The project is co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.
The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (no RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) cofunded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020.
The Foundation for the Development of Regions www.f-rr.org
The Association of Polish Spa Communities www.sgurp.pl
Realization: Digital Places Multimedia Publishing www.digitalplaces.pl
Kraszewskiego 1/406
33-380 Krynica-Zdrój
Art Manager: Konrad Rogoziński
Text: Maria Kościelniak
Translation: Ewelina Natanek-Rogozińska
Proofreading: Agata Kościelniak
Design: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz
Typesetting: Klaudia Stochmal, Nina Kieblesz
Photographies: © Konrad Rogoziński / DigitalPlaces.pl
Apart from: P 2-3; © Łukasz Świętach
In Lesser Poland, at the foothills of the Tatras, a vast land inhabited by Highlanders from Podhale stretches. The region is famous for breathtaking views, unique nature, culture, dances and music. In the west of Podhale, halfway between Babia Mountain and Rysy, Czarny Dunajec is located and together with fourteen villages scattered over the Czarny Dunajec Valley creates one of the biggest communes in Poland. Its inhabitants cultivate the land and are active in tourism. This is an ideal place for
tourists who look for intimate places, far from crowds. Agritourism farms and private accommodation facilities allow us to see the culture of Podhale from the inside. Highlanders from Podhale live in the spirit of tradition. There are numerous folk bands and events which promote the local culture and art or even whole villages which are living museums. Small Chochołów is an example of such a small, open-air museum – beautiful, historic, wooden houses are to be found there.
Podhale is famous for its cuisine full of mutton and oscypek (sheep cheese). It is loved and appreciated by many. The dishes are simple – after all, they were created by Highlanders who live in the region which lacks fertile soil and its climate is not beneficial as far as farming is concerned. Due to the fact that Highlanders graze sheep, cheese dominates there. Potatoes are also a significant ingredient as this vegetable is easy to grow. People use a lot of pickles as they can be stored for quite a long time. Dishes which used to be prepared by hostesses from Podhale had to be filling and give energy so that shepherds could work in harsh conditions. As a consequence, we will taste dishes not only full of flour but also fat – butter or lard. The combination of people’s needs and crops of this land has created such a cuisine which is now adored by tourists.
In small Chochołów located south of Czarny Dunajec, in a wooden cottage similar to many other wooden ones which are sites of the Wooden Architecture Route there is ‘U Śliwy’ Restaurant. We can taste the real cuisine from Podhale in the place. It is beautiful from outside
and the interiors are climatic and cosy. Regional music which can be heard inside makes our meals more enjoyable. The place is ideal for those who want to feel the atmosphere of Podhale and eat some regional treats.
The menu of the restaurant is diverse – it refers to the regional, Polish and European cuisine. We can choose from well-known dishes – both meat and meatless ones. We may start from breakfast, move on to aromatic soups, for instance, seasonal mushroom soup or traditional broth, and a variety of meats – cutlets in different styles,
a pork knuckle, mutton or pork. There are a variety of dumplings, salads or potato pancakes. Hot apple pie a la mode or cheesecake both served with aromatic coffee are a great idea for dessert. Children are not left out on the menu which offers nuggets, pancakes, dumplings with sweet filling or noodles.
‘U Śliwy’ Restaurant serves first of all dishes of traditional, Highlander cuisine. At the place we will taste everything we have read about in the guides! Dishes are prepared fresh by Highlander cooks with the use of traditional methods. Among traditional soups we will find nourishing kwaśnica (barberry). Oscypek (sheep cheese) with cranberry on the side is served as a starter. The main courses are substantial and interesting. We will be served Highlander potato pancake with meat stew or moskole (potato shortbread) served with garlic butter. There is local mutton with potatoes and cabbage. Local cheeses appear in many dishes – oscypek is one of the ingredients of a Highlander’s cutlet. Bundz (another kind of sheep cheese), beetroots and basil and garlic dressing create a delicious salad. You should also try Chochołów pot! On cold days you need to come for Highlander or Jedruś’ tea!
Oscypek, bryndza or bundz?
Oscypek is a symbol of Polish mountains and the king of Podhale. It has been produced by shepherds according to a traditional recipe passed down from generation to generation for ages. It is hard, pressed rennet spindle-shaped cheese. It is repeatedly rinsed with boiling water and, after it is formed, it is placed in brine. The last stage of its production is smoking. Bundz is formed similarly at the initial stage but it is more delicate, softer, and has a mild taste which resembles cottage cheese. Bryndza, however, is mature, sour bundz which has been minced and salted. What about cheese laces which are adored by everybody? These are korbowce – made of cow’s milk and smoked like oscypki. They have a more delicate taste.
