In Poland, traditions are significant and can be experienced everywhere during your vacation, whether you’re eating, shopping, drinking, or dancing. Exploring these traditions will deepen your understanding of the country and allow you to fully immerse yourself in its culture. From iconic Polish dishes to popular holiday souvenirs, here are 10 things Poland is famous for all over the world.
► Stay updated: All the latest and best Polish travel news and info in English – PolishObserver.com
Polish national dish: Pierogi
A visit to Poland isn’t complete without enjoying a hearty serving of dumplings. Polish dumplings, similar to Russian or Ukrainian vareniki, German Maultaschen, or Italian ravioli, can be either fried or boiled. They come stuffed with a variety of fillings, with popular choices including cabbage and mushrooms, meat, potatoes and white cheese. For a more luxurious option, some dumplings feature minced duck or goose meat. Many restaurants also offer vegan versions of this traditional Polish dish. Additionally, sweet dumplings filled with blueberries, cherries, or sweet cottage cheese are a delightful treat, with blueberry-filled dumplings being particularly favored in Poland.
Polish national dance: Mazur
Just as the waltz is synonymous with Viennese culture, the mazurka holds a special place in Polish tradition. Named after the Masuria region of Poland, the mazurka is believed to have originated as early as the 14th century. Fryderyk Chopin, Poland’s most renowned composer, greatly popularized the mazurka. Throughout his life, Chopin was captivated by the mazurka and composed a significant collection of pieces for it, totaling 60 compositions. These compositions are considered a testament to Chopin’s deep affection for his Polish heritage and homeland.
► Also read: Train Travel from the UK to Poland: Everything You Need to Know
Circle or triangle i.e marking of Polish toilets
In Poland, when you approach a restroom, you might be surprised to see symbols like a circle or triangle instead of signs that say „Women’s Toilet” or „Men’s Toilet” on the doors. The circle symbol typically represents women, while the triangle symbol represents men. This symbolism is based on associating feminine curves with the circle and masculine characteristics, like broad shoulders, with the triangle. It’s common in Poland for many establishments, especially smaller restaurants, to have unisex toilets, so don’t be surprised if you encounter this setup during your visit.
► Also read: Two Polish restaurants named among the best in the world
Polish vodka
Poland has a long history of vodka production dating back to the 15th century, and it’s considered the birthplace of vodka. It’s believed that a Polish doctor initiated vodka production around the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, although initially, the high-proof spirit was used primarily for medicinal purposes. Today, Poland is the fourth largest vodka producer globally, with 260 million liters distilled annually, making it the largest producer within the EU. Polish vodka comes in various flavors, with popular brands like Wyborowa, Żytnia, and Żubrówka leading the way.
Polish beer
Poland is also renowned for its beer, with one of the most famous brands being Tyskie, which has been brewed since 1629. Tyskie is highly popular in Poland today and has earned numerous awards at international competitions like „The Brewing Industry International Awards.” The brewery in Tychy, located in Upper Silesia, is one of the oldest in Europe. Each year, over eight million hectoliters of beer are produced in Tychy and exported worldwide, including to Germany, where it is the most favored Polish beer. In 2004, a museum called „Tyskie Browarium” was opened on the brewery’s premises, offering insights into the rich history of Tyskie beer.
Polish ceramics
Handicrafts hold a significant place in Polish culture, with one of the most renowned examples being Bolesławiec pottery from the town of Bolesławiec in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. Pottery production in Bolesławiec dates back to the 16th century, where richly decorated utilitarian and artistic objects were crafted by hand. Today, the town is still known for its handmade pottery, particularly pots and jugs, which are popular souvenirs from Poland. Over time, the quality of craftsmanship has evolved significantly, with modern techniques ensuring that Polish ceramics are now dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and fireproof. This blend of tradition and innovation has contributed to the enduring popularity of Bolesławiec pottery both locally and internationally.
Polish cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is a key ingredient in Polish cuisine, playing a prominent role in Eastern European culinary traditions. This protein-rich dairy product is commonly enjoyed with additions like cream, onion, and chives. Cottage cheese is also a staple ingredient in making the popular Polish cheesecake, known for its light and fluffy texture. You can find this delicious cheesecake in nearly every bakery across Poland.
Oscypek cheese
Oscypek is the „hard cheese” counterpart in Polish cuisine, made from traditional smoked sheep’s milk and highly favored in southern Poland. This cheese has been crafted using a simple recipe for centuries: it’s pressed into balls, hung from mountain hut ceilings to dry, and then smoked over several months. This lengthy maturation process imparts its distinctive salty and spicy flavor profile. Oscypek typically contains a fat content ranging from 40 to 60 percent. Importantly, only cheeses produced by sheep breeders in the Tatra region of Zakopane can bear the name „oscypek.”
Polish amber jewelry
Along the Polish Baltic coast, you’ll discover one of the country’s prized specialties: amber. Baltic amber, prevalent in Poland and the Baltic Sea region, is approximately 40 million years old. Ideal conditions for finding amber occur after winter storms along the coast. Referred to as „Baltic gold,” amber is commonly used to create jewelry, a popular souvenir from Poland. Amber jewelry from Gdańsk is especially renowned for its exceptional quality. Experts estimate that around 600,000 tons of amber are still concealed in the Bay of Gdańsk, waiting to be discovered.
The quintessence of Polish cuisine – Polish soup
Polish cuisine is celebrated for its diverse array of soups, showcasing a love for hearty and flavorful dishes. Borscht, a Polish variation of Eastern European beet soup, is a standout favorite. Made from naturally fermented beets, Polish borscht is often served with dumplings filled with mushrooms, cabbage, or meat, or alongside croquettes. Another beloved soup is żurek, a sour soup prepared with fermented rye flour, potatoes, carrots, and meat or sausage, often garnished with hard-boiled eggs.
Goulashes are also highly cherished in Poland, featuring stewed sauerkraut and various meats. In the southern regions of Poland, goulash is enhanced with mushrooms and dried plums for added depth and flavor. Polish cuisine embraces the use of diverse ingredients, including beets, sauerkraut, and rye flour, to create soups and stews that are both comforting and distinctive to the region.
► CZYTAJ PO POLSKU: 10 rzeczy, z których znana jest Polska. Oto, z czego słynie za granicą