Day of the Paunch
Today is Fat Thursday. And as such, Poles must eat as many doughnuts (paczki) as possible. No one quite knows when this tradition began. Or why for that matter. But given the Polish love of cakes, you can rest assured that the custom won't die out any time soon. On the contrary, Poles love Paczki Day, and long may it continue to prosper.
If you want to join in the doughnut fest, you won't have to walk far to find a confectioner. Look out for 'Cukiernia' signs, or just follow your nose. More doughnuts are baked in Poland on this day than most European countries will make in an entire year.
One word of warning though to the uninitiated. Those adventurers brought up on raspberry or strawberry doughnuts might get an unexpected shock. Poles traditionally use rose jam - something of an acquired taste, if you've never tasted it before.
Finally, where do you go for the most traditional confectioner? Well, you could try Cichowscy on at Starowislna 21. But Hawelka on the square alsao rustle up a fine paczek. Smacznego!