Kolacja

Kolacja is the Polish term for the evening meal. It denotes the meal eaten in the evening, following the main midday meal, and is usually lighter than obiad. The word is of Polish origin and has been used since the Middle Ages to distinguish the evening meal from the daytime one.

In traditional Polish daily life, the main daily course is the obiad, served in the early to late afternoon. Kolacja often consists of lighter fare such as bread or rolls with cold cuts and cheese, a simple soup, a salad, vegetables, dairy products, or leftovers from the day's cooking. Beverages commonly accompany kolacja, including tea, coffee, water, or juice. While many households keep kolacja modest, regional and family traditions vary: in some areas kolacja may be a small, light meal; in others it can be a substantial dish, especially during colder seasons.

In modern Poland, eating patterns have become diverse. Some people have a late, hearty kolacja; others have a quick, casual meal or skip it entirely in favor of a later snack. The term kolacja is often translated into English as dinner or supper, depending on context; it contrasts with obiad, which is still used to refer to the main daytime meal in many regions. Colloquially, people may also refer to kolacja as wieczorna kolacja to emphasize the evening timing.