Flaki

Flaki, the Polish version of a renowned beef tripe soup, may not sound particularly pleasant, but it is incredibly important to the country. Although identical recipes may be found in nearby Ukraine, Belarus, and Germany, the soup has been popular in Poland since the 14th century and was thought to be King Jogaila's favorite dish.

Flaki not only provides insight into the rural beginnings of Polish cuisine but also demonstrates that the edible lining from a cow's stomach can form part of a delicious meal if cooked properly.

This soup gets its name from its major component, thin cleaned pieces of beef tripe. It is typically made with a broad variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs, but the recipe varies greatly throughout regions of Poland. Pyzy, Flaki Gorace! in the Praga neighborhood is the place to go for Warsaw's rendition of Flaki.