Credit: Chronicle.lu
On Tuesday 11 March 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Luxembourg teamed up with the Polish Tourism Organisation and the École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) in Diekirch for a Polish culinary experience.
This event showcasing Polish cuisine and food products took place as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (January-June 2025).
Following a welcome reception, EHTL Director Michel Lanners and Polish Chargé d'Affaires Rafał Hykawy delivered speeches. Mr Lanners recalled that the EHTL recently celebrated its 75th anniversary and he later highlighted the role of hospitality and gastronomy in diplomacy, notably in fostering mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation. Mr Hykawy reflected on Poland's journey within the EU, including the impact of membership on the agri-food sector; he highlighted the "dynamic development of [Polish] gastronomy and culinary arts", and noted that Gdańsk has been named the European Capital of Gastronomic Culture for 2025/26.
Chef Michał Soliwoda subsequently introduced attendees (many of whom were diplomats) to Polish cuisine, emphasising its multicultural (Slavic, German, Jewish, Italian) influences, traditional dishes (Bigos stew, Żurek soup...) and regional specialties, and modern trends such as a return to local, organic products, giving traditional dishes a modern twist, and the popularity of street food. He also recalled that Poland is a leading exporter of apples, poultry and dairy products.
Attendees then split up into working groups for three separate workshops: a pierogi (filled dumplings) making workshop led by Chef Michał Soliwoda, a cocktail workshop led by an EHTL barman and a Polish wine and cheese tasting session with an EHTL sommelier.
The fun-filled, hands-on event concluded with a Polish lunch menu: pierogi with different fillings followed by herring on rye bread for starters, a meaty main dish with potato gnocchi and beetroot, and apple crumble for dessert. Attendees could also enjoy cocktails/mocktails and Polish wine.
