Greater Poland, also known as Wielkopolska, is a region in west-central Poland. It was the site where the first Polish capital was established in the 10th century. The area is renowned for its architecture and natural beauty. Additionally, it is a haven for food enthusiasts, particularly known for its potato dishes.
One potato, two potatoes, three potatoes, four…
In the Prussian partition of Greater Poland, people began planting potatoes, a new crop from America. Potatoes, known locally as ”pyry,” quickly became a staple food, especially among the poorest. They were prepared in various ways, such as cooked, mashed, added to soups, and used in cakes and dumplings.
A popular dish, pyra z gzikiem (potato with cottage cheese), could be made by combining baked potatoes with gzik, a mixture of cottage cheese, cream, chopped onion or chives, salt, and pepper. This simple and humble meal could serve as a good starter or even a main dish.
Among other popular dishes, there are plyndze – potato pancakes. Small, round, and crispy, they are served with sour cream, smoked fish (trout or salmon), or meat stew. In Greater Poland, they are especially often eaten served with sour cream and sprinkled with sugar. Different types of dumplings are made with cooked and raw potatoes mixed with flour. Potato dishes can be found at restaurants such as Marzenie Kulinarne or Pyra Bar.
One of Greater Poland’s specialties is roasted duck served with pyzy, which are large round yeast dumplings similar to Chinese bao, and delicious, slowly-cooked red cabbage. It is the most popular dish in restaurants around Poznań served in traditional and modern ways.
Wielkopolska is also known for its czernina – a soup made from duck, goose, or pig blood and clear broth. This soup has both sweet and sour flavors and includes additional ingredients such as dried plums, pears, apples, vinegar, offal, and spices. Czernina was historically served to a nobleman as a sign of rejection during a marriage proposal, but among peasants, it was a popular soup served during wedding receptions.
For those who love fine dining
Poland has been gaining recognition in the fine dining scene in recent years. In June, Michelin Guide recommendations were announced. In 2024, Poland received one two-star restaurant (Bottiglieria 1881 in Krakow) and five one-star restaurants: two in Warsaw (NUTA and Rozbrat 20), one in Kościelisko (Giewont), and one in Poznań (Muga).
Muga, located near the Old Town, combines the winery Casa de Vinos with a selection of over five hundred wines from around the world. Chef Artur Skotarczyk presents his modern cuisine at the restaurant, which is inspired by both Asian and Polish food.
Additionally, the Michelin Guide recognized three Bib Gourmand recommendations from Poznań: Fromażeria, TU.Restaurant, and SPOT. The name Fromażeria comes from the French word ”fromage,” meaning cheese. It’s not just a name; cheese is an essential ingredient in every dish from starters to desserts. Furthermore, these restaurants also serve cheese selection boards, sell cheese boxes, and offer cheese beer pairings.
TU.Restaurant is located in renovated barracks from the late 19th century. The chefs serve international cuisine. SPOT. is also situated in 19th-century buildings. Although the place is in the city center, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is a concept store with a restaurant, culinary studio, and event space. SPOT. is also an excellent destination for wine lovers. The place hosts tastings and wine contests. One of the most well-known contests is the ”Polish Corks” wine contest, which focuses on Polish wines.
Thanks to various initiatives and the popularization of Polish wines, SPOT. has been honored with the title ”Promoter of Wine Culture in Poland”. In the Michelin Gudie, you will also find other restaurants from Pozań, such as 62 Bar & Restaurant, Nooks, and Port Sołacz.
Sweet croissants – a symbol of the city
The city of Poznań has its iconic food, known as Rogale świętomarcińskie (St. Martin’s croissants). These are sweet pastries filled with white poppy seeds, sugar, egg mass, biscuit crumbs, nuts, raisins, and almond flavor. They must meet specific conditions related to composition, weight, and appearance, to be entered into the European registers of the Protected Designation of Origin and the Protected Geographical Indication.
The tradition of making them this way dates back to the 19th century. St. Martin’s croissants are most popular in November, coinciding with Saint Martin’s Day on November 11, which is also Polish National Independence Day. In addition to culinary connotations, Saint Martin is the patron of hoteliers, millers, travelers, and vineyard owners, and one of his symbols is a goose, which is often served on the table in autumn.
While in Poznań, you can try these croissants and even learn how to make them at the Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania (Poznan Croissant Museum and Experience), which offers classes full of history and culinary experience.
Japanese takeover
Japanese cuisine arrived in Poland in the 1990s, initially in the form of sushi bars. Over time, the culinary offerings have expanded to include not only nigiri and maki zushi, but also yakitori (skewered chicken), gyoza (Japanese dumplings), and popular ramen dishes.
Ramen, a flavorful, rich in umami taste noodle soup with broth and toppings, has gained popularity among people of all ages. For many Polish people, it resembles a bit rosół (a very popular soup-type dish made from different meat and vegetables served with wheat flour noodles. The secret of its distinguished taste lies in long cooking), but with an oriental twist.
Additionally, cafes and restaurants now serve matcha drinks, made from finely ground powdered green tea, which was traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies but has since become popular globally as a beverage and dessert ingredient.
In the well-known Jeżyce district, there is a cafe called Happa to mame that offers various types of tea and Japanese sweets such as daifuku (rice cakes with strawberry, sesame seed paste, or sweet adzuki bean filling), dango (small round rice flour dumplings), and dorayaki (Japanese pancakes) tailored to suit European tastes.
City break
Not far from Poznań is Dwór Skrzynki, a historic palace with a park complex that has been transformed into a hotel, restaurant, and Cultural and Culinary Heritage Center of the Poznań District. The location offers the opportunity to sample traditional dishes from the region and participate in various culinary and cultural events.
Additionally, there are vineyards located outside the city, many of which offer food and wine tastings as well as special tours of the facilities. Some of the nearest vineyards to the borders of Poznań include Edison, Saint Martin, Morena, and Wielkopolska. However, wine enthusiasts can visit many more spots located in all of Greater Poland voivodeship.
Marzenie Kulinarne
www.marzeniekulinarne.pl
ul. Szwajcarska 1a, Poznań
Pyra bar
www.pyrabar.pl
ul. Strzelecka 13, Poznań
Fromażeria Restaurant & Cheese Bar
www.fromazeria.pl
ul. Ratajczaka 27, Poznań
Tu.Restaurant
www.spot.poznan.pl/en
ul. Dolna Wilda 87, Poznań
62 Bar & Restaurant
www.michala62.pl
ul. Michała 62, Poznań
Nooks
www.nooks.pl
ul. Poplińskich 1/12, Poznań
Port Sołacz
www.portsolacz.pl
ul. Litewska 22, Poznań
Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania (Poznan Croissant Museum and Experience)
www.rogalowemuzeum.pl/en
Stary Rynek 41/2, Poznań
Dwór Skrzynki
www.dworskrzynki.pl
plac Parkowy 1, Skrzynki
Edison Vineyard
www.hoteledison.com.pl/en/edison-vineyard
ul. Wypoczynkowa 60, Baranowo
Saint Martin Vineyard
ul. Jesionowa 17, Chomecice
Morena Vineyard
www.winnicamorena.pl/en/about-us
ul. Sobieskiego 2c, Puszczykowo
Wielkopolska Vineyard
ul. Huby 6, Grzebienisko
Happa to mame
www.happatomame.pl
Augustyna Szamarzewskiego 17, Poznań
Text: Magdalena Tomaszewska-Bolałek
Image: Pixabay
1.10.2024
/ Artikkelit