Halal Zakopane? Of course!
1 August 2023
3 August 2023
Halal Zakopane? Of course!
Although highland cuisine and halal food differ in many ways, both have their roots in tradition, culture and religion. They may not be completely incompatible, and you can find some similarities and opportunities for them to complement each other!
Similarities between highland cuisine and halal food? First of all, both cuisines use mutton, which is allowed in Islam and valued in Podhale. This is a big advantage, and the next one? Highland cuisine rarely uses pork, which is strictly forbidden in Islam. Both highland cuisine and halal food are based on easily available potatoes, which are healthy and filling. Both cuisines value dairy products, especially sheep's cheeses, which are characteristic of Podhale and at the same time compatible with halal.
Can highland cuisine and halal food complement each other? Of course. The cuisine in Podhale can adapt to the requirements of halal ritual slaughter, which consists of quickly bleeding the animal. Tourists from the Middle East are Muslims, so they do not eat pork. As they emphasize, halal food stands out for its high quality, purity and safety, because it contains no harmful additives, preservatives or colorings.
Is that all the two cuisines have in common? Highland cuisine means aromatic herbs: mainly garlic, marjoram and caraway. Similar seasonings are also used in preparing halal food, although it uses far more spices - chili peppers, cinnamon, cardamom and curry.
Is that all? There is one more positive feature: traditional highland cuisine does not use alcohol, which is forbidden in Islam, to prepare dishes.
Halal restaurants are also appearing in Zakopane, where guests from Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia can eat well! Here are a few dishes that guests from the Middle East can try while in Zakopane.
Kwaśnica - a sour soup made of sauerkraut and mutton, which warms and fills you up.
Moskole - potato pancakes baked on a griddle, with a crispy crust and a soft inside. They are made from boiled and mashed potatoes, flour, water and salt. They can be eaten sweet or savory, for example with bryndza (sheep's cheese) or garlic butter.
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