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What to eat in Poland? Top 100 Polish Foods

Last update: Wed Mar 5 2025
Top 100 Polish Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Polish Foods

01
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Pączki are traditional Polish doughnuts are made from yeast-leavened dough that's rich in eggs, sugar, milk, and fats. A touch of spirit, such as rum, is often added to the dough for pączki to prevent the absorption of oil during frying. They are darker and larger than their Austrian cousin krapfen and often ball-like in shape rather than round.


Traditional fillings are plum preserve and rose jam. They are placed at the center of the dough and then wrapped around it to make a ball-like shape. Pączki are much more than just a tasty treat; they hold cultural significance in Poland and among Polish communities worldwide. 
02
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Sernik is a cheesecake from Poland, stemming from old Christian and Jewish traditions. It is made with eggs, sugar, and twaróg - a type of curd cheese that has been used in desserts for hundreds of years. It is believed that sernik originated in the 17th century, when King Jan III Sobieski brought the recipe with him after his victory against the Turks at the Battle of Vienna.


Today, there are many varieties of sernik, some baked, some unbaked, but it is usually made on a layer of crumbly cake. Often times raisins, chocolate sauce, or fruits are also added to sernik, and one of the most popular varieties of the dessert has a sponge cake as its base and is covered with jelly and fruit on top. 

MOST ICONIC Sernik

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03

Dumplings

SUBCARPATHIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland and  one more country
4.5
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Originating from the historical region of Red Ruthenia, these soft, crescent-shaped dumplings are filled with a combination of potatoes and cheese, which is occasionally modified with various seasonings or fried onions. Pierogi ruskie are usually boiled and shortly fried until they develop a crispy texture.


The dumplings are often served sprinkled with cracklings, crispy fried onions, or bacon, and can be enjoyed as a hearty appetizer or as a main course. In Ukraine, the pierogis are called varenyky, and they are so popular that there is even a monument celebrating varenyky in the city of Cherkasy. 

MOST ICONIC Pierogi Ruskie

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5
04

Dumplings

POLAND and  2 more regions
4.5
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Known as koldūnai in Lithuania, kalduny in Belarus and kołduny in Poland, these stuffed dumplings boiled in salted water are a staple of regional cuisine. Traditionally filled with minced pork, beef, chicken, curd cheese, or mushrooms, they make for an excellent lunch choice and can be enjoyed with a variety of garnishes, from butter and black pepper to mayonnaise, sour cream, crispy bacon, or spirgučiais (a type of pork rind).

05

Cheese

PODHALE, Poland
4.5
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Redykołka is a small, semi-hard cheese made from half-fat sheep's milk in the Podhale region in Poland. The name derives from the Polish word redyk, meaning a ceremony where sheep are taken to mountain pastures, kept there grazing and brought back down from the mountains.


The cheese is made in unusual shapes of small animals, birds, hearts or spindles. It must not exceed the maximum weight of 300 grams, the smallest one being redykolka in the shape of a spindle and weighing from 30 to 60 grams. It is made from the leftovers in the process of making the famous Polish Oscypek cheese and is regularly confused with it. 
06
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One of Poland's favorite fast foods is this unique open-faced sandwich. The scrumptious Polish zapiekanka is made with a plain white baguette cut lengthwise, topped with a variety of tasty ingredients and a generous heaping of grated semi-hard cheese, and grilled under a broiler.


Hailing back to the 1970s, this snack originated at a time when even the most basic of ingredients were hard to come by in communist Poland, and people had to think of how to make the best use of whatever they had available. The original zapiekanka was made with sautéed mushrooms and cheese, but with time, a variety of other ingredients such as meat, bacon, sausages, or even feta cheese, olives, and pineapple started to become customary toppings for these crusty warm sandwiches. 

MOST ICONIC Zapiekanka

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07

Soup

POLAND and  one more region
4.4
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Żurek is a traditional soup characterized by its distinctively sour taste, which comes from sour leavening, or the fermentation of bread and rye flour. The soup also contains meats such as sausages, bacon, or ham, and vegetables such as potatoes and mushrooms.


Although it is extremely popular throughout Poland, each region has its own version of the dish. It is sometimes served in an edible bowl made of bread, when it is common to add halves of hard-boiled eggs on top of the soup as garnish. Żurek is traditionally prepared and consumed during Easter. 

MOST ICONIC Żurek

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08
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Placki ziemniaczane are the well-known potato pancakes, a common and straightforward dish enjoyed in all parts of Poland. The combination of grated potatoes and onions, incorporated with eggs and occasionally flour, form the base of the dish.


It is highly versatile, and it can be adapted with crushed garlic or spices such as marjoram, parsley, and chives, to satisfy every taste. Potato pancakes are round and small in size, similar to American pancakes, and usually fried in shallow oil.


With dark and crispy skin and spongy and soft interior, this quick and adaptable dish is a staple in every Polish household. 

MOST ICONIC Placki ziemniaczane

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09
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Jabłecznik, also known as Polish apple cake, is a traditional dessert in Poland. It consists of a layer of spiced apple filling sandwiched between two layers of sponge cake. The more popular szarlotka is similar but has shortcrust pastry in place of sponge cake.


The apples are often mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes a touch of lemon juice, creating a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile. This cake is commonly dusted with powdered sugar before serving and is enjoyed as a comforting treat, especially during the autumn and winter months. 
10

Cheese

PODHALE, Poland
4.4
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Bundz is a Polish cheese made from sheep's milk. The cheese is produced in the mountainous regions of the country. It is reminiscent of cottage cheese in flavor and texture, and has a mild, fresh flavor. The remaining whey created in the production of bundz is used for the preparation of a traditional Polish sour beverage called żętyca.

11
Cake
PODLASKIE VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.4
12
Cheese
SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.4
13
14
Cheese
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.3
15
16
17
18
19
Soup
RADOMSKO, Poland
4.3
20
21
22
23
24
Sweet Pastry
POLAND  and  one more country
4.2
25
26
27
Dumplings
SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.2
28
Savory Pastry
SZCZECIN, Poland
4.2
29
30
31
Cake
POLAND  and  2 more regions
4.2
32
33
Dip
POLAND
4.2
34
35
36
Soda Bread
SUBCARPATHIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.2
37
38
Cake
OPOLE VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.2
39
Beef Dish
SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.2
40
41
42
43
44
Cake
TORUŃ, Poland
4.1
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
Street Food
MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.1
54
Beef Dish
MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.1
55
Sausage/Salami
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.1
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
Bread Roll
SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.0
63
Cheese
RADZYŃ PODLASKI, Poland
4.0
64
Cheese
SOKÓŁKA COUNTY, Poland
4.0
65
66
67
68
Sweet Bread
POLAND  and  5 more regions
3.9
69
70
71
Sweet Pastry
POLAND  and  2 more regions
3.9
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
Dumplings
PODLASKIE VOIVODESHIP, Poland
3.9
79
Flatbread
LUBLIN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
3.9
80
Sweet Pastry
GREATER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
3.9
81
82
Processed Cheese
GREATER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
3.9
83
84
Pasta
POLAND  and  2 more regions
3.8
85
86
87
Pork Rinds
POLAND  and  10 more regions
3.8
88
89
90
91
92
93
Street Food
SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
3.8
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Polish Food Producers

01
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2022

BEST Browar Rockmill Sp. z O.o. Beers
02
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

BEST Wielkopolska Manufaktura Wódek SA Spirits
03

Spirit

KALISZ, Poland
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

BEST Poetry Spirits
04
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy

2023

BEST PUH Chemirol Sp. z o.o. - Torunskie Wodki Gatunkowe Spirits
05

Spirit

GREATER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
5.0
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Markhor Cannabis Vodka is a Polish producer of high-quality craft vodka infused with hemp. Their product combines spelt distillate, hemp, water, and honey, creating a unique and complex aroma. Markhor Cannabis Vodka is the first Polish vodka to include CBD and terpenes from hemp, enhancing its intriguing taste and aroma.


The production process adheres to the principles of craft production, utilizing carefully selected raw materials and strict quality control. All ingredients are locally sourced, including spelt distillate, crystal-clear water, hemp grown in Poland, and natural honey from the greenest regions of the country.
AWARDS

London Spirits Competition - Gold

2024

BEST Markhor Spirits
06
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2021

BEST Browar Kingpin sp. z O.o. Beers
07

Beer

MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
5.0
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2023

BEST Phu Topaz Sp. z O.o. Beers
08
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AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold

2024

BEST Browar Górniczo Hutniczy Beers
09
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AWARDS

Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold

2020

BEST Browar Spółdzielczy Beers
10

Spirit

WARSAW, Poland
4.9
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Wyborowa is a renowned Polish vodka brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1823. Crafted exclusively from pure Polish rye and water, its production process honors nearly 600 years of Polish distilling tradition, resulting in a vodka celebrated for its velvety texture and natural, subtle sweetness.


Over the years, Wyborowa has garnered significant international acclaim, securing over 40 awards at various global fairs and competitions. Notably, according to the Drinks International 2020 ranking, it ranked among the top ten best-selling vodkas in the world's most popular bars. 
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024, 2019

The Vodka Masters - Gold

2023, 2022

BEST Wyborowa Spirits
11
Spirit
ŻYRARDÓW, Poland
4.9
12
Spirit
WARSAW, Poland
4.9
13
Spirit
KRAKÓW, Poland
4.9
14
Spirit
SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.9
15
16
17
Cheese
KRZESZÓW, Poland
4.9
18
Cheese
LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.9
19
Spirit
WARSAW, Poland
4.8
20
Beer
ZATOR, Poland
4.8
21
22
Beer
GRODZISK WIELKOPOLSKI, Poland
4.8
23
Beer
WARSAW, Poland
4.8
24
Spirit
POLAND, Central Europe
4.8
25
Spirit
POLAND, Central Europe
4.8
26
27
Spirit
POLAND, Central Europe
4.8
28
Spirit
LUBLIN, Poland
4.8
29
Beer
TARNÓW, Poland
4.7
30
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.7
31
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.7
32
33
34
Chocolate
MASOVIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.6
35
36
Spirit
PAPROĆ, Poland
4.5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Polish Food Products

01
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

The Vodka Masters - Master

2023

02
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Jakub Piątkowski Czekolada Madagaskar is a specialty chocolate product crafted by the artisan chocolate maker Jakub Piątkowski Czekolada. This chocolate is known for its high-quality cocoa beans sourced from Madagascar, which imparts a unique and distinctive flavor profile.


The chocolate is typically characterized by fruity notes and a hint of natural sweetness, which are hallmarks of the beans' origin. It is crafted using meticulous techniques to ensure a smooth texture and refined taste.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2016

03

Spirit

SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
5.0
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2022

04
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding

2020

05
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding

2020

06

Spirit

KALISZ, Poland
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

07
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

08
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

09
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

10

Spirit

WARSAW, Poland
5.0
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

11
Spirit
GREATER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
5.0
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Cheese
LOWER SILESIAN VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.9
29
30
31
32
33
34
Beer
GRODZISK WIELKOPOLSKI, Poland
4.8
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
Spirit
ŻYRARDÓW, Poland
4.8
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.7
66
67
68
69
TARNÓW, Poland
4.7
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.7
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.6
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.5
98
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.5
99
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.5
100
Chocolate
LESSER POLAND VOIVODESHIP, Poland
4.5

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Polish Foods” list until March 05, 2025, 19,553 ratings were recorded, of which 14,907 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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