The Best Polish Dishes You Must Try

The best Polish dishes you must try include pierogi, stuffed cabbage rolls, and bigos.

Poland has a complex culinary legacy that reflects its history, culture, and geography. Polish cuisine is inspired by European and Asian culinary traditions, but it also has its own particular character and taste. Polish cuisine is substantial, filling, and rich in seasonal foods and spices. Whether you are visiting Poland or are just interested in its food, here are some of the greatest Polish dishes you must taste.

Pierogi ruskie (Russian-style dumplings)

Pierogi ruskie are a well-known and iconic Polish dish. They are formed of thinly rolled-out dough that is poached in water before being filled with a potato, cheese, and onion combination and fried till crisp. They’re generally accompanied with sour cream, crispy onion, and pig crackling. Pierogi ruskie are a delectable comfort meal that may be served as a main course or as a snack. There are several additional pierogi variants, both savory and sweet, with various fillings including as pork, sauerkraut, mushrooms, berries, and chocolate.

Kotlet schabowy (breaded and fried pork chop)

Another traditional Polish meal that is simple yet filling is kotlet schabowy. It’s a pork chop that’s been breaded and fried till golden and crispy. It is usually served with mashed potatoes and a salad of pickled cabbage or beets. Kotlet schabowy is a satisfying and tasty meal found in the majority of Polish restaurants and homes3.

Bigos (hunter’s stew)

Bigos is a substantial and meaty stew that is considered Poland’s national cuisine. It is composed of stewed chopped meat, generally pig, beef, or venison, with sauerkraut and fresh cabbage. It also has spices including bay leaves, juniper berries, allspice, and pepper. To increase the flavor and perfume of bigos, it may be simmered for hours or even days. It is often served as a main meal or as an appetizer with bread or potatoes2.

Gołąbki (cabbage rolls)

Gobki are cabbage leaves wrapped around a minced pork and rice mixture. After that, the rolls are baked or boiled in a broth or tomato sauce. Gobki are supple and juicy meatballs that may be cooked with a variety of meats or vegetarian components. They are generally served with sour cream or yogurt2.

Rosół (chicken soup)

Rosó is a transparent chicken soup that is often served as an appetizer or as a treatment for colds and flu. It’s cooked using chicken stock and veggies including carrots, celery, parsley, and onion. It is also seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs on occasion. Rosó is accompanied with noodles and minced parsley. On a chilly day, it is a simple yet calming soup that warms you up1.

Zapiekanki (open-faced sandwiches)

Zapiekanki are open-faced sandwiches popular on Polish streets. They’re constructed of long slices of bread topped with mushrooms, cheese, and different sauces including ketchup, mayonnaise, or garlic sauce. They are then roasted or grilled until the cheese melts and the bread crisps. Zapiekanki are quick to prepare and may be modified with various toppings such as ham, salami, bacon, onion, tomato, or corn2.

Grillowany oscypek (grilled cheese)

Grillowany oscypek is a unique cheese from southern Poland’s Tatra Mountains. It is produced from smoked sheep’s milk that has been molded into spindle-like shapes. The cheese has a salty and smokey taste that intensifies when grilled. Typically, grilled oscypek is served with cranberry sauce and salad or rocket leaves. It is a delectable snack or appetizer that exhibits a Polish regional specialty2.

These are just a few of the greatest Polish foods to try if you want to get a true sense of Poland. Polish cuisine has much more to offer than these meals, so don’t be afraid to go out and try new tastes and dishes.