Fat Thursday in Warsaw: A Guide to Polish Pączki

The Tradition of Fat Thursday in Poland

Have you ever heard of Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek)? It's arguably the sweetest day on the Polish calendar. Traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday of the carnival season, this joyous occasion symbolically marks the final countdown to the beginning of Lent. It is a day dedicated to pure indulgence before the period of fasting and restraint begins.

On this specific day, moderation is thrown out the window as people across the country consume tons of sweet treats. It is a beloved cultural phenomenon where eating just one is often considered not enough, and locals take great pride in keeping this high-calorie tradition alive to properly say goodbye to the carnival season.

Polish Pączki vs. Regular Doughnuts

If you are picturing a standard doughnut with a hole in the center, think again. The star of Fat Thursday is the Polish pączek. These are big, fat spheres of fried dough with no hole in the middle, ensuring there is maximum room for delicious contents inside.

While you can find various modern flavors today, the traditional filling is undoubtedly rose jam. These treats are typically glazed and topped with candied orange peel or dusted with powdered sugar. Unlike the airy rings found elsewhere, Polish doughnuts are substantial, rich, and packed with a generous amount of sweet filling.

Where to Find the Best Pączki in Warsaw

Warsaw offers countless spots to grab a treat, but two names stand out in the local culinary scene based on the source material. For the most well-known and historic experience, many head to the famous patisserie A. Blikle, a brand synonymous with Warsaw's cafe tradition.

However, if you are looking for what many locals consider the absolute best doughnut in the city, you must head to the Wola district to visit Zagoździński. This legendary workshop is widely regarded as the gold standard for traditional Polish doughnuts, outshining many commercial competitors.

What to Expect: Queues and Logistics

If you decide to visit a top-tier bakery like Zagoździński on Fat Thursday, you must be prepared for the reality of the day: the lines. Getting your hands on the best pastries often requires standing in a very long queue, sometimes for quite a while. It is all part of the ritual, and the reward is a fresh pastry that defines the holiday.

Regarding cost, prices can vary significantly across the city. While the premium spots charge more than supermarkets, the quality of the dough and the authenticity of the filling usually make the extra expense—and the wait—worthwhile for food enthusiasts.

Walking Off the Calories

There is one undeniable commonality among all these doughnuts: they contain tons of calories. These are dense, sugary treats designed to satisfy, so indulging usually leads to a very heavy feeling afterward.

To balance out the feast, it is highly recommended to go for a walk. Exploring the city on foot is the perfect way to burn off some of those extra calories. Whether you join a guided walking tour with Walkative or simply wander the streets, moving your body is the best way to recover from the sweetest day of the year.