Chlopskie Jadlo

A familiar name in many Polish cities, Chlopskie Jadlo - which roughly translates as 'peasant food' - has been supplying hungry customers with quality home-style Polish cooking in cheerful rustic surroundings for several years now. The company enjoys a justified reputation for providing hearty meals that taste good and fill you up for a very reasonable price. Recently, however, the menu has been refreshed to include some lighter choices - mindful perhaps that some people don't always want to finish a meal completely stuffed. Needless to say, you can still fill your boots spectacularly if that's your preference.

Right in the centre of Warsaw, just off Marszalkowska Street, Chlopskie Jadlo's interior is dominated by brightly painted walls, heavy wooden furniture and various items of agricultural memorabilia. The extensive menu will surprise even those who already have some familiarity with Polish cuisine, although mainstays such as pierogi, bigos and golonka are all well represented. A typical feast kicks off with complimentary bread and smalec, traditional seasoned pork dripping. From there it's up to you, with lesser appetites perhaps favouring a classic soup served in a round loaf of bread, or maybe grilled fish, while the bigger eaters can follow their starter with a big-hitting meat dish.

Beer is probably the obvious accompaniment for such fare, but there's a decent wine list that goes from half-litre carafes of house red/white to more exotic stuff. If you've any room left, the dessert menu is full of tasty treats, but you may decide you've only enough room for coffee or a digestif.

Although part of a group, Chlopskie Jadlo gives a convincing impression - from décor to menu - of being a small family-run business. Friendly staff in traditional dress add to the charm, and it's no surprise this restaurant is popular.