West Pomeranian Cuisine — Fish, Paprykarz, and Herring

West Pomeranian cuisine is the cuisine of a coastal region — based on Baltic and freshwater fish, with influences from German and Swedish cuisines. It is simple, hearty, but at the same time diverse — from fish specialties to thick soups.

1. Szczecin Paprykarz

The icon of Szczecin cuisine — fish paste with rice, tomatoes, peppers, and onion. Invented in the 1960s in Szczecin, still produced in many versions. It is served on sandwiches or as a snack.

2. Herring in Oil

A classic of West Pomeranian cuisine. Marinated herring, served with onion, oil, and potatoes in their jackets. There are many variations — in sour cream, in vinegar, with mustard. The best in small fish shops by the sea and lagoon.

3. Smoked Fish

Smoked fish is the icon of the western coast. Halibut, salmon, mackerel, eel — every fish smoked in a home smokehouse tastes different. It is served with bread, butter, and lemon. It is worth trying it in small smokehouses in Świnoujście, Międzyzdroje, Dziwnów.

4. Fish Soup

A soup based on broth from Baltic fish, with vegetables, potatoes, and sour cream. It is served with croutons or bread. In the West Pomeranian version — with dill and bay leaves.

5. Fried Flounder

A flat Baltic fish, fried in a pan, served with fries, salad, and lemon. A classic of seaside fish shops. It is worth trying it in small fish shops in Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Darłowo.

6. Herring in Sour Cream

Marinated herring served in thick sour cream with onion and apple. A classic of German cuisine, also adopted in West Pomerania. It is served with potatoes or bread.

7. Kaszanka with Onion

Buckwheat groat and blood sausage, fried with onion. It is served with potatoes, bread, or as a snack. A simple dish, deeply rooted in the region's tradition.

8. Szczecin Cheesecake

Cold or baked cheesecake, with raisins, orange peel, and vanilla. Popular in Szczecin and the entire region, served at holidays and family celebrations.

Where to Eat?

In Szczecin, it is worth visiting restaurants on the Chrobry Embankment and in the Old Town. In Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, and Darłowo — seaside fish shops and smokehouses. In Międzyzdroje and Dziwnów — fish restaurants. In smaller towns — local fish shops and smokehouses, where the fish is fresh and prices are lower.