Located at the crossroads of Europe, Poland's food culture is like a colorful tapestry, combining Slavic simplicity, Baltic depth and Central European elegance. From medieval rye bread to modern molecular cuisine, Polish cuisine has always been known for the "magic of simple ingredients." Archaeological discoveries show that rye was grown on the Polish plains as early as the Bronze Age, and this hardy grain is still the cornerstone of the national diet. The gingerbread craftsmanship brought by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century evolved into the world-famous Piernik in the ancient city of Toruń; and the birth of vodka in the 15th century marked the Polish people's unique interpretation of spirits.