Top 5: Foods to Try in Poland

Polish cuisine is becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States, with restaurants serving up traditional dishes, often with a modern spin. However, you can’t beat the original. On your next visit to Poland, make sure you sample these dishes.

Pierogi

Chances are you’ve already sampled these Polish dumplings. The popular dish consists of rolled-out dough typically stuffed with potato, cheese, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms or some combination of those ingredients.

Bigos (Hunter’s Stew)

This traditional Polish stew is fairly customizable. The base includes sauerkraut and you can add in a variety of ingredients, including pork, sausage, mushrooms, onions and various spices.

Gołąbki

Though you might not know them by name, you’ve probably tried gołąbki, or stuffed cabbage. The Polish version is made by combining cooked ground beef or pork with rice, stuffing the mixture into cabbage leaves and topping it with tomato sauce.

Sausage

While Americans may be most familiar with kielbasa, there are many varieties of Polish sausage. Kabanosy is a thin, air-dried sausage typically made with pork. Kiszka is Poland’s version of blood sausage, also known as black pudding.

Naleśniki

Naleśniki, or Polish pancakes, are more the consistency of crepes than thick pancakes. The thin, doughy pancakes are often prepared with sweet fillings and toppings including sweet cheese, fruit, jams and syrup. There are versions made with meat and vegetables for fans of savory food.