Best Polish Food Places in Birmingham: A taste of Poland in the heart of the UK
Known for its vast diversity and cultural blend, Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, offers numerous international culinary options, making it an attractive home for Polish cuisine. Indeed, from humble stew to dumplings, sausages to pastries, Polish food truly embodies the culture and history of the great Polish nation. Craving authentic Polish? Birmingham has a lot to offer in terms of great Polish eateries.
The following are some popular spots for Polish food in Birmingham that guarantee a great experience.
Old Dresser Cafe
Rating: 4.9/5
Reservations: Reserve Your Table Now
The Old Dresser Café in Birmingham is a small, independent café often touted as a hidden gem. It has a nostalgic, rustic charm complete with vintage décor that accentuates its warmth and coziness, making the ambiance of the café inviting. It serves a variety of homemade food types, be it breakfast, sandwich, cake, or specialty coffee. There are options for those with particular dietary preferences: vegetarian and gluten-free
Old Dresser Café offers a few items which make it an extraordinary treat in Birmingham for those looking for a cozy and unique feel. There are some unique items worth mentioning here:
- Polish Pierogi: The dumplings are a huge draw at the café. They are made fresh and stuffed with various ingredients such as potato and cheese, mushrooms, or meat and then served with a side of sour cream. It is a Polish classic that is hard to find in Birmingham.
- Bigos: This traditional Polish dish is authentic and hearty stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and a variety of meats including pork and beef.
- Placki Ziemniaczane: These gorgeous golden crisp potato pancakes are another of their special Polish-themed items. Accompanied by sour cream or applesauce.
- Homemade Cakes: Carrot cake and coffee and walnut cake are especially loved, with customers returning just for these sinful and freshly made delights.
- Specialty Coffees & Teas: Artisanal coffee and loose-leaf teas. Rotating seasonal drinks are quite frequent and definitely worth asking about!
Chakana
Rating: 4.8/5
Reservations: Save Your Seat
Chakana is an eclectic and beautiful restaurant located in Birmingham that offers a different take on dining, drawing on South American and Andean cuisine with a certain emphasis on Peru. The name Chakana means “the Incan cross”, which stands for balance, harmony, and the link between the spiritual and physical worlds- these ideas are core to the restaurant’s treatments of its food and its ambiance.
Specialties:
- Ceviche: This dish is one of the symbols of Peruvian cuisine. Chakana prepares ceviche with fresh fish marinated in citrus (usually sea bass), seasoned with chilis, garnished with sides of sweet potato and corn. Tangy and refreshing, with a burst of flavor, this ceviche makes the perfect introduction to Peruvian fare.
- Lomo Saltado: A traditional stir fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes, spiced with Peruvian flavors, and traditionally served with crispy French fries and rice. The combination of savory and slightly tangy makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Pierogi: These dumplings represent the very heart of Polish cuisine. Made with a variety of fillings-from potato and cheese to meat and mushrooms-and served with sour cream on the side, these dumplings are truly delicious, hearty, and give off a sense of comfort.
- Bigos: A robust and rich stew that all hunters may enjoy; with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and an array of meats from pork to beef, bigos is a warming and flavorful dish that suits the coldest of days.
- Kielbasa (Polish Sausages): Polish sausage in a rich variety of options is mostly grilled or fried and served with mustard or sauerkraut. It’s one of the quintessential parts of the Polish culinary experience.
The Ivy Temple Row
Rating: 4.5/5
Reservations: Reserve Your Table Now
Ivy Temple Row is one of Birmingham’s long-standing and eminent restaurants that offer a fine dining experience. The Ivy Temple Row is renowned for its stylish décor and ambiance, serving modern British cuisine with an international influence, and has become a favorite haunt of locals and those who come to Birmingham.
The restaurant’s popularity lies not only in its diverse menu featuring British classics and modern dishes, but also in its brunch, afternoon tea, and cocktail offerings. Ivy Temple Row is also a great place for various dietary requirements
Must Try items:
- The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie
- The Ivy Hamburger
- Fish & Chips
- Warm Chocolate Cake
Polonia Restaurant
Rating: 4.3/5
Address: 15a Market PI, Great Bridge, Tipton DY4 7AR
Located in Birmingham, Polonia Restaurant is a beautiful place patronized for traditional Polish food served in a warm and comfortable setting. It is a perfect place to get a sense of Polish cuisine, focusing on hearty comfort foods rooted in the culinary traditions of that country.
Favorite items that could possibly find a space on their menu include the following:
- Pierogi
- Bigos
- Kielbasa
- Żurek
- Placki ziemniaczane
The menu also features Polish drinks like Żubrówka (a flavored vodka) or traditional beers. The warmth of the ambiance is often noted, while Polish cultural elements render the atmosphere inviting and homey.