Travel Stop: (Poor Man's) Poland - Warsaw

Zapiexy is basically like a Polish version of an open sandwich, or you could liken it to a baguette with toppings. This lunch set came with mushroom and cheese plus a topping of my choice (I chose Polish Sausage). I added some extra Spinach (1.50 zloty) to give it some more colour. This sandwich is super big, with a length of almost 2 palms. It was toasted well and had a great condiment of Garlic and Tomato sauce which lifted the whole dish with a bit of creaminess. A really nice and simple meal at a good price.

Hearty: 4/5
Tasty: 4/5
Worthy: 5/5

However, my taxi driver remarked that you could get the same thing for 7 zloty at a nearby place called Restaurant Ania. I didn't have time to go try but if you do, you should do so. #trustthelocal

(The name of this place is KROWARZYWA Vegan Burger; not sure why it doesn't come up)

I could not tell that I was eating a vegan burger - the wheat patty had the flavour and the texture of (slightly tough and hard to chew) meat! Definitely a place to stop by if you're in this city for a very very very good burger.

I would recommend the Cieciorex - Chickpeas burger (13.50 zloty); that's a fan favourite and also the most delicious to me!

Hearty: 4/5
Tasty: 5/5
Worthy: 5/5

Saw this off Tripadvisor reviews and recommendations and I would say that they are accurate.

This potato pancake is crispy yet soft and starchy on the inside, mixing well with the beef goulash that was wedged within its covering. Another Polish delicacy that would be a good order at most places.

Hearty: 3.5/5
Tasty: 4/5
Worthy: 3/5

Prices here at Folk Gospoda are pretty steep because of the layout and decor which make it look like a traditional Polish joint, with the staff having uniforms as well; so I guess you're paying for the experience as well. My taxi driver to the airport recommended this place called Red Peak for Polish food so you could check that out. #trustthelocal

I have only ever eaten crispy pork knuckle so this braised one was something new for me. The meat fell off the bone and there was no overpowering porky-ness. Went well with the soft sauerkraut and the horseradish and mustard sauces. Apparently pork knuckle is a Polish delicacy as well (I thought it was German) so most places should do it pretty nicely.

Hearty: 4/5
Tasty: 4/5
Worthy: 3.5/5

Pierogi is the name for polish dumplings. This platter came in 7 different flavours, most of them contained meat and/or vegetables and/or cheese (the pink ones were spicy). Came with some lard toppings.

Honestly, compared to Chinese dumplings or even Japanese gyoza, these Polish dumplings gave me nothing much to shout about. I would admit that they tasted pretty alright, and it was from quite a legit restaurant, but somehow the fillings found in its Asian counterparts, the broth found inside, and the outer skin simply pale in comparison. I don't really know how to describe but think of Chinese dumplings but with a thicker skin and less flavourful. I guess being in Poland, its worth a try, but only once.

Hearty: 4/5
Tasty: 2/5
Worthy: 4/5

Got this at a random shop walking around the Warsaw Old Town. You can find shops like these easily. Its not that cheap and not very good either but it was a nice thing to have with the sun shining down.

Hearty: 1/5
Tasty: 2/5
Worthy: 3/5