Rich, meaty soups, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings, sugar-dusted doughnuts filled with lip-smacking jam... our mouths are watering just thinking about Polish cuisine. So if a city escape to Gdansk or Krakow’s on the menu this year, then our handy food and drink guide might be the key ingredient for a tasty trip!

FOR SNACKS:

Seeking something sweet? We’ve got you. Sink your teeth into a pączki (Polish doughnut) and you won’t be disappointed. The dough’s usually shaped into a flattened ball, filled with jam and deep fried – then sprinkled with sugar, just for good measure! You’ll find these mouth-watering morsels in most bakeries, so leave time between sightseeing for a sample.

If savoury’s more your style, pierogi should be at the top of the to-try list. These traditional dumplings are often filled with succulent meats, or vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, spinach and tangy sauerkraut. Enjoy them boiled or fried, the choice is yours.

FOR SLURPS:

Grab a spoon... soups, stews and ramens are big business around here! Zurek, a hearty dish made with sausages, smoked meats and rye, is the ultimate Polish comfort food and the perfect way to warm up during the winter.

If you’ve got ramen-lovers in tow, be sure to make a beeline for Akita Ramen in Krakow. You can take your pick from a mouth-watering menu of bowls packed with slurp-worthy noodles, meats and vegetables, smothered in a rich, velvety broth. There are vegan and veggie options too, plus a sublime selection of sides and drinks.

FOR SLICES:

While pizza might not top your list when it comes to must-tries in Poland, it’s certainly not one to be skipped. Think crispy bases, flavour-packed toppings and a fluffy crust just waiting to be dunked into something garlicky. If you’re in Krakow, try to grab a table at Nolio. This delicious spot serves up mouth-watering slices, as well as antipasti, soups and pasta dishes. You might need to queue, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

If you’d prefer a slice of something sweet, you won’t be short on choice. Karpatka, a popular cream cake consisting of a thick dollop of vanilla cream between two layers of pastry, is a must-try! The traditional apple pie, szarlotka, is perfect on a crisp winter’s day too, so if you’re after a sugar-dusted treat spiced with cinnamon, look no further.

FOR SIPS:

A trip to Poland wouldn’t be complete without sampling the tipple it’s famous for – vodka! If you’re in Krakow’s Old Town, by sure to stop in at Wodka Bar for a selection of weird and wonderful flavours. Chilli chocolate, mint, caramel, horseradish... the options are endless. And you never know, you may end up discovering your new favourite drink!

Though vodka’s the obvious drink of choice on any Polish city break, it’s worth carving out time to sample some of the country’s lesser-known sips. Nalewka, a drink made with fruits, herbs and spices, is a sweeter choice, while Póltorak (mead made from honey and water), has a delicate aroma and can be enhanced with spices like ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS:

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want to blow the budget on a knockout dinner? We’ve got you covered. Amarylis in Krakow serves up sublime plates focussing on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with dishes like lamb and wild garlic, beef tenderloin with asparagus and net-fresh fish with feta. Gdansk’s Michelin-guide Fino has the tasting menu box ticked too! Think succulent meats, crayfish and seasonal vegetables, finished off with a rich, chocolatey ganache and buttermilk ice cream – delicious.

So, are you ready to take a bite out of Poland? Your next city adventure awaits...