Cara, most tourists think Polish cuisine is all meat and dairy, but there are some beautiful traditional plant-based dishes hiding in plain sight if you know what to order. The key is understanding what's naturally vegan versus what gets modified with butter or milk.

Kapuśniak (sauerkraut soup) is traditionally made with vegetable stock and is completely plant-based - just confirm 'bez mięsa i bez śmietany' (no meat, no cream) when ordering. You'll find it on most traditional restaurant menus for 12-18 PLN. Mizeria, that refreshing cucumber salad with fresh dill, is almost always vegan and pairs perfectly with any meal. Pierogi ruskie (potato and onion filled) should be vegan, but sempre ask if they add butter to the filling - some places do, some don't.

For modern options, Krowarzywa was the game-changer - completely plant-based burger chain with locations across Warsaw. However, many have closed recently due to financial difficulties, so check their website for current operating locations before planning a visit. When open, their combo meals run 45-57 PLN and honestly rival any traditional burger joint.

Pro tip from my Polish friends: look for 'postne' dishes on traditional menus - these are Lent-appropriate meals that are naturally plant-based. Also, most Polish breakfast places serve excellent avocado toast and plant milk options now, especially around Mokotów and Śródmieście districts.