Close ILTakeCare Suggestion
IL TakeCare app – For all your insurance & wellness needs

Policy purchase, claims, renewal & more

 

10 Must-Try Traditional Polish Foods

From hearty dishes like bigos and pierogi to festive desserts, Poland’s cuisine is rich and varied. Travel insurance is crucial for managing medical and travel emergencies efficiently.

  • 02 May 2025
  • 6 min read
  • 1 views

Polish cuisine has a wide range of flavours. When it comes to the famous food of Poland, you'll find many traditional dishes with recipes that have been passed down through generations. Known for its hearty, meat-based meals, Polish food reflects its history and cultural heritage. Alongside savoury dishes, Poland also boasts a variety of indulgent desserts, making it a food lover's paradise.

This blog has some of the best food Poland has to offer.

Why you must try the food in Poland?

Tasting the local food is an essential part of every holiday. Food isn't merely a way to satiate hunger; it carries stories of the country's history and culture. Polish food is traditionally humble yet hearty. Many dishes are a testament to how the country has survived the hard pages of its history. When you eat the food here, you'll see how they have championed sustainability over the years.

10 famous foods in Poland

The list of popular food in Poland is never-ending. The top 10 amongst them are:

  1. Zurek

This soup is an easter speciality. It's packed with potatoes, Polish sausage, bacon, vegetables and rye and often served in a bread bowl.

  1. Pierogi

These stuffed dumplings are available in vegetarian and non-vegetarian forms. They're either boiled and served with fried onions or pan-fried for a crispy texture. You'll even find sweet dessert versions filled with fruits or sweet fillings.

  1. Bigos

This hunter's stew features many types of meat and various vegetables. It's usually accompanied by fresh rye bread.

  1. Golabki

Many people consider this to be the most popular dish in Poland. It features leaves of cabbage stuffed with minced meat, rolled into cigars, boiled and served with boiled potatoes or bread.

  1. Kotlet Schabowy

A lot like the Viennese schnitzel, this Polish dish is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's typically served with carrots and peas or mashed potatoes.

  1. Placki Ziemniaczane

This classic Polish dish elevates the humble potato into a star. It's a pancake made from grated potatoes, flour and eggs and often served with apple sauce.

  1. Flaki

Flaki is a traditional Polish stew made with beef tripe. The dish dates back to the 14th century, and today, you'll find many versions.

  1. Racuchy

These Polish pancakes are pan-fried sweet morsels that are typically served for Christmas and other celebrations.

  1. Makowiec

These Polish desserts are Swiss rolls stuffed with a poppyseed paste. Sometimes, you'll also find them stuffed with walnuts and chestnuts.

  1. Mazurek

This thin cake has two layers. The most common versions have two layers of sponge cake layered with egg yolks, nuts and raisins and topped with meringues and dried fruit.

Importance of travel insurance

When you're travelling to Poland, food is only one of the many experiences to look forward to. There's plenty to see here — stunning architecture, historic sites and lots more to explore. But, as with any holiday, there's a lot that could go wrong. Your flights may be delayed, the airline may lose your luggage, or you might fall sick and need to be hospitalised. All of this can be quite expensive. But, if you have single trip travel insurance, you won't have to worry about this. International travel insurance covers the costs of all such unfortunate events so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday.

FAQs

  • What is Kiełbasa?

Kiełbasa is a classic Polish sausage that can be served as a pizza topping, in a sandwich, or grilled and enjoyed on its own.

  • Are pierogi like momo?

Pierogis are smaller than momo and are made in similar ways. However, the stuffing is quite different. 

  • What is the most famous Polish alcohol?

Vodka is the most famous type of Polish alcohol.

  • What are some of the most famous vegetarian Polish foods?

Some of the most famous vegetarian Polish foods are Goat Cheese Pierogis, Sauerkraut Bigos and Celeriac Schnitzels.

Conclusion

From hearty stews to delicate pastries, Poland food caters to every taste. Given the country's size, you may find regional variations that give each dish a unique twist. Whether you're a fan of bold, savoury dishes or sweet treats, there's something for everyone. By your visit's end, you'll surely discover a new favourite dish. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary journey in Poland. 

 


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.  

Also read:

  • Looking for tailored advice?

    Schedule a call with our insurance advisors

  • OR
  • Call us:

    1800 2666
Please enter valid name
Please enter a valid mobile number
Please select the Category

Subscribe to our newsletter

Understand insurance better by reading our helpful guides, articles, blogs and other information.

Please enter valid name
Please enter valid Email

Error message here