Authentic Warsaw Dishes: A Guide for Food Lovers

Welcome to the culinary adventure of Warsaw! This Polish capital city has a rich food culture that reflects its history and regional influences. Whether you are seeking classic Polish dishes or trying to uncover the secret to authentic Warsaw cuisine, you will find plenty of tasty options here. Let's dive into some of the top authentic dishes and places to experience traditional Warsaw flavors.

Top Restaurants and Eateries

For a true taste of Warsaw, consider visiting these recommended restaurants and eateries:

Stary Dom

With a vast menu of both meat and vegan options, Stary Dom is a popular choice in the city. Be sure to ask the staff about the local specialty, "beza," which is a traditional Polish egg coffee. Adjacent to the restaurant, you can also find a delightful cake shop where you can treat yourself to delectable Polish pastries.

Obera pod Czerwonym Wieprzem

This establishment is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. While lining up, try your patience with a sense of pride. Here, you'll find a genuine taste of Warsaw cuisine, serving up dishes like pyzy (Polish dumplings), a hearty stew with semolina and suet dumplings, and other traditional polenta-based dishes.

Authentic Dishes You Must Try

While modern Warsaw cuisine may not be as refined as its counterparts in other Polish cities, you can still find many authentic traditional dishes here. Let's explore some of these must-try items:

Pyzy (Dumplings)

Typically served in a stew with semolina and suet, pyzy is a dish that truly captures the essence of Warsaw cuisine. Unlike the modern versions that often include meatballs, this traditional stew features stewed beef kidneys with buckwheat kasha and pickled cucumber, or sometimes even lamprey. Stand in a long queue to taste this rustic delicacy.

Pierogi (Polish Dumplings)

Though pierogi have become iconic in Polish cuisine, many food connoisseurs argue that they are overhyped. Yet, they remain a beloved comfort food in Poland. If you're craving pierogi, head to Mleczarnia Jerozilmska. With several branches, the original location is on Aleje Jerozolimskie 32, just down the street from Nowy wiat. This place is highly recommended for its authentic pierogi.

Specialties to Look for in Food Markets

Venture into the food markets in the Old or New Towns and you're in for a treat. Here, you can find unique and traditional dishes. For example, during a visit to Nowe Miasto, I had a delicious boar's leg, which was surprisingly affordable. At the weekend food market at Stary Rynek, a plate of kaszanka (blood sausage) made for an unforgettable breakfast.

Breakfast Delights

No visit to Warsaw is complete without indulging in some traditional breakfasts. Here are some mouthwatering options:

Luks Mini pczki

The Polish take on Berliner or jelly donuts, pczki, can be found at the Lux Mini minimart on Krakowskie Przedmie?cie 16/18. Their pczki are light and filled with rose jam, smothered in glaze, making them a perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea.

Bar Mleczny Familijny and Kluski

For a sweet start to your day, try kluski leniwe, diamond-shaped kluski (soft dumplings made with twaróg, a type of quark) with sugar. At Bar Mleczny Familijny on Nowy wiat 39, they serve an excellent plate of bigos (hunter’s stew), often considered the national dish of Poland, along with kluski leniwe at a very affordable price.

Kotlet Schabowy

For a savory breakfast, opt for a kotlet schabowy (pork cutlet), similar to Wiener Schnitzel. The canteens of the University of Warsaw, such as Rewers on the ground floor of Biblioteka Uniwersytecka on ul. Dobra, offer the best kotlet with a side of vegetables for less than 20 z.

Does cooking in Warsaw remind you of home? Don't forget to try dishes made in the comfort of homes, such as gobki, which are often brought back as a gift from friends and family. They make for a delicious and nostalgic experience.

Enjoy your culinary journey in Warsaw and savor the rich heritage of this vibrant city!