Off the beaten path: Poland

Poland is a completely under appreciated country when it comes to travel. 

This is a culture and people rooted in a pride of being amazing hosts. They don’t care if they’re hosting their cousins or complete strangers. Everyone is family in Poland and you’ll feel it from the minute you arrive. That makes this one of Unusual Journeys top destinations for Europe - on or off the beaten track. 

Shifting impressions

My grandparents were Polish so the country conjured a bit of an old world idea of pirogies, stews and folk art for me. I don’t know that I had much of a preconceived notion of modern Poland before I went, but that too speaks to the lack of awareness and buzz about the country here in America. 

Its capitol, Warsaw, is a vibrant, modern city. As a major financial hub that connects Eastern and Western Europe, it benefits from a beautiful merging of east and west that is reflected gloriously in the food, art and commerce of the city. Another plus as an international finance city: English is commonly spoken in the metropolis. 

Polish food rocks

Overall, I absolutely loved the food. Lots of pickled staples like beets and cabbage. Then there’s the sours: sour cream, sour milk (yes, it’s a thing!) These paired so incredibly well with heavier meats, stews and pirogies. They balance the flavor and promote digestion! I’ve always been a beet fan and Poland does beets beautifully. 

Polish dumplings, AKA pirogies, have been elevated beyond their frugal origins and are now served stuffed with a fun variety of meats, fish, cheese, veggies, (and for dessert) fruits. They come in all flavors from the more traditional to the avant garde. Locals (and lines) will tell you that Zapiecek is the best in town. Once you try them you’ll likely be salivating for more. And with four locations around Warsaw you’ll be able to work in a pirogi stop most days. 

Of course, like any bustling modern city, Warsaw offers plenty for international cuisine. Poles take pride in everything they do. I had a hard time finding any bad food in this city. 

Vodka, vodka and more vodka

Polish vodka is not at all what you expect. It’s flavored in so many ways from REAL fruit infusions to bitters and herbs, that you won’t even know it’s vodka. It’s done so tastefully that it becomes more like a delightful liqueur than the harsh straight or fake flavored vodka in the states. My favorite is the Soplica Pigwawa (Quince vodka). But even a traditional bitters and orange infusion zoladkowa gorzka is a tasty sipper. Many vodkas are digestives for after a meal. 

Visiting Warsaw in winter has its positives. I was lucky to be there in December to experience the Christmas festivities. Hot alcoholic beverages are everywhere. Here in Eastern Europe they have kept people warm in the harsh winters for thousands of years. Ukrainian cherry rob is an infused vodka delight served steaming hot with cherry fruit on the bottom of the glass. A hugely popular spot to get this is Pijana Wisnia in Old Town. The wait is worth it! Another very popular and delicious hot beverage is mulled wine, which comes with an extra shot of vodka when you order it spiked.

Plenty to do, old and new

Warsaw offers a great selection of museums, concerts, shopping, art and entertainment. From taking in a concerto in an old church to trendy bars, clubs and concert halls. From folk to rock, you can enjoy traditional or modern beats. 

In old town, get a taste of tiny cobble stone streets packed with even tinier shops hawking amber, traditional pottery, crafts and trinkets. Turn a corner to find a fountain, palace or old city walls complete with moat. I highly suggest an amble and just getting lost. 

Beyond Warsaw

As you leave the capitol the country becomes more conservative. English is less common and foods and entertainment become more traditional in the smaller villages. But the Polish spirit of friendliness and hospitality never change. 

Though I didn’t have time to visit Krakow, it was highly recommended to me by all the natives. They said it had the beauty and nostalgia of old Poland because it hadn’t been destroyed in the war like Warsaw. Just one of so many reasons to go back sometime soon!!