Planning a weekend trip to Poland? Then you’re in for a treat — hearty, flavorful Polish food like pierogi, bigos, and even an 80s classic with a Polish twist.
Poland isn’t just charming old towns, fascinating war history, and cheap beer (though it’s definitely all that too). It’s also a paradise for foodies, filled with rich flavors, comforting portions, and surprisingly diverse dishes.
Polish cuisine is seriously underrated — from addictive pierogi to stews bursting with flavor, and not least the growing vegetarian scene in Warsaw!
So what do people actually eat in Poland? Here’s a small guide to Polish food — whether you’re sitting at a food market in Warsaw, a traditional restaurant in Kraków, or a trendy eatery inside a renovated factory in Łódź.
1. Pierogi – Polish Dumplings
If you google what to eat in Poland, pierogi top 9 out of 10 lists — and for good reason!
These Polish dumplings are dangerously addictive and can be filled with almost anything: meat, onion, spinach, cheese, potatoes, or bacon. Don’t forget the sweet ones — stuffed with cherries, raspberries, apples, cream cheese, or custard.
Luckily, you’ll find pierogi everywhere — from small street stalls in the Old Town to urban food markets and restaurant menus.
2. Polish Goulash (Gulasz)
We love both Hungarian and Czech goulash — and the Polish version doesn’t disappoint. This hearty comfort food warms both stomach and soul on a cold winter evening (or even a hot summer day).
Polish goulash is similar to the Hungarian one but a bit thicker and creamier.
3. Hunter’s Stew (Bigos)
Bigos, or hunter’s stew, is true Polish home cooking. This traditional dish combines meat, mushrooms, sauerkraut, and spices — rich, filling, and full of flavor. Highly recommended!
4. Polish Pancakes
Polish pancakes come in several delicious forms — and we love them all!
- Placki Ziemniaczane are crispy potato pancakes served as a side or snack.
- Krokiety (Croquettes) are thin crêpes filled with something savory or sweet, rolled up, and fried until golden.
- Naleśniki are sweet pancakes filled or topped with cottage cheese, fruit, berries, raisins, or chocolate.
Warming (and Cooling) Polish Soups
It can get cold in Poland during winter — which may explain the love for soups. Many Polish soups have a tangy flavor that comes from sour milk, sour cream, sauerkraut, or fermented rye. It might sound strange, but give them a chance!
Here are some popular classics:
- Barszcz – the Polish version of borscht, a beetroot soup often served with small dumplings.
- Chłodnik – a cold beet soup with dill and cucumber, popular in summer. A bit of an acquired taste, but refreshing!
- Zalewajka – a regional soup from Łódź, originally eaten by factory workers. Made from potatoes, onion, and fermented rye flour. It sounds unusual, but it’s incredibly tasty.
- Żurek – similar to Zalewajka but often includes sausage, bacon, egg, and dried mushrooms.
But in Łódź, we also got bacon in the Zalewajka, so I think both soups are served in different ways today.
Silesian Dumplings (Kluski Śląskie)
Sometimes called Silesian noodles, these are more like dumplings — soft and chewy, a bit like Italian gnocchi. Originating from the Silesia region, they’re often served with rich meat dishes like goulash.
Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki)
If cabbage rolls remind you of the 80s, forget the prejudice — Polish Gołąbki are considered festive food and packed with flavor.
They’re filled with rice and pork, topped with tomato sauce, and served with sour cream.
Seasonal Ingredients
Poles are great at cooking with seasonal produce. We visited in late summer and enjoyed dishes featuring mushrooms, green beans, and rhubarb.
Vegetarian Food in Poland
Polish cuisine traditionally contains a lot of meat, but Warsaw has become a hotspot for vegetarian food. You’ll find a wide range of Polish and international vegetarian dishes.
We’re not vegetarians, but we love trying new things — and were genuinely impressed by the quality of vegetarian food in Poland.
Polish Drinks
Polish Beer
Beer is extremely popular in Poland. Some of the most famous brands are Żywiec, Tyskie, and Żubr, but you’ll also find an increasing number of local and craft beers from small breweries.
Polish Wine
Finding good Polish wine isn’t easy — even in Warsaw. When I asked for it at a wine bar, the waiter said:
“Are you sure? We only have orange wine. Please taste before ordering a full glass.”
I did — and ended up with a safe German Riesling instead.
But later at a restaurant in Warsaw, we finally found great Polish wine.
We tried several and especially liked Turnau Solaris (both red and white).
Non-Alcoholic Polish Drinks
Kompot
Polish compote is a non-alcoholic fruit drink made by simmering fruits or berries. It’s similar to lemonade but a little sweeter.
Compote is made from various fruits, often whatever is in season. The fruit is simmered in water before being sweetened with sugar or honey.
Kwas (Chlebowy)
Kwas, also popular in Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltics, is made from fermented bread or yeast. It contains very little alcohol (under 1%) and has a tangy, earthy flavor — definitely an acquired taste, but considered very healthy!
🇵🇱 Have You Tried Polish Food?
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More Travel Tips for Poland
- Travel Guide to Łódź, Poland’s Best-Kept Secret!
- Warsaw for foodies: A guide to food markets
- Weekend in Warsaw: 10 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with the City
