Old World, New Tastes
Poland has diverse cuisine, from sour to savory. Although I didn’t try pierogis (the one dish most savvy travelers wouldn’t skip), my palate welcomed other delights during my short stay in Wrocław.
Silesian soup at Kociołek
Silesian sour soup comes from Silesia, a historic region in southwest Poland stretching into the Czech Republic. The centerpiece ingredient is a Polish white sausage (kiełbasa) floating against all odds in the middle of the soup, accompanied by a hard-boiled egg. Rye sourdough starter gives the soup its tangy twist, with marjoram spice and horseradish adding highlights. A good hearty soup for the middle of winter, it’s also enjoyable in the middle of summer.
Dumplings at Kurna Chata
Dumplings are another common dish. Made with similar ingredients as pierogis, dumplings are a delightfully dense pillow of chewy wheat-based dough. They are served with various meats or vegetable sauces with pickled cabbage, beets, and cucumbers on the side.
Pistacchio cheesecake at Kraj Café
On the sweeter side, doughnuts, called Paczki (pronounced puhnch-kee) are popular throughout Poland. Resembling the richer cousin of the American doughnut, these fried sugar bombs come in a rainbow of fillings— plum, prune, lemon, chocolate, and even rose jelly. Pistachio cream is popular in the Polish dessert world in doughnuts and other pastries like cheesecake.
The dining scene isn’t just about the food. After surviving centuries under different overlords, only to fall under an oppressive communist regime after WWII, Wrocław has faced its past with statements of defiance and resilience. Plaques can be found commemorating activists, journalists, and other notable social figures who met covertly at cafes and restaurants to discuss how to rise against their oppressors. Konspira is a restaurant with menu items such as “Guerilla” and “The Subversive’s Dish,” with a theme honoring the fight against communism that took place through demonstrations and strikes.
Polish beer
I’ll end with a nod to suds. Home to over 150,000 students, it’s no wonder Wrocław has a booming beer scene. Healthy menus of Polish lagers and wheats are found at most cafes and eateries.
Dense, pickled, sour, and with exotic flavors, Wrocław is a charming city where you can sample Poland’s finest dishes. Offered in an array of settings from casual to elegant, stop by and enjoy a filling and satisfying meal with a side of righteousness.
Find out more about Wrocław on my website. New post coming soon.