Polish meals celebrate simple and strong flavors. Begin with żurek, a sour rye soup often served with a boiled egg and sausage, or barszcz (beetroot soup), which you can enjoy clear or with uszka (little ear-shaped dumplings). Main dishes might include pierogi – dumplings stuffed with anything from cheese and potatoes to meat or fruits, bigos – a hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut different meats, and mushrooms, or kotlet schabowy – a breaded pork cutlet like Wiener Schnitzel but with a clear Polish spin.
Let’s chat about beer now. Poland’s brewing tradition goes way back, with a few well-known brands that have become a big part of Polish culture:
Łomża: People love this lager for its fresh clean taste. It’s light and goes down easy making it a hit at Polish get-togethers. The clean finish works great with rich Polish food.
Żywiec: This beer has been around since 1856 making it a real classic. It’s a bit heavier than Łomża, with just the right amount of bitterness to go with hearty Polish dishes, like gulasz (goulash).
Warka: Brewed since 1478, this beer gets its name from the town where they make it. It has a strong, malty flavor that people enjoy. The old-school brewing methods give it a taste that’s both familiar and satisfying. It’s great to drink with a plate of pierogi z mięsem (dumplings filled with meat).
In Poland, meals are not just about eating; they’re about sharing, laughing, and making memories. And what better way to end such a meal than with a toast? So, raise your glass of golden Polish beer and say:
Na Zdrowie! (To your health!)
