Poliŭka is the general term for traditional soups in Belarus. The word soup was only borrowed by the country's nobility from the Germans around the 18th century, even though local recipes had been documented much earlier. Historically, a classic poliŭka would be made with fish (or mushrooms, during Lent), simmered in a broth with either barley or millet, kvass (fermented rye beverage), beet juice, or buttermilk.

Nowadays, the recipe usually centers around different varieties of mushrooms that are simmered with potatoes, onions, carrots, fennel, and (optionally) squash or tomato purée. The soup is usually garnished with fresh dill and sour cream before serving.