Christmas Eve
Traditional Polish Christmas Meal
Pierogi –Polish Dumplings with Sauerkraut and Wild Mushroom
Ryba po grecku - Cod served on Tomato and Vegetable Mash
Zupa grzybowa - Wild Mushroom Soup with Polish style Pasta
Barszcz- Beetroot Soup served with a Sauerkraut and Wild Mushroom Croquette
Makielki –Pasta with Poppy Seeds, Raisins and Nuts
Panierowany sandacz - Pan-fried Zander Fish served with Sourdough Bread
Root Vegetable Salad served on a Croute
English Option - Turkey fillet served with vegetables
5 courses per person £28
Please turnover the page to read about a Traditional Polish Christmas Eve.
Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration as it is in most countries of the Christian world. The difference being that Christmas Eve is celebrated as the main event.
Christmas Eve is a day first of fasting and then feasting at the appearance of the first star. Traditionally, no red meat is served, but fish, usually Carp. The meal, which includes many traditional dishes and desserts, can sometimes last for over two hours, followed with the exchange of gifts.
The feast begins at night on the appearance of the first star in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem, known as “The Little Star” or Gwiazdka. Children will watch the sky anxiously hoping to be the first to cry out “The star has come”. Only after the star appears, the family members sit down to the dinner table.
Traditionally, hay is spread under the tablecloth as a reminder that Christ was born in a Manger. Others partake in the practice of placing money under the tablecloth for each guest in order to wish for prosperity in the New Year.
The meal begins with the breaking of the Oplatek, which is a type of Wafer. Everyone at the table breaks off a piece and eats it as a symbol of their unity with Christ. They then share a piece with each family member.
The tradition is to serve twelve different dishes symbolizing the Twelve Apostles, or alternatively an odd number of dishes for Good Luck, usually five, seven or nine.
After the meal, the evening is spent telling stories and singing around the Christmas tree. In some areas of Poland, children are taught that “The Little Star” brings them the gifts.
Christmas Eve ends with Pasterka, the Midnight Mass at the local Church.