Our CuISINE IS ExCItINg, ruStIC, aNd EClECtIC

Polish cuisine can be described as rich and exciting and the dishes are known to use pickles lavishly, which gives them a zesty twist and are worth tucking into. Traditional Polish cuisine is a blend of Slavic influences and also shares its roots with French and Italian cuisines, lending it a diverse feel.

Most of the Polish relish homemade dishes, the recipes of which have been lovingly perfected over the years by their babcia (grandma). Ingredients such as mushrooms, apples, cabbage, potatoes, wheat, and breads are the country’s staples. In fact, mushrooms are so popular that mushroom picking is a popular summertime activity in the country.

The dishes are often meat-centric, and cream and eggs are heavily used in cooking. Popular appetisers include dumplings (pierogi) filled with minced meat, cabbage, mushrooms or cottage cheese, noodles (kluski) and soups made with vegetables, beetroot, and other ingredients. Potatoes in the form of pancakes are a comfort food. A meat stew called bigos, made from a combination of cabbage, mushrooms and various meats, is popular with the locals.

The country offers a rich collection of street foods such as zapiekanka, a toasted, open-faced sandwich that comes with assorted fillings; kremowki, the delightful cream pies with a butter cream filling and sugar coating; and precle, the authentic soft pretzels. The Polish are renowned for their sweet tooth and have created lip-smacking desserts such as cheesecakes, pancakes, fruit-filled dumplings and lody (ice cream).

As one of the fastest growing ethnic cuisines, Polish food has a strong flavour and is often rustic in nature, and the cuisine is a great choice for those looking to indulge in savoury fare. In Dubai, Suvoroff (044370178) located in JBR and Uchkuduk Restaurant also in JBR (044343588) offer authentic choices. deepa@khaleejtimes.com

Pierogi Dumplings with a variety of fillings such as sauerkraut, mushrooms, meat or potato. The sweet versions are filled with cherries or strawberries.

Gołąbki The baked dish is made with soft-boiled cabbage leaves wrapped around beef or chicken as well as onions and rice or barley.

Paczki Similar to doughnuts, the fluffy pastries are flattened and come with a glaze. Sweet filling options include strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, etc.

sernik One of Poland’s popular desserts, it is made using twaróg, a type of fresh cheese. It comes in different flavours such as vanilla or lemon peel.

Rosół A popular soup, it is served with homemade noodles and is usually prepared with chicken, onion, celery, parsley, and cabbage.

Zapiekanka A delicious street food referred to as ‘Polish pizza,’ it is a baguette covered with mushrooms and cheese, and served with ketchup.