Paczki Paradise: Where to Score These Delicious Treats Locally

By Jordyn Windnagle - February 08, 2024

Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras in French, is a time to indulge before the Lent fasting period begins on Ash Wednesday. The practice starts next week for those who partake and concludes with the celebration of Easter. Mardi Gras festivities take place throughout the world and include many different cultural practices.

Fat Thursday, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, is a particularly special day in Poland for consuming sweet treats. The main dish of choice are paczki, delicious Polish pastries, similar to a doughnut, that typically include fillings like jam, custard, or fruit preserves. The word "paczki" is plural for "paczek," which means "little package" in Polish. These pastries were originally created as a way to use up ingredients like sugar, lard, and fruit preserves before the Lenten fasting period. Over time, the tradition of enjoying paczki spread to various cultures and regions, becoming a beloved delicacy beyond Poland.

If you’re looking for some pleasant paczki to indulge in through the coming week, treat yourself at these local spots!