According to the well-known Polish saying, love starts not anywhere else, but on the plate. "Through the stomach to the heart," say the Poles, and we fully agree with this statement!
Valentine's Day – a time for lovers, love, sweet words, and "I love you!" declarations written on heart-shaped cards. Some people enjoy and celebrate this holiday, while others approach it with a distance and blame it on commercialization. However, one cannot forget that the reason for celebrating is love. And love, according to the well-known Polish saying, starts nowhere else but on the plate. "Through the stomach to the heart," say the Poles, and we fully agree with this statement! So, whether you celebrate today or not – there's no harm in eating something delicious.
Today, we present the must-try dishes from the menu of our cities and regions. Flagship dishes that you should try when visiting any of the Shrines of Europe cities. Delicacies that have fans far beyond our country borders.
Italian Cuisine:
The culinary culture of Loreto is typically Italian, with dominant dishes from the Marche region. A traditional dish is Vincisgrassi, also spelled incisgrassi, a typical pasta dish from Marche, similar to lasagna, considered one of the gastronomic symbols of Marche cuisine. It consists of thin layers of pasta, usually made with 100 grams of flour per egg, meat sauce. The meat is coarsely chopped and mixed with cloves, celery, onion, carrot, chicken giblets, tomatoes, mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese, along with béchamel sauce with lots of nutmeg. It's a dish rich in flavors and aromas, perfect for holidays and large celebrations. We recommend this recipe for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner for two! For dessert, don’t miss the traditional crostata di marmellata – an Italian tart made with shortcrust pastry filled with jam (usually from berries, apricots, or figs).
Polish Cuisine:
The cuisine of the Częstochowa region draws from Silesian and Lesser Polish traditions, offering hearty and filling dishes. One of the traditional soups is żurek – a sour soup made from fermented rye flour, perfectly complemented with egg and sausage. It's one of the favorite dishes of Poles, often served during Easter and on colder days. It’s usually served with bread and sometimes with white sausage. A perfect warming dish for a Valentine's Day lunch! If you're in the mood for something sweet, of course, we recommend sernik (cheesecake). Its traditional version is made with curd cheese, eggs, sugar, and a shortcrust base, but in restaurants, you can find hundreds of variations of this exceptional sweet treat.
Bavarian Cuisine:
The Bavarian cuisine of Altotting is famous for its meat dishes, beer, and traditional pastries. We recommend one of the region's traditional dishes: weißwurst – Bavarian white sausages made from minced veal and bacon, flavored with parsley, lemon, and marjoram. They are served with mustard and fresh pretzels, making them a classic Bavarian dish. In street food form, they will surely be perfect for a Valentine's Day stroll. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, we recommend apfelstrudel – a pastry filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and sugar. It's often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Portuguese Cuisine:
The cuisine of the Ourem/Fatima region is very diverse, with fish and seafood dominating the menu due to its proximity to the coast. We recommend a dish loved by all Portuguese – bacalhau à brás – a dish made with dried cod, one of the staple ingredients of Portuguese cuisine. The cod is mixed with potatoes, eggs, onions, and olives, creating a dish that is filling and flavorful. The perfect drink to accompany the meal is ginja – a sweet cherry liqueur, often served with a piece of fruit in a glass or in chocolate cups.
French Cuisine:
The cuisine of Lourdes is unique, full of flavor, and local ingredients such as duck, foie gras, wine, and cheeses. One of the traditional dishes is confit de canard – duck cooked in its fat. The meat is incredibly juicy and tender, often served with potatoes or beans, making it a classic French dish. France is a country known for its exquisite desserts, and in the Lourdes region, you can try both classics and regional specialties. Maybe you’ll choose crème brûlée? A refined dessert made with a cream base, egg yolks, and a thin crispy layer of caramel on top.
Swiss Cuisine:
Swiss cuisine, especially in the alpine region where Einsiedeln is located, combines dishes with milk, cheese, meat, and potatoes. Today, we recommend älplermagronen – a casserole made with pasta, potatoes, cheese, and onions. The dish is often served with apple sauce, which adds a sweet flavor and lightens the dish. A unique dessert that is the perfect conclusion to a meal, especially on winter evenings, is the Swiss nusstorte – a nut cake with a crunchy, buttery consistency, filled with a nut mixture, sugar, and honey.
Austrian Cuisine:
Austrian cuisine, especially in the mountainous regions, combines meat dishes, potatoes, and regional wines. You cannot miss the classic Austrian schnitzel – wiener schnitzel – breaded and fried to a golden crisp. The meat is served with potatoes, potato salad, or berries. This is a symbol of Austrian cuisine, beloved by both locals and tourists. The sachertorte – one of the most famous Austrian cakes – is a chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in chocolate. This treat is a tradition of Austrian confectionery, known worldwide. It tastes best, of course, in Mariazell!
We hope that you’ve felt the aromas of these delicacies, and your stomach is signaling that it’s time for a little something! Prepare one of our suggestions for yourself and your loved ones. Even better: visit one of the restaurants in the Shrines of Europe cities and try the dishes served by the best chefs in our regions. This way, you will open the door to a unique, unconventional culinary world. And who knows, maybe a visit to the restaurant in search of the best flavors will be an opportunity to make new acquaintances and friendships? Enjoy your meal!
