What to eat

When it comes to food in Warsaw, there are a few universal truths. Pick the one that resonates with you

The Trendy Truth

Warsaw’s food scene is booming. Every corner seems to sprout a new “concept,” and part of the experience is lining up to try the latest cult ramen, cinnamon roll, rice dumplings, or ice cream topped with something-or-other. Some spots survive the hype; others don’t.

Because of how fleeting these places can be, it’s hard to give you a definitive list of must-visit addresses. You can always join the queue—or better yet, skip the whole ordeal. We’re not maintaining a queue-worthy list here (the turnover is just too fast), but you can check out the newest places at Warsaw Foodie.

The Vegan Truth

Warsaw is vegan-friendly. Some spots are genuinely worth the hype, while others are long-standing, reliable favorites (in Warsaw terms, that means they’ve been around a few years). Some top vegan picks include:
[Insert list of vegan places]

The Classic Truth

Warsaw has its share of local, traditional dishes. If you want to explore the classics, here are a few staples:

Not Vegetarian
  • Flaki po warszawsku: Beef tripe soup, a hearty and very local classic.
  • Zrazy po warszawsku: Beef rolls stuffed with mushrooms and bacon (no pickles here—this is a Warsaw specialty).
  • Śledź po warszawsku: Herring in oil with mustard and onions.
  • Nóżki w galarecie: Pork jellied meat—don’t knock it till you try it.
  • Pyzy: Potato dumplings, often stuffed with meat.
  • Tatar po warszawsku: Raw minced beef seasoned and served with egg yolk, onions, pickles, and other garnishes.

Sometimes Vegetarian
  • Pierogi: Dumplings with a variety of fillings, from meat to sauerkraut to fruit.
  • Pyzy: Same as above, but you can also find vegetarian versions.

The Sweet Stuff
  • Wuzetka: A legendary Warsaw chocolate sponge cake with whipped cream.
  • Zygmuntówka: A newer Warsaw invention—almond pastry with chocolate mousse and cranberries.
  • Pączki and faworki from Blikle: Iconic doughnuts and crispy, powdered-sugar pastries.
  • Wedel chocolate: Treat yourself to some sweets from Poland’s most famous chocolate factory.