Tłusty Czwartek donuts in Poland (Printemps - Adobe Stock )
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Poland on Tłusty Czwartek, get ready to indulge in one of the country’s sweetest traditions: Fat Thursday, where calories don’t count, and it’s all about pączki (pronounced “poonch-kee”)—Poland’s beloved deep-fried donuts.
I still remember the first time I learned about Tłusty Czwartek. I had just arrived at my Polish language class on base, and our instructor, Kasia, was already inside waiting for us with a box of warm, freshly made donuts. That entire lesson was centered around Tłusty Czwartek and its significance in Polish culture, with plenty of time dedicated to discussing the tradition and, of course, eating pączki. I took one bite, slowly finished it off, and then Kasia looked at me with a mischievous smile and said, “Well, go on, have another!” And just like that, I was hooked—on both the tradition and the delicious donuts.
This day, celebrated on the last Thursday before Lent, is all about stuffing your face with these sugary, doughy delights. So, loosen your belt and get ready for a sugar high!
Pączki are a Polish treat that have become synonymous with Tłusty Czwartek. These delicious donuts come in all kinds of flavors, but they’re always filled with something tasty, whether it’s jam, cream, or custard. The dough is rich and buttery, deep-fried to perfection, and then dusted with powdered sugar. Think of them as the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.
While there are plenty of varieties to explore, let’s start with the basics:
Traditional Pączki with Rose Jam The classic! These are filled with a sweet, slightly tart rose jam, which gives them an aromatic kick that perfectly complements the sweet dough.
Pączki with Plum Jam This variety takes on a fruity vibe, with the rich plum filling adding a deeper, more intense flavor. Perfect for those who want a more unique spin on the classic.
Pączki with Custard For those who love a creamy, dreamy filling, custard-filled pączki are the way to go. Think of it like biting into a donut and getting a little custard surprise—pure joy.
Pączki with Alcoholic Fillings (like Vodka or Liquor) In Poland, they get a little adventurous! Some pączki come with a boozy filling—vodka or fruit liquor—that adds a fun twist to the day’s festivities. Cheers!
Pączki with Sweet Cream Think of this as the light, fluffy version of the donut—filled with smooth sweet cream for a perfect balance of indulgence and lightness.
Polish Pączki pastries (alphazero - Adobe Stock)
Tłusty Czwartek is not just about eating; it’s a day to celebrate before the sacrifices of Lent. While the rest of Europe might be busy with their own food traditions (like Mardi Gras or Carnival), Poland has turned Fat Thursday into a full-blown donut party. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to join in on a national holiday dedicated to eating donuts?
On Tłusty Czwartek, you’ll see Polish bakeries packed with locals and tourists alike, each holding their own box of pączki to take home or enjoying them on the spot with coffee. It’s an explosion of sugar and joy. Don’t be surprised if you see people stuffing their faces with pączki in public—you’re expected to eat as many as your stomach can handle (or at least try!).
If you’re looking for the best places to snag some of these sweet treats, Poland has you covered! Here are a few top spots where you can indulge in the finest pączki.
Cukiernia Pawłowicz (Warsaw) Known for its premium quality pastries, Cukiernia Pawłowicz is a must-visit in Warsaw. Their pączki are a local favorite, with a perfectly balanced dough and a variety of fillings, including the traditional rose jam and more adventurous options like liquor-filled versions.
Blikle (Warsaw) One of the most famous pastry shops in Warsaw, Blikle has been serving up pączki since 1869. Their pączki are a historical and tasty treat, made with love and attention to detail. Don’t miss the chance to grab one of their signature rose jam-filled pączki.
Cukiernia Zagoźdź (Kraków) If you find yourself in Kraków, head over to Cukiernia Zagoźdź for some of the best pączki in the city. Known for their rich, fluffy texture, these donuts are perfectly fried and generously filled with jams or custards. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, especially on Tłusty Czwartek.
Cukiernia Sowa (Various Locations) Cukiernia Sowa is a beloved chain with locations all across Poland, including in cities like Kraków, Wrocław, and Warsaw. Known for their consistent quality and large variety of fillings, their pączki are light and flavorful. If you’re not sure what to try, go for the classic rose jam or the more modern chocolate-filled options.
Zdolni (Wrocław) In Wrocław, Zdolni is an excellent place to grab a pączek. Their creations are perfect for those who enjoy a mix of tradition and innovation. While the with rose jam filling is always a good choice, try their unique offerings like caramelized apple or chocolate-orange-filled pączki.
Assortment of doughnuts on cafe showcase. Variety of desserts with different flavours on shelves in store. Restaurant confectionery, bakery (Nedopekin Yuriy)
Try Different Flavors: Don’t just settle for one type of pączki—sample as many as you can! Each one has its own charm.
Share the Love: Pączki are best enjoyed with friends and family. Don’t be shy—order a dozen (or two!) and have a pączki party.
Pace Yourself: It’s easy to get carried away with all the sweet fillings but remember: moderation is key. Or, you know, just embrace the sugar coma and go for it. Tomorrow is a new day anyway!
