zapiekanka

Zapiekanka is a Polish open-faced toasted sandwich that is widely considered a staple of street food. It is typically made from a long or half baguette split lengthwise, topped with sautéed mushrooms (often with onions) and grated cheese, and then baked until the cheese melts and the bread is crisp. After baking, a line or drizzle of ketchup or a tomato-based sauce is commonly added, and additional toppings such as peppers, ham, olives, garlic, or herbs may be used.

The dish is believed to have originated in Poland in the 1970s as an inexpensive, filling street snack, with strong associations to Warsaw and, in some accounts, Kraków. The name derives from the Polish verb zapiec, meaning to bake, reflecting its oven-toasted preparation.

Zapiekanka remains popular in Polish street food culture and is commonly sold at stands, markets, and late-night venues. Variations exist across regions and vendors, with chefs experimenting with different cheeses, breads, and toppings while preserving the core concept of a toasted baguette topped with mushrooms and melted cheese.