The paper presents the development of national food and some factors influencing the specific character of it. It includes a brief description of nutritional routines appearing typical for Poles in the past and depending on the wealth of individual social classes. Old-Polish dishes are explained, and different menu types for holidays in different classes of society are cited and exemplified by a menu from the 19^th century. Finally, there are presented methods to disseminate and popularize the Old-Polish cuisine regarded a distinguisher of our national uniqueness as an element of the general Polish cuisine.