23 Popular Polish Soups (+ Easy Recipes)

Looking for comfort food during colder months? You should definitely give hearty Polish soups a try!

From zurek and barszcz to borscht and rosol, Poland offers a wide range of soups.

And they aren’t just tasty and cozy, but are nutritious, to boot.

Whether you want your soup with potatoes or beets, or maybe with sausage and bacon, there’s a recipe out here for you.

Some of these soups make for fantastic sides, especially with bread or potatoes.

Others, however, are nourishing enough to be a complete meal on their own.

With their bright colors and even brighter flavors, Polish soups can instantly warm your body on a cold day.

1. Polish Beet Borscht Soup

This traditional Polish beet borsch soup is a hearty and flavorful staple.

Its base of beets gives the soup an earthy body, while the vegetable stock brings out its richness and warmth. 

Sugar adds just enough sweetness to cut through any tanginess, leaving you wanting more. 

A splash of lemon juice provides a tartness that brings out the beets’ flavors even further. 

Lastly, a hint of garlic gives a savory kick sure to elevate this comforting and satisfying dish.

2. Krupnik (Polish Barley Soup)

Krupnik (or Polish barley soup) is a hearty and warming soup from Eastern Europe.

The combination of dried mushrooms, potatoes, root vegetables, and dried juniper berries makes this soup both aromatic and full of flavor. 

Serve krupnik with rye bread for a complete Polish meal.

3. Polish Tomato Rice Soup (Pomidorowa z Ryzem)

Polish tomato rice soup, also known as ‘pomidorowa z ryzem’, is a bold soup with tomatoes, rice, and vegetables. 

It’s often served alongside a protein such as sausage or chicken and other accompaniments like bread or butter. 

Though this hearty meal may not look exciting at first glance, its rustic flavors create a magical harmony. 

4. Żurek (Classic Polish Sour Rye Soup)

Żurek, or Polish sour rye soup, is truly something special. 

It’ i’s made from a fermented rye starter, giving the broth a distinctive sour taste. 

It’s then served with boiled egg halves, bacon, and white Kielbasa for added protein and flavor. 

While the recipe may vary from region to region, there’s no denying that Żurek is one of Poland’s favorites.

5. Polish Chicken Noodle Soup (Rosół)

This classic Polish soup features egg noodles cooked in a rich and flavorful broth with chicken and carrots. 

As simple as it is, rosol is comforting and filling. 

It’s perfect for cold winter days when you’re looking for warmth without breaking out a lengthy recipe book. 

Add your favorite fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and enjoy.

6. Zupa Ogórkowa (Polish Dill Pickle Soup)

Zupa ogórkowa is a classic Polish dill pickle soup that’ll delight you with its unique flavor. 

Dill pickles are flavored with garlic and simmered in a creamy broth. This is where the soup gets its iconic flavor.

Fresh dill gives the soup a bright, herbal flavor. Carrots, celery, and potatoes add color and heartiness. 

Finish the soup with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche for a balance of flavors.

7. Zupa Owocowa (Polish Fruit Soup)

If you’re looking for a sweet soup to break the routine, this is definitely worth trying.

Made with a thick, sweetened puree of mixed berries, this soup is highly refreshing. 

Best part? You can enjoy zupa owocowa warm or cold, as both versions are pleasingly delicious.

8. Polish Sorrel Soup (Zupa Szczawiowa)

Polish sorrel soup is made with spinach dock, a leafy veggie with a lemon flavor. 

This recipe also throws potatoes, carrots, and celery into the mix for more oomph.

Bay leaf and allspice berries are included as well for added depth of flavor. 

Together, they create a meal full of lively flavors you’ll surely enjoy.

9. Polish Mushroom Soup (Zupa Grzybowa)

Polish mushroom soup, also known as zupa grzybowa, is a classic holiday meal in Poland. 

This creamy soup is made with plenty of fresh and dried mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.

The broth is infused with sour cream or yogurt to make it even thicker and richer.

Whether served on its own or with warm bread, this soup is sure to bring you comfort and joy.

10. Chłodnik (Polish Beet Summer Cooler Soup)

Chłodnik is a traditional Polish summer cooler soup made of beets and buttermilk. 

Add a dollop of crème fraîche just before serving for creaminess.

Sprinkle fresh dill and chopped green onions as well for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Best eaten chilled, this soup is light and refreshing. It’s perfect for days when it’s too hot to be eating heavy foods. 

11. Kielbasa (Polish Sausage Soup)

Kielbasa soup is a hearty Polish soup with lots of sausages, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

It’s an excellent way to warm up on those cold winter days. 

This hearty dish not only provides warmth and comfort, but a great deal of nutrition as well! 

The carbs from the potatoes, protein from the sausage, and vitamins from the veggies make this soup a nourishing meal.

12. Polish Yellow Split Pea Soup (Grochówka)

Grochówka is a traditional Polish dish with plenty of heart-warming flavors. 

It starts with yellow split peas that are cooked with potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. 

Vegetable broth serves as the soup’s backbone, which is finished with soya cream for more richness. 

The soup is already hearty, but if you’re extra hungry, serve it with a piece of warm bread.

13. Polish Winter White Soup (Zupa Krem z Białych Warzyw)

Winter white soup is a light and slightly tart seasonal favorite.

It features white vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, celery, and horseradish.

The vegetables are then cooked with a smooth sour cream broth to create a balanced flavor.

It’s surprisingly light yet hearty and comforting at the same time. 

14. Fasolowa (Polish Bean Soup)

Zupa fasolowa is made with creamy white beans, bacon, potatoes, herbs, and spices. 

The combination of bacon and white beans creates a distinct smoky flavor you won’t get anywhere else.

This delicious soup comes together fairly quickly with minimal effort, perfect for busy days.

However, don’t forget to soak the beans in water 10 hours in advance.

15. Polish Strawberry Soup (Zupa Truskawkowa z Makaronem)

Strawberry soup with pasta might sound like an odd combination, but it works.

The broth is a thick mix of strawberries, cream, and sugar.

The addition of pasta shells provides a nice starchy contrast to the refreshing broth.

16. Polish Sauerkraut Soup (Kapusniak)

Kapusniak is a wonderfully rich soup that features hearty vegetables such as potatoes, leeks, carrots, and parsnip.

The sauerkraut brightens up the soup’s overall taste with its characteristic zing. 

17. Creamy Potato Dill Soup (Zupa Koperkowa)

Zupa Koperkowa is a creamy vegetarian favorite sure to satisfy your taste buds. 

This soup is loaded with fresh dill and potatoes and finished off with a hint of nutmeg for warmth. 

This classic comfort food can be enjoyed as a complete meal or an appetizer in smaller portions. 

18. Flaki (Polish Tripe Soup)

Flaki, or Polish tripe soup, is an incredibly flavorful dish brimming with rich and savory goodness. 

The main ingredient is beef tripe, which is the stomach lining of a cow or other four-legged animal.

Distinctly soft yet chewy, the tripe gives the soup a texture unlike any other.

Juniper berries and spices like marjoram and paprika are added to the broth for an even more unique flavor profile. 

After simmering for several hours, flaki is ready to enjoy!

19. Czernina (Polish Duck Blood Soup)

Czernina, or duck blood soup, is a unique Polish dish that has been around for centuries. 

Giving this soup its slightly sour taste is duck’s blood. Dried fruit such as apricots and cherries balance it out with their sweetness. 

That said, this soup is sweet and sour at the same time. 

Toss in egg noodles for a hearty meal.

20. Polish Pumpkin Soup Recipe (Zupa Dyniowa)

This creamy orange classic features nutmeg, ginger, and turmeric for warmth.

There’s a hint of spice to the sweetness of the pumpkin. 

And as this is a Polish recipe, expect potatoes to also be in the mix!

The starchy spud ensures this soup is extra thick and filling. 

21. Polish White Borscht (Bialy Barszcz)

Biały barszcz is the white cousin of the classic red borscht. 

What gives it its iconic white hue is the use of potatoes in place of beets.

The spuds do a fine job of making the soup extra rich and creamy.

Serve white borscht with a dollop of sour cream, dill, and boiled eggs. 

22. Chrzanowa (Polish Horseradish Soup with Bacon & Egg) 

Chrzanowa or Polish horseradish soup has a wonderfully piquant flavor. 

The horseradish’s sharpness is balanced out by heavy cream, creating a perfect flavor harmony.

The soup is finished off with slices of smoky bacon and creamy boiled eggs.

23. Polish Kohlrabi Soup (Zupa z Kalarepy)

Kohlrabi Soup is a traditional Polish dish made from shredded kohlrabi, potatoes, onions, and a clear broth. 

Kohlrabi, which looks a bit like cabbage, has a mild and sweet-spicy flavor reminiscent of radish, yet nuttier.

Its unique taste stands out in this soup, making it both comforting and delicious.