What is Szczecin's food known for?

West Pomeranian cuisine is a true blend of flavors, drawing inspiration from Polish traditions as well as German, Scandinavian, and Eastern borderland influences. What to eat in Szczecin? The city is famous for iconic delicacies that have become part of its culinary history. Paprykarz, beloved by Poles, crispy pasztecik served with beet soup, or the lesser-known but equally tasty całuski are just some of Szczecin’s specialties. Be sure to also try gingerbread, once baked in local confectioneries, and the frytburger – a unique fast food loved by both locals and tourists.

Local food in Szczecin is a true feast for the senses, combining tradition with modernity. Thanks to its location on the Oder River and near the Baltic Sea, regional dishes are rich in fresh fish, aromatic spices, and products from nearby forests. If you're planning to visit the city, be sure to discover its unique flavors!

What characterizes the regional cuisine of Western Pomerania and what ingredients is it based on?

The city's location on the Oder River and proximity to the Baltic Sea means that local recipes are dominated by regional products such as fish, wild fruits, and mushrooms. Additionally, influences from German, Scandinavian, and Eastern cuisines give the dishes a unique and diverse character. All of this makes Szczecin's cuisine an extraordinary blend of tradition, history, and the flavors of various cultures.

The culinary richness of Western Pomerania is based on aromatic ingredients that have shaped the character of Szczecin's dishes for centuries:

• fish from the Baltic Sea and nearby lakes and rivers – cod, herring, pike-perch, and pike form the basis of many traditional dishes;
• mushrooms gathered from the region’s vast forests, used to prepare soups, sauces, and meat accompaniments;
• wild fruits, especially blueberries and rose hips, used for preserves;
• seasonal vegetables grown in the fertile soils of Pomerania, including green tomatoes used for unique jams.

From Paprykarz to Frytburger – 8 Regional Dishes from Szczecin

The city has developed its own distinct culinary identity, making Szczecin's regional dishes a fascinating combination of flavors that are less known or even entirely unknown in other parts of Poland. This cuisine is full of contrasts – ranging from quick street snacks like the pasztecik to refined fish-based dishes served in local restaurants.

One of the reasons why the city’s specialties are so unique is the commitment to local ingredients – many dishes are inspired by recipes from decades ago, and some even have centuries-old traditions. For example, Szczecin gingerbread was once a staple of fairs and holiday tables, and today it can be found only in a few places that preserve the old recipe.

Thanks to this culinary diversity, Szczecin is an excellent place to explore regional flavors and culinary traditions. Each dish described below tells the story of the city, its residents, and the influences that have shaped its cuisine over the years. Whether you're visiting this part of Poland for the first time or you're a regular, there's always something new worth trying.

Paprykarz Szczeciński – a Canned Legend and a Taste That Conquered Poland

Paprykarz is the most recognizable culinary product originating from the capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. It was created in the 1960s, inspired by the African dish "chop-chop". It consists of fish paste with rice, seasoned with paprika and tomatoes. Although it has undergone various modifications over the years, it remains a symbol of Szczecin's cuisine.

Today, paprykarz can be found in almost every grocery store, but true food lovers appreciate versions made according to the original recipe. Its distinctive flavor makes it great for sandwiches and as a base for other dishes like dumpling or pasztecik fillings. In some recipes, it forms the base of fish salads combined with egg, onion, and pickled cucumber.

For many, it’s a taste of childhood and a symbol of seaside trips, bringing back memories of holidays at the Baltic Sea. Its unique aroma, sealed in a metal can, evokes simple but flavorful meals on the beach or during travel and remains a nostalgic part of tourist provisions.

Szczecin Pasztecik – the Iconic Snack You Must Try

One of Szczecin’s most iconic regional dishes is the pasztecik – yeast dough filled with stuffing and deep-fried in oil. Traditionally served with beet soup, it has enjoyed great popularity among locals and tourists for decades.

Paszteciki first appeared in the 1960s as a local answer to Russian pirozhki. Originally stuffed with meat, today you can find versions with mushrooms, cabbage, or cheese. Their unique taste and crispy crust make them hard to resist.

Szczecin Gingerbread – the Forgotten Sweet History of the Region

Wondering what to eat in Szczecin if you love sweets? Not everyone knows that Szczecin’s specialties include gingerbread. Once baked in many local pastry shops, the recipe dates back centuries. Today they are less common, but there are still places that maintain the tradition.

These gingerbreads are distinguished by an intense spice aroma and a soft, slightly moist interior. Traditionally decorated with icing and dried fruit, they had a festive character and were a popular gift and fair treat. Often made from family recipes passed down through generations, they were more than just a sweet – they were part of the local heritage.

Today, some local bakeries are trying to revive gingerbread’s popularity, offering new versions with chocolate or fruit fillings.

Całuski – Szczecin’s Answer to Donuts and Faworki

Całuski are a local variety of small sweets resembling mini donuts with a hole in the middle. The dough is shaped this way and then fried until golden. A perfect snack with coffee or tea!

Szczecin's całuski have a crispy crust but are soft and delicate inside. Sprinkled with powdered sugar or glazed, they quickly won the hearts of locals and tourists, especially during carnival and holiday seasons.

Today you can find them in some bakeries and pastry shops, but making them at home is a great way to connect with regional tradition. They are quick to prepare and require only a few ingredients.

Queen Anna Jagiellon's Soup – a Historic Recipe Surviving the Centuries

Queen Anna Jagiellon's soup is one of the most original dishes that has survived in Szczecin’s cuisine for centuries. The recipe dates back to medieval times and is based on aromatic ingredients like game, root vegetables, and spices from royal tables.

Though rare today, some regional restaurants still serve this historic dish as a tribute to the region’s culinary heritage.

Herring in Szczecin Cuisine – “Pomeranian Style” and More

Herring plays a key role in local cuisine and is one of the most recognizable fish in the region. Traditionally served “Pomeranian style” – marinated in vinegar with onion, allspice, and bay leaf, it has an intense, characteristic flavor. Besides the classic version, you’ll also find it in cream, with mustard, or in salads – showing its culinary versatility in Szczecin’s kitchen.

Szczecin Preserves – Green Tomatoes and Rosehips as Heroes

Preserves are a unique element of local cuisine, standing out with unusual ingredients like green tomatoes and rosehips. Green tomatoes, pickled and cooked with sugar and spices, become a sweet-sour jam with an original taste, great with bread and cheese.

Rosehip preserves, rich in vitamin C, have long been valued for their health benefits and strong aroma. Their delicate floral taste makes them a real gem of Szczecin’s food culture.

Frytburger – Szczecin’s Must-Try Fast Food

Frytburger, a local fast food invention, gained popularity thanks to its unusual form. A fluffy bun filled with juicy meat, crispy fries, and aromatic sauce completes the whole experience.

Simple yet satisfying, it’s become a favorite snack among locals, and its unique flavor makes it a must-try for any visitor.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Szczecin, embark on a culinary adventure and try both traditional and modern specialties. Whether you prefer classic flavors or experimental combinations, you’ll find something to suit your taste. The best food can often be found in small family-run eateries or restaurants reviving regional recipes with passion.

When planning your visit, don’t forget to find a great place to stay – check out accommodation in Szczecin so you can enjoy the local flavors at your own pace and in full comfort.