Note: If anyone needs a mime in their next movie or play, sign me up!

I have now mastered the art of pointing and gesturing for things I need to survive while in Poland. The other day in Lublin, I went to a delikatessy and pointed to a random pastry in the window. It reminded me of something that would be fruity and sweet. I ran back to my hotel room so I could explore this awesome little Polish treat.

I took a sniff, but that’s not sweet I smell! That’s garlic and spice! Taken aback, I didn’t quite know how to feel. It’s like asking for a birthday cake, but getting a savory quiche instead. I broke it up to find some greenish stringy pieces filling the flaky dough – maybe cabbage? Finally, convincing myself that even though it was not sweet, it could still be delicious, I took a bite.

My eyes lit up with excitement. It was absolutely fantastic. And why wouldn’t I like it? It was garlic and pastry dough, together as one, just as they were always meant to be. I don’t know the name of this amazing mystery pastry, but would recommend one if you ever get a chance!

The second mystery pastry was tasted today in the Old Town center square of Krakow. I saw person after person carrying these little fried pieces of dough with toothpicks and sauce drizzled about. I scurried around from stand to stand until I discovered the root of what looked so amazing. Not knowing what they were, I again busted out my mime skills to gesture that I wanted one. It seems to get the job done time after time.

I found a bench and sat down for this one. The center of the pastry was filled with some sort of cheese, and the cranberry sauce was definitely sweet, yet the pastry had a savory and meaty taste to it underneath. I believe they fried the pastry in ham grease. It was a delightful little treat that only cost me 3 zloty. Not bad!

I still don’t know what either of these pastries are called (thus, the “mystery”), but if anyone does know the name feel free to post it in the comments. Thanks!

…and many more to come!