Free meals for Poles. Travel. When travelling through the Balkans, you might come across some surprising and heartwarming places. One of them is in the Serbian town of Valjevo, located about 100 km from Belgrade. Here, there’s a unique restaurant where Polish tourists don’t pay for their meals – and the reason goes back over a hundred years.
Free Meals for Poles at “Corner” Restaurant
In the centre of Valjevo, there’s a place called Corner restaurant. At first glance, it looks just like any other local spot. But for Polish visitors, it’s very special. The owner, Đorđe Momić, welcomes Polish guests with open arms – and covers their entire bill.
Why? To honour two Polish doctors, Ludwik and Hanna Hirszfeld, who helped save the people of Valjevo during a deadly typhus outbreak over 100 years ago. Their medical knowledge and courage made a huge difference at a time when many lives were at risk.
The Legacy of Ludwik Hirszfeld
Ludwik Hirszfeld was one of the most respected doctors of the 20th century, known for his work in bacteriology and immunology. During World War I, he and his wife Hanna – also a doctor – travelled to Serbia. They fought the typhus epidemic, trained local doctors, and introduced better treatment methods. Their actions saved many lives and left a lasting impact.
To thank them, the restaurant owner decided no Pole should ever have to pay at his place. “It’s not about promotion,” Momić says, “it’s about respect. What those doctors did deserves to be remembered.”
How the Story Inspired the Owner
Momić first heard the story from Polish filmmaker Paweł Wysoczański, who was working on a documentary about the Hirszfelds. Deeply moved by what he learned, Momić knew he had to do something meaningful. Offering free meals to Polish guests became his personal tribute.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Serbia or the Balkans, consider stopping by Valjevo. Enjoy delicious local food – and feel the powerful connection between Poland and Serbia that lives on at one special table.