Marta Wozniak, owner of Sawa Deli.
Various polish meats are for sale at Sawa.
Kielbasa and other Polish specialites at Sawa
Pierogis Anyone? Celebrating Polish Delicacies Story and photos by Daniel Israel
P
olish immigrants began arriving in Bayonne in waves from the 1880s until the 1920s. There were subsequent waves after World War II and in the 1980s. Polish immigrants were looking for work. At that time, Bayonne was an oilrefining and manufacturing giant with many industrial jobs. While the Polish community isn’t what it used to
be during the height of immigration, there is still a thriving population of Poles in Bayonne. Along with their culture, they’ve brought something that has become a staple in the city: Polish delis. Bayonne: Life on the Peninsula caught up with the owners of some Bayonne delis, many of whom opened during the most recent immigration wave.
40 • BLP ~ SPRING | SUMMER 2021
We couldn’t speak to all of them personally, often because our Polish isn’t as good as theirs. But here are a few of Bayonne’s top spots for authentic Polish specialties.
Sawa Sawa Deli, at 586 Avenue C, has been a staple in Bayonne for 30 years. Marta Wozniak became owner four years ago and has been proudly running the store
ever since. A Bayonne resident of 16 years, Wozniak is originally from Poland. Wozniak said that though a lot of Polish people have moved away, there is still a sizeable population who frequent the store. She also has non-Polish regulars, who love the delicacies of Poland. Customers come for the fresh-made pierogis, fried fish, barbeque ribs, tribe soup, stuffed cabbage, and babkas. The Polish candy
