cuisine and why we love it<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we dive into specific dishes, let&#8217;s set the scene for what awaits you on the plate. Polish cuisine is exactly the kind of food that makes you want to throw your watch away and just sit. It&#8217;s hearty, warming, and historically designed to properly fill you up \u2014 not just tease you. You&#8217;ll find plenty of potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, root vegetables and quality meat, largely the result of a long history where different cultures converged on Polish soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, though, Poland is experiencing a massive culinary revolution. Alongside traditional grandma-style taverns, modern fine dining restaurants and artisan bakeries with specialty coffee are popping up everywhere, and Polish cities regularly feature in Michelin guides. Places like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1881.com.pl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Krak\u00f3w&#8217;s Bottiglieria 1881<\/a> or Warsaw&#8217;s Nolita are the kind of spots where you book months in advance \u2014 we haven&#8217;t managed to get in yet, unfortunately. But it&#8217;s on the list. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Poland_and_how_much_it_costs\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Poland_and_how_much_it_costs\">Where to stay in Poland and how much it costs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re heading to Poland primarily for the food, I&#8217;d recommend choosing accommodation right in the city centre so you can happily roll back to bed after a heavy dinner and a few shots of vodka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lovely boutique hotel in central Krak\u00f3w or Wroc\u0142aw will set you back around 60\u2013100 \u20ac per night, and the breakfasts are absolutely epic \u2014 seriously. Pickled cucumbers, cold cuts, fresh bread, loads of everything. Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I really savour this kind of morning after a big gastronomic evening. \ud83d\ude01 In Krak\u00f3w, we were thrilled with Hotel Puro in Kazimierz \u2014 it&#8217;s right next to the best bistros. In Warsaw, we always go for the reliable Motel One directly opposite the Chopin Museum. It&#8217;s a stone&#8217;s throw from brilliant bakeries where we grab our morning coffee. If you&#8217;re driving like we did on our <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/poland-road-trip-7-day-itinerary\/\">7-day Poland road trip<\/a>, always check whether your hotel has its own parking, as parking zones in Polish cities can be quite strict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pierogi_as_a_national_treasure_6_types_of_Polish_food_dumplings_you_must_try\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pierogi_as_a_national_treasure_6_types_you_must_try\">Pierogi as a national treasure: 6 types of Polish food dumplings you must try<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When someone says Polish food, pierogi are probably the very first thing that springs to mind. They&#8217;re essentially stuffed dumplings made from thin dough, either boiled in water or lightly pan-fried in lard with onions after boiling so they get beautifully crispy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In so-called &#8220;pierogarnie&#8221; \u2014 specialist pierogi restaurants \u2014 you&#8217;ll easily find over ten different fillings. Our little boy Jon\u00e1\u0161ek once refused to leave until he&#8217;d tried at least four of them. \ud83d\ude01 This year, he practically ate himself to bursting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Pierogi_ruskie_potato_and_cheese\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Pierogi_ruskie_potato_and_cheese\">1. Pierogi ruskie (potato and cheese)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie.jpg\" alt=\"Pierogi ruskie with potato and cottage cheese filling\" class=\"wp-image-173496\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-ruskie-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite what the name suggests, these dumplings actually originate from the Galicia region and are an absolute classic. The filling is a mix of boiled potatoes, cottage cheese and fried onion, typically served topped with crackling and more onion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;re beautifully soft, slightly buttery, and utterly moreish. This is probably our favourite variety when we fancy something filling but meat-free. We usually share one big portion between us so we&#8217;ve got room for more courses \u2014 but we still end up fighting over that last piece on the plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Pierogi_z_miesem_with_meat\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Pierogi_z_miesem_with_meat\">2. Pierogi z mi\u0119sem (with meat)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem.jpg\" alt=\"Polish pierogi stuffed with minced meat\" class=\"wp-image-173497\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-z-masem-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you eat meat, this variety is probably the most popular among tourists. The dumplings are stuffed with minced meat \u2014 usually beef or pork \u2014 seasoned with garlic, marjoram and pepper, and served either boiled or pan-fried until golden. The two of us don&#8217;t eat meat, so we always generously leave these for everyone else at the pierogi house, but it&#8217;s undoubtedly a Polish classic that almost everyone tries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meat pierogi are traditionally served with a spoonful of sour cream on the side, which beautifully mellows out the bold seasoning. It&#8217;s the kind of dish that has most pierogi house visitors rolling their eyes in bliss \u2014 so if you do eat meat, definitely don&#8217;t skip it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Pierogi_z_kapusta_i_grzybami_sauerkraut_and_mushrooms\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Pierogi_z_kapusta_i_grzybami_sauerkraut_and_mushrooms\">3. Pierogi z kapust\u0105 i grzybami (sauerkraut and mushrooms)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby.jpg\" alt=\"Vegetarian pierogi with sauerkraut and wild mushrooms\" class=\"wp-image-173498\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/pierogi-kapusta-houby-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a traditional Christmas and holiday dish, but you&#8217;ll find it in restaurants year-round. The filling combines sauerkraut and wild mushrooms, creating a beautifully balanced sour-earthy flavour. If you visit Poland in autumn, definitely don&#8217;t miss this variety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We first stumbled upon these pierogi in a completely tucked-away little tavern in the countryside, and I have to say the combination absolutely blew me away. Luk\u00e1\u0161 isn&#8217;t usually a big mushroom fan, but he made an exception here and admitted that the sauerkraut gives them just the right kick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Sweet_pierogi_z_truskawkami_or_borowkami\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Sweet_pierogi_with_strawberries_or_blueberries\">4. Sweet pierogi (z truskawkami or bor\u00f3wkami)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet pierogi with fruit and cream\" class=\"wp-image-173499\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sladke-pierogi-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Poles are masters at stuffing fruit into pierogi and turning them into a full-blown summer lunch. In summer, you&#8217;ll find pierogi z truskawkami (with strawberries) or z bor\u00f3wkami (with blueberries) everywhere. They&#8217;re served with melted butter, sugar and a generous helping of sweet cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For us, these work best as a big dessert plonked in the middle of the table. The last time we had them in Gda\u0144sk, Jon\u00e1\u0161ek was scooping them up with his bare hands and the blueberry juice wouldn&#8217;t wash out for about a week. Worth it for the look of pure happiness on his face, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bar_mleczny_Eat_for_a_few_euros_and_soak_up_the_retro_vibes\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bar_mleczny_eat_for_a_few_euros_and_soak_up_the_retro_vibes\">Bar mleczny: Eat for a few euros and soak up the retro vibes<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny.jpg\" alt=\"A Polish milk bar (bar mleczny) in retro style\" class=\"wp-image-173500\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bar-mleczny-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Milk bars, or &#8220;bary mleczne&#8221;, are a fascinating Polish phenomenon. Originally state-subsidised socialist canteens designed to provide cheap meals based mainly on dairy products and eggs (to save on meat), these establishments still exist today. The state still partially subsidises them, and they&#8217;ve become beloved hipster and student haunts where you&#8217;ll spot grandmas with wheeled shopping bags sitting right next to suited-up office workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You typically order at a counter window from a no-nonsense lady who&#8217;ll bellow your name in Polish when your food is ready. The interiors look like they&#8217;re stuck somewhere in the 1980s, but that&#8217;s precisely the atmosphere you come for. A main course typically costs 2\u20135 \u20ac, making them some of the best-value traditional Polish food restaurants anywhere. If you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wroclaw-poland\/\">visiting Wroc\u0142aw<\/a>, be sure to check out the legendary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/barmiswroclaw\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bar Mi\u015b<\/a>, and in Krak\u00f3w, don&#8217;t miss <a href=\"https:\/\/www.podtemida.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bar mleczny Pod Temid\u0105<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- GYG:KRAKOV (no mapping) --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_soups_that_warm_you_up_and_cure_hangovers\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_soups_that_warm_you_up_and_cure_hangovers\">Polish soups that warm you up and cure hangovers<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Soup, or &#8220;zupa&#8221; in Polish, is sacred to the Poles, and they rarely skip lunch without one. They&#8217;re thick, bursting with flavour, and often so filling you&#8217;ll need to ask for a doggy bag for your main course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Zurek_sour_rye_soup\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Zurek_sour_rye_soup\">5. \u017burek (sour rye soup)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek.jpg\" alt=\"\u017burek, sour Polish soup served in a bread bowl\" class=\"wp-image-173501\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/zurek-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an absolute gem of Polish cuisine. \u017burek is a soup made from fermented rye flour, with a distinctive sour taste. The traditional version features hard-boiled eggs and a generous portion of white sausage. Fortunately, we can almost always order a vegetarian version (often with mushrooms), so we happily have this soup in place of a main course. Many restaurants also serve it in a hollowed-out bread loaf, from which you tear off chunks to dip into the broth. Pure perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luk\u00e1\u0161 reckons you can judge a good \u017curek by whether the spoon stands up in it. We love it most on damp, chilly days \u2014 nothing warms you up after a long city walk quite as quickly and reliably as this smoky, garlicky marvel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Rosol_hearty_broth\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Rosol_hearty_broth\">6. Ros\u00f3\u0142 (hearty broth)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol.jpg\" alt=\"Ros\u00f3\u0142, golden Polish broth with homemade noodles\" class=\"wp-image-173502\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rosol-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While chicken broth is common enough in the UK, in Poland the Sunday ros\u00f3\u0142 is practically sacred. It&#8217;s a strong, golden chicken or beef broth with homemade noodles, carrots and parsley that fills every Polish household with its aroma all Sunday long. For locals, it&#8217;s a cure for every ailment and an absolute lifesaver if the previous evening&#8217;s vodka tasting got slightly out of hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we stayed in the countryside near the Tatras, our landlady cooked it in a huge pot on Sunday and the smell drifted through the entire house. We don&#8217;t eat meat broth ourselves, but those hand-pulled noodles \u2014 nearly as long as spaghetti \u2014 and the whole Sunday table ritual are quintessentially Polish. Unlike most soups, a vegetarian version of ros\u00f3\u0142 is harder to find, so we usually go for \u017curek or beetroot barszcz instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Krupnik_and_Barszcz\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Krupnik_and_Barszcz\">7. Krupnik and Barszcz<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Krupnik is a thick soup made from barley groats, root vegetables and meat that&#8217;s guaranteed to warm you through in winter. And then there&#8217;s barszcz \u2014 traditional Polish borscht, which differs from its Ukrainian cousin. In Poland, you&#8217;ll most often encounter the clear, ruby-red beetroot broth called &#8220;barszcz czysty&#8221;, which is often sipped straight from a cup alongside small stuffed dumplings called &#8220;uszka&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The clear beetroot broth took me by surprise at first \u2014 I was expecting a thick, chunky soup \u2014 but I fell in love with it from the very first sip. It has a wonderful earthy sweetness gently cut through by acidity, and those little mushroom dumplings are like tiny surprises waiting at the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bigos_schnitzels_and_mains_that_wont_leave_you_hungry\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bigos_schnitzels_and_mains_that_wont_leave_you_hungry\">Bigos, schnitzels and mains that won&#8217;t leave you hungry<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When we think of Polish main courses, enormous portions and lots of meat immediately spring to mind. If you&#8217;re watching your diet, you might struggle in a traditional Polish tavern \u2014 but calories don&#8217;t count on holiday, right? \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Bigos_hunters_stew\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Bigos_hunters_stew\">8. Bigos (hunter&#8217;s stew)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos.jpg\" alt=\"Bigos, Polish hunter&#039;s stew with cabbage\" class=\"wp-image-173503\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bigos-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This dish is the stuff of legend. Bigos is essentially a thick hunter&#8217;s stew cooked from sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, several types of meat, sausages, dried mushrooms and prunes. The secret to great bigos lies in cooking it slowly \u2014 ideally over several days, reheating and resting it repeatedly so the flavours meld beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Locals swear by bigos and insist the more times you reheat it, the better it gets. We skip the classic meaty version ourselves, but the good news is that plenty of modern bistros now make an excellent vegetarian bigos using just mushrooms and several types of cabbage. And we&#8217;ll admit that this meat-free version, served in an authentic wooden mountain hut, blew us away just as much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Kotlet_schabowy_and_Golabki\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Kotlet_schabowy_and_Golabki\">9. Kotlet schabowy and Go\u0142\u0105bki<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy.jpg\" alt=\"Kotlet schabowy, Polish breaded pork schnitzel\" class=\"wp-image-173504\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kotlet-schabowy-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kotlet schabowy is essentially a breaded pork schnitzel, but in Poland they make them truly enormous \u2014 often hanging over the edge of the plate \u2014 and serve them with mashed potatoes and braised cabbage. Go\u0142\u0105bki (literally &#8220;little pigeons&#8221;) are cabbage-leaf rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked and served with a delicious tomato or mushroom sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both go\u0142\u0105bki and the schnitzel are quintessential Polish comfort food, and in any traditional tavern you&#8217;ll spot them on practically every table around you. We don&#8217;t eat meat, so we usually go for the mashed potatoes \u2014 which in Poland are generously loaded with butter \u2014 and a hearty portion of braised cabbage. The good news is that plant-based versions of the schnitzel, made from celeriac or cauliflower, are popping up on more and more Polish bistro menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vegetarian_Poland_A_surprise_you_wont_expect\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vegetarian_Poland_a_surprise_you_wont_expect\">Vegetarian Poland: A surprise you won&#8217;t expect<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it might not seem like it after reading the sections above, Poland is actually a vegetarian and vegan paradise. We were utterly gobsmacked when we discovered just how huge and sophisticated the scene is. Especially if you head to <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/krakow-poland\/\">beautiful Krak\u00f3w<\/a> or Wroc\u0142aw, you&#8217;ll find some of the best plant-based restaurants in all of Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cities are mad for all kinds of vegan burgers, and the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Veganistanowi\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Veganistanowi Burgers<\/a> works such wonders that you&#8217;d swear you were eating the juiciest meat \u2014 even though it&#8217;s entirely plant-based. In Wroc\u0142aw, we recommend the legendary <a href=\"https:\/\/vegawroclaw.pl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vega<\/a>, the first and oldest fully vegan restaurant in the entire country, which has been running since the late 1980s. They offer superb plant-based versions of traditional Polish dishes, so you can enjoy pierogi or kotlet schabowy even if you don&#8217;t eat meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_vodka_and_the_rules_of_drinking_it_and_how_to_survive\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_vodka_and_the_rules_of_drinking_it\">Polish vodka and the rules of drinking it (and how to survive)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you visit Poland, tasting the local vodka is practically a social obligation. I mentioned it in our Krak\u00f3w guide too. The bars there stock over a hundred varieties and it would be almost criminal not to try at least one. Poles take their vodka very seriously, and there are fairly strict rules about how to drink it properly so you don&#8217;t offend your host.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Rules_of_the_Polish_%E2%80%9CNa_zdrowie%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Rules_of_the_Polish_Na_zdrowie\">10. Rules of the Polish &#8220;Na zdrowie&#8221;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka.jpg\" alt=\"Polish vodka Pan Tadeusz\" class=\"wp-image-173505\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/vodka-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, vodka is drunk neat and ice-cold \u2014 pulled straight from the freezer. You never, ever dilute quality Polish vodka with water or juice in the glass. It&#8217;s drunk from small shot glasses and always downed in one \u2014 no sipping allowed. Before each shot, everyone proclaims a resounding &#8220;Na zdrowie!&#8221; (to your health). And a little survival tip: chase it with a pickled gherkin. Trust me, it works wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our first tasting session with locals was a bit wild. Before we&#8217;d even properly settled in, we had three shots inside us and realised that the pace here really doesn&#8217;t slow down. So my personal advice is: always drink after a proper, very hearty lunch \u2014 otherwise it&#8217;ll catch up with you fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_What_exactly_to_try\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_What_exactly_to_try\">11. What exactly to try<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Among classic clear vodkas, Wyborowa is a perennial favourite. But the flavoured vodkas are far more interesting, with the absolute classic being \u017bubr\u00f3wka, also known as bison grass vodka. It&#8217;s a slightly yellowish vodka with a blade of grass from the Bia\u0142owie\u017ca Forest inside the bottle, and exceptionally it&#8217;s often drunk mixed with apple juice \u2014 a cocktail called &#8220;szarlotka&#8221; (apple pie). Soplica is also excellent, coming in dozens of fruity flavours \u2014 we&#8217;re particularly fond of the hazelnut and the sour cherry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hazelnut Soplica tastes more like a liquid nutty dessert. We bought two bottles to take home and love having it after a heavier dinner with friends \u2014 it always turns into a little trip down memory lane. And the szarlotka cocktail is an absolutely brilliant summer drink for cooling off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_beer_From_classics_to_the_craft_revolution\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Polish_beer_from_classics_to_the_craft_revolution\">Polish beer: From classics to the craft revolution<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We Czechs may be a beer-loving nation, but Poland holds its own for hop enthusiasts too. Every pub will offer you the big traditional brands like Tyskie, \u017bywiec or Lech \u2014 perfectly drinkable pale lagers that pair nicely with a heavy meal. But we prefer seeking out smaller breweries, and there are more and more of them in Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2010, Poland has been riding a massive craft beer wave. Whenever we explored cities in the evening on our road trip, we&#8217;d hunt for pubs with local brews, and the Polish IPA scene is genuinely world-class. Look out for names like Browar Pinta (their Atak Chmielu is legendary), AleBrowar or Browary Trzech Koron. If you&#8217;re in Krak\u00f3w, definitely head to Plac Nowy 1 for dinner. It&#8217;s right in the heart of Kazimierz, where most visitors stay anyway. They serve excellent pizza and some of the best local beer in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sweet_finish_Paczki_sernik_and_the_papal_kremowka\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sweet_finish_paczki_sernik_and_the_papal_kremowka\">Sweet finish: P\u0105czki, sernik and the papal krem\u00f3wka<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1374\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki.jpg\" alt=\"P\u0105czki, Polish filled doughnuts\" class=\"wp-image-173506\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-700x470.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-768x515.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-1536x1030.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-696x467.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-1392x934.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/paczki-1920x1288.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You absolutely can&#8217;t forget about desserts in Poland. Polish cake shops (cukiernie) are on every corner and the display cases are positively bursting with creams and curd cheese creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n.lk-stays-header::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='60' height='60' viewBox='0 0 60 60' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cg fill='none' fill-rule='evenodd'%3E%3Cg fill='%23ffffff' fill-opacity='0.05'%3E%3Cpath d='M36 34v-4h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2h-4zm0-30V0h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2V6h4V4h-4zM6 34v-4H4v4H0v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2H6zM6 4V0H4v4H0v2h4v4h2V6h4V4H6z'\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") repeat;\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n.lk-stays-icon {\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n  width: 68px;\n  height: 68px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff 0%, #f9f6f0 100%);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-size: 26px;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.lk-stays-eyebrow {\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); 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}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to stay in Poland<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">3 accommodations \u2014 hotels and other lodging options<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=polskejidlo&#038;address=Polsko&#038;hotelname=Puro+Hotel&#038;search=Puro+Hotel&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Puro Hotel<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Boutique hotel in Kazimierz (Krakow&#8217;s Jewish quarter), right next to the best bistros. Perfect location for gastronomic exploration of the city.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">from \u20ac60\/night<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=polskejidlo&#038;address=Polsko&#038;hotelname=Motel+One&#038;search=Motel+One&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Motel One<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Reliable hotel directly opposite the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, close to excellent bakeries. Good base for exploring the capital.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">from \u20ac60\/night<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=polskejidlo&#038;address=polsko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83d\udd0d Search<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">View all accommodations in Poland<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Explore all available accommodation options in Poland and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Compare prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Paczki_doughnuts_like_no_other\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Paczki_doughnuts_like_no_other\">12. P\u0105czki (doughnuts like no other)<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Polish p\u0105czki may resemble British jam doughnuts, but they&#8217;re far richer \u2014 the dough is denser and the fillings are absolutely incredible. Traditionally, they&#8217;re filled with rosehip jam and topped with sugar glaze and candied orange peel. Poles devour the most of them on T\u0142usty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) before Lent, when queues outside renowned bakeries can last several hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We once queued like that in Krak\u00f3w and I thought Luk\u00e1\u0161 was going to lose his patience. But the moment we got our hands on that warm, jam-oozing beauty, we both agreed we&#8217;d happily queue all over again. It&#8217;s a calorie bomb, but an absolutely heavenly one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Sernik_and_Kremowka\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Sernik_and_Kremowka\">13. Sernik and Krem\u00f3wka<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you love cheesecake, Polish sernik will delight you. It&#8217;s a traditional curd cheesecake made from proper Polish &#8220;twar\u00f3g&#8221; \u2014 drier than standard cream cheese \u2014 which makes the cake wonderfully light and airy, often finished with raisins or a chocolate glaze. Another famous treat is the Krem\u00f3wka papieska, the favourite pastry of Pope John Paul II: two layers of puff pastry filled with an enormous cloud of vanilla custard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we visited Wadowice, the Pope&#8217;s birthplace, these krem\u00f3wki were in practically every shop window. I&#8217;m obsessed with puff pastry, and when it&#8217;s paired with real vanilla custard that melts on your tongue, there&#8217;s simply no resisting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Polish_cities_for_food_Our_top_picks\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Polish_cities_for_food_our_top_picks\">Best Polish cities for food: Our top picks<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the years, we&#8217;ve visited quite a few, so here are the places we keep coming back to for the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Krakow_and_Warsaw\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Krakow_and_Warsaw\">14. Krak\u00f3w and Warsaw<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/krakow-poland\/\">Krak\u00f3w<\/a> is an absolute paradise. The Kazimierz district is packed with brilliant bistros and traditional Jewish restaurants, plus you&#8217;ll find the famous zapiekanki (toasted baguettes with mushrooms and cheese) right on the street. <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/varsava\/\">Warsaw<\/a>, on the other hand, blends history with a cutting-edge fine dining scene and has loads of fantastic third-wave coffee shops serving exquisite brews from local roasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the two cities, Krak\u00f3w feels closer to our hearts \u2014 we have so many memories there from our very first trips. But I have to admit that Warsaw amazes us every time with how rapidly its food scene evolves and pushes forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Gdansk_and_Wroclaw\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Gdansk_and_Wroclaw\">15. Gda\u0144sk and Wroc\u0142aw<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you head north, <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/gdansk-poland\/\">the port city of Gda\u0144sk<\/a> specialises in fresh fish and Baltic herring, prepared in dozens of ways. And Wroc\u0142aw \u2014 we love it and I&#8217;ve written a whole article about it \u2014 just eat everywhere there. The milk bars and the vegan spots are absolutely brilliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Gda\u0144sk, I&#8217;d recommend heading down to the waterfront in the evening and grabbing a seat at one of the harbour bistros. We sat there one evening as the sun was setting over a plate of crispy pan-fried pierogi and a glass of wine, and clich\u00e9 as it sounds, it was one of those perfect holiday evenings you simply never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_tipping_and_restaurant_etiquette\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_tipping_and_restaurant_etiquette\">Practical tips, tipping and restaurant etiquette<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, a few pointers so you know how to behave in Polish restaurants and avoid any faux pas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tipping (napiwek):<\/strong> It&#8217;s customary to leave around 10% of the total bill if you&#8217;re happy with the service. In nicer restaurants, a service charge is sometimes already included \u2014 always check your bill.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paying:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re dining in a larger group, Poles aren&#8217;t big fans of splitting the bill item by item at the table. Usually the whole bill is paid together and people settle up amongst themselves \u2014 though in bigger cities, splitting is gradually becoming more accepted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alcohol ban:<\/strong> Keep in mind that drinking alcohol on the street and in public spaces is strictly prohibited in Poland (unless you&#8217;re on a restaurant terrace). Fines can be hefty, so stick to the pub with your beer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_more\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_more\">Read more<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If all this food talk has your mouth watering and you&#8217;re planning a trip, be sure to check out our other Poland articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/poland-road-trip-7-day-itinerary\/\">Poland Road Trip: A 7-Day Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/krakow-poland\/\">Krak\u00f3w: What to See and Do in the Former Royal City<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/varsava\/\">Warsaw: A Guide to the Modern Metropolis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wroclaw-poland\/\">Wroc\u0142aw: The City of Dwarfs and Bridges<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_tips_and_tricks\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_tips_and_tricks\">Travel tips and tricks<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you head off to explore all those amazing Polish bistros and milk bars, here are a few quick practical tips. Whether you&#8217;re driving or flying, it pays to be a little prepared. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I have been using these tried-and-tested services for years \u2014 they save us loads of money and hassle. Here&#8217;s an overview of what&#8217;s worked best for us on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_cheap_flights_or_transport\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_cheap_flights_or_transport\">Finding cheap flights or transport<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re not driving to Poland, search for cheap flights or buses to Polish cities on Kiwi \u2014 it&#8217;s our go-to booking platform. From the UK, budget airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet operate frequent routes from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities to Krak\u00f3w, Warsaw, Gda\u0144sk and Wroc\u0142aw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we first flew with little Jon\u00e1\u0161ek, the search tool made life so much easier because we could instantly see the shortest, most comfortable connections without unnecessary layovers. And with a small child, every minute saved really counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_hire\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_hire\">Car hire<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We regularly use the comparison site <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"RentalCars.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/rentalcars-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">RentalCars<\/a> \u2014 Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I have had consistently great experiences with it and use it all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A car is especially handy in Poland when you want to get out of the cities and explore the countryside or head up north to the coast. The comparison tool always helps us snag the best prices, and everything&#8217;s neatly insured in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_forget_travel_insurance\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_forget_travel_insurance\">Don&#8217;t forget travel insurance<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We always get insured before every trip. For shorter trips we go with travel insurance providers offering good European cover, and for longer trips or travel outside Europe, <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/safetywing-travel-insurance-review\/\">we love SafetyWing<\/a>. While the UK GHIC card gives you access to state healthcare in Poland, a proper travel insurance policy covers so much more \u2014 repatriation, lost baggage and trip cancellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially now that our little one travels with us, we really don&#8217;t leave anything to chance. Insurance costs just a few pounds but the peace of mind \u2014 knowing you can see a doctor anytime without worrying about the bill \u2014 is truly priceless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Internet_on_the_go\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Internet_on_the_go\">Internet on the go<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While your UK mobile plan may include European roaming, if you need backup data, we swear by a travel <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/holafly-recenze-esim\/\">eSIM from <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Holafly\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/holafly\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Holafly<\/a><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a brilliant safety net for when your carrier signal drops out or when you&#8217;ve burned through all your data downloading cartoons in the car. You activate it in seconds before you leave and you&#8217;re sorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"polske jidlo\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-06-02T06:44:01+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n<style id=\"lk-gyg-styles\">\n@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700&family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\");\n\/* === LK GYG karty \u2014 CRO redesign 2026-05 (namespace .lkx-) ===\n   C\u00edl: vy\u0161\u0161\u00ed CTR (hero + v\u00fdrazn\u00fd social proof + ak\u010dn\u00ed CTA, m\u00e9n\u011b \"reklamn\u00ed\").\n   Injektuje se inline do prvn\u00edho markeru postu (refresh_cards.py --inline-css). *\/\n.lkx-module, .lkx-module *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\n.lkx-module{\n  font-family:'DM Sans',-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Georgia,sans-serif;\n  max-width:860px;margin:2.5rem auto;color:#1f2328;\n}\n\n\/* HEADER \u2014 lehk\u00fd editorsk\u00fd, \u017e\u00e1dn\u00fd bannerov\u00fd blok; nadpis + popisek pod n\u00edm 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10px;border-radius:16px;color:#fff}\n.lkx-badge.badge-urgency{background:rgba(214,40,40,.92)}\n.lkx-badge.badge-new{background:rgba(54,133,252,.92)}\n.lkx-badge.badge-top{background:rgba(195,159,118,.95)}\n.lkx-badge.badge-info{background:rgba(40,40,40,.78)}\n\n\/* SECONDARY GRID *\/\n.lkx-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px}\n.lkx-card{background:#fff;border:1px solid #ece7df;border-radius:14px;overflow:hidden;text-decoration:none!important;color:inherit;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,.05);display:flex;flex-direction:column;transition:box-shadow .2s,transform .2s}\n.lkx-card:hover{box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(0,0,0,.1);transform:translateY(-2px)}\n.lkx-card-img{position:relative;aspect-ratio:16\/10;background-size:cover;background-position:center;background-color:#eee}\n.lkx-card-body{padding:14px 16px 16px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:7px;flex:1}\n.lkx-card-bottom{margin-top:auto;padding-top:10px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:8px}\n\n\/* DISCLOSURE \u2014 drobn\u00e1, kv\u016fli d\u016fv\u011b\u0159e\/z\u00e1konu *\/\n.lkx-disclosure{font-size:11px;color:#a7adb3;text-align:center;margin-top:14px;line-height:1.6}\n.lkx-disclosure a{color:#c39f76;text-decoration:none}\n\n@media(max-width:680px){\n  .lkx-hero{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .lkx-hero-img{min-height:180px}\n  .lkx-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .lkx-head-meta{margin-left:0;width:100%}\n  .lkx-head-title{font-size:19px}\n}\n\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"lkx-module\" data-query=\"polske jidlo\">\n  <div class=\"lkx-head\">\n    <div class=\"lkx-head-main\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-head-accent\"><\/span>\n      <span class=\"lkx-head-title\">Experiences &amp; tickets: Polske Jidlo<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"lkx-head-meta\">traveler-rated \u00b7 <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span>\n  <\/div><a class=\"lkx-hero\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/gdansk-l1960\/gdansk-city-cruise-on-galley-boat-t266722\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=polish-food-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/63fe2a82334e3.jpeg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Gdansk: City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-pick\">\u2605 Our pick<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-body\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-title\">Gdansk: City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-proof\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.8<\/b> \u00b7 3 105 reviews\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-hero-bottom\"><div class=\"lkx-price\">from <b>\u20ac19<\/b><\/div><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-hero\">I want this experience \u2192<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/a><div class=\"lkx-grid\"><a class=\"lkx-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/gdansk-l1960\/gdansk-polish-vodka-tasting-experience-t1105469\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=polish-food-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/b02f0b233f5e17aacfc02bd3ac7a895389a94fc3e550200ca71ba2978b6c8837.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Gda\u0144sk: Polish Vodka Tasting Experience\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-body\">\n        <div class=\"lkx-title lkx-title-sm\">Gda\u0144sk: Polish Vodka Tasting Experience<\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-proof lkx-proof-sm\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.9<\/b> \u00b7 98\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-card-bottom\"><span class=\"lkx-price lkx-price-sm\">from <b>\u20ac35<\/b><\/span><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-sm\">See dates \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a><a class=\"lkx-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/gdansk-l1960\/a-taste-of-poland-wine-edition-t955078\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=polish-food-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/ac822e4c6e2c383655634e993a864d2bbcf2124fc271751d22cc99fa17300d6e.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Gdansk: Polish Wine Tasting with Local Guide\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-body\">\n        <div class=\"lkx-title lkx-title-sm\">Gdansk: Polish Wine Tasting with Local Guide<\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-proof lkx-proof-sm\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>5.0<\/b> \u00b7 4\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-card-bottom\"><span class=\"lkx-price lkx-price-sm\">from <b>\u20ac80<\/b><\/span><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-sm\">See dates \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a><\/div><div class=\"lkx-disclosure\">\ud83d\udd17 These are affiliate links \u2014 they don&#39;t change your price and help us create content. \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/s\/?q=polske+jidlo&amp;partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">All experiences \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Polish_food\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Polish_food\">FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Polish food<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952480\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_Polish_pierogi\"><\/span>What are Polish pierogi?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Polish pierogi are traditional filled dumplings that are boiled in water and often pan-fried afterwards. They come with a wide variety of fillings, from potatoes with cheese (ruskie), to ground meat, sauerkraut with mushrooms, and even sweet summer fruit versions with strawberries or blueberries.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952481\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_typical_Polish_food\"><\/span>What is typical Polish food?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Besides pierogi, quintessentially Polish dishes include \u017curek soup (made from rye sourdough with sausage and egg), the hearty hunter&#8217;s stew bigos made with cabbage and several types of meat, and a large breaded pork cutlet called kotlet schabowy. Polish cuisine is very hearty, full of potatoes, cabbage, and meat.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952482\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_make_pierogi_dough\"><\/span>How do you make pierogi dough?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Classic Polish pierogi dough is very simple. It&#8217;s made with just all-purpose flour, hot water, a pinch of salt, and often a bit of melted butter or oil is added to make the dough more pliable. Some people add an egg, but traditional recipes work fine without it\u2014the hot water makes the dough beautifully soft and elastic.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952483\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_country_are_pierogi_from\"><\/span>What country are pierogi from?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Although several Eastern and Central European countries claim them as their own, and you&#8217;ll find variations in Ukraine, Russia, and Slovakia, pierogi in this specific form and name are considered Poland&#8217;s national dish, where they have the strongest tradition and widest variety of fillings.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952484\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_lunch_cost_in_Poland\"><\/span>How much does lunch cost in Poland?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends on where you go. At classic retro milk bars, you can easily eat for 15 to 25 PLN (around \u20ac3.50 to \u20ac6). At regular restaurants, expect to pay around 40 to 60 PLN (approximately \u20ac9 to \u20ac14) for a main course, and at fine dining establishments you&#8217;ll obviously pay more.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952485\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Polish_cuisine_suitable_for_vegetarians\"><\/span>Is Polish cuisine suitable for vegetarians?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Surprisingly, yes. Although traditional Polish cuisine is meat-heavy, Polish cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Wroclaw are experiencing a huge boom in vegan and vegetarian dining. You&#8217;ll commonly find fully plant-based restaurants offering vegan burgers and even meatless versions of traditional Polish dishes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1779794952486\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_drink_vodka_in_Poland\"><\/span>How do you drink vodka in Poland?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Polish vodka is drunk neat, ice-cold from small shot glasses, and always downed in one go. It&#8217;s never mixed with juice or water, and before each shot, Poles clink glasses together and say &#8220;Na zdrowie!&#8221; Pickles or pieces of bread with lard are often served alongside to help pace the drinking.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Polish food is the reason we keep coming back to Poland \u2014 pierogi in dozens of varieties, milk bars for just a few euros, \u017curek served in bread, bigos and vodka &#8220;na zdrowie&#8221;. A guide to the classics of Polish cuisine: what to try, how much it costs, and why even vegetarians will love Krak\u00f3w and Wroc\u0142aw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":173495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Polish Food: 15 Must-Try Dishes, Pierogi & More","rank_math_description":"Discover the best Polish food from pierogi to vodka. Our guide covers 15 must-try dishes, milk bars, tips & veggie options. Start planning your trip now!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"polish food","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[363,681,320],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-187907","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-poland","8":"category-road-trips-travel-itineraries","9":"category-travel"},"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/featured-pierogi.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187907"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187907\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":221858,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187907\/revisions\/221858"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/173495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=187907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=187907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}