Pączki is a traditional polish pastry similar to a donut that is known for a variety of sweet fillings and powdered sugar on top. While there is no true "Pączki Day", traditionally you'll see this day celebrated on the Tuesday before Lent begins. But here's what you may not know about these delicious sweet treats:
- Even though it has become popular and widely available all across the US, Pączki originated in Poland.
- The word "Pączki" is already plural, so don't get caught in the Weber's Bakery line saying "pączkis"!
- In Poland, the primary day to eat Pączki is actually Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Ash Wednesday
- Because the polish communities around the US have integrated into a lot wider-known celebrations, "Tłusty Czwartek" (Fat Thursday) has somewhat merged into Mardi Gras, which is why we now celebrate on "Fat Tuesday"
- They aren't the same as doughnuts. The making of Pączki on this day is when the Polish would use up all their rich ingredients like butter, milk, eggs (donuts are not typically as rich tasting) so they don't spoil during the 40 days of lent where they are typically refraining from eating such high fat content food, so they indulge one last time before they have to give it up for that long period of time!
 Photo Credit: Polish Delicatessen in Glendale Heights |
But how do you pronounce Pączki? Any true Chicagoan (or Polish person, like myself!) can tell you, it looks nothing like it sounds, just like many of our crazy Polish last names that contain too many consonants. 😂 It is pronounced "pooo-nch-key". But it can depend on your region and dialect how the first syllable is pronounced- you may hear arguments for pon-chkey or poonchkey. But there is no doubt about the wrong ways to say it- just use this silly video to listen to the right and wrong ways pronunciations of Pączki:
So now that you're convinced you have to try this delicacy to celebrate Pączki Day, where do you find them? We've rounded up all the best local independent bakeries, and we even have some great traditional Polish bakeries in the area.
Local Bakeries in the West Suburbs Where you can buy Pączki:
- Barbara's Polish Deli - Addison
- Celina's Fresh Market - Lemont
- Chicago Pastry - Bloomingdale
- DeEtta's Bakery - Naperville
- Deli 4 You Market - Schaumburg
- Ewa's Polish Deli - Bloomingdale
- Hanna's Bakery & Cafe - Bloomingdale
- Kirsten's Danish Bakery - Burr Ridge
- Kuppies Bakery - Villa Park
- Lassak Polish Grocery Store - Willowbrook
- Polish Delicatessen - Glendale Heights
- Shop & Save Market - Downers Grove
- Sweet Reserve - Lombard
- Sylvia's Bakery - Darien
- Vanilla Sugar Bakery - Glen Ellyn
- Witek’s Bakery - Palos Hills
 Photo Credit: Polish Delicatessen in Glendale Heights |
We hope you have a chance to try out some Pączki! Make sure you call ahead or order early-- many of them sell out or have long lines starting as early as 4 am! Or celebrate like a true local on Polish pączki day on February 27th! 😉
❤️ Enjoy!
Feeling ambitious and want to try to make your own? Here's a traditional recipe you can try:
