Polish Culinary [#09] - Tastes of Tatar Cuisine

The Tatars are a nomadic people, and this is evident in their cuisine. The flavours and dishes are inspired by Russian, Turkish, Caucasian, and even Chinese cuisine. One can say three things about Tatar cuisine: it is delicious, caloric, and... meaty.

Polish Tatars inhabit Podlasie, and it is there that we find the most places offering Tatar cuisine. All of them share one common feature – there is an abundance of meat types. Beef, veal, poultry, goose, lamb, mutton – everything except pork. Why? Because the Tatars are a Muslim people, so they do not consume this type of meat. Their dishes consist of simple ingredients, and they readily use dairy products and flour-based dishes. We owe buckwheat to the Tatars, which they popularised in the 13th century. Many dishes are one-pot meals, which is not surprising considering the lack of utensils and conditions while cooking on the steppes. Such dishes include pilaw, kryszonka, and shavla.

One of the most popular Tatar dishes is pierekaczewnik. Behind this complicated name lies a dish that is equally complex to prepare. Pierekaczewnik can be described as a multi-layered, baked pastry filled with stuffing. It is usually meaty, although a sweet version can also be found. The pastry containing egg yolks is rolled out, spread with butter, layered with stuffing, rolled up, and shaped to resemble a snail.

The Tatars love dumplings, which is why they appear in their cuisine in many forms. The national dish of the Tatars is Tatar kołduny – small dumplings filled with beef or mutton. Banash are dumplings that include not only meat (lamb) but also some vegetables. These meat lovers also have vegetarian dumplings – potato dumplings consist of just potatoes, eggs, and onions, but they are as delicious as the meat dumplings.

The best place to explore the cuisine of Podlasie is in Kruszyniany. This small holiday resort offers delicious Tatar cuisine. And what to do when we have already consumed the maximum amount of dumplings and meat? Of course, go for a walk! Podlasie offers many beautiful trails – the best can be found in Białowieża Primeval Forest. These ancient forests, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, will delight everyone, regardless of age. If we prefer urban vibes, we must visit Hajnówka. Here we will find amazing churches, and among the biggest attractions are the Park of Miniatures of Podlasie Monuments and a ride on a narrow-gauge railway to Lake Topiło.

Author of the text - Joanna Choma