Discover Silesian oblaty, thin traditional wafers with a rich history dating back to 19th-century Silesia.
What are Oblaty?
Oblaty are thin, round wafers made from a simple dough of water, wheat flour, and oil. Baked in special molds, these wafers have been a traditional snack in Silesia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia for centuries. Sometimes, the recipe includes sugar, milk, vanilla, or cinnamon to enhance their flavor.
The Tradition of Silesian Oblaty
In Silesia, the tradition of baking oblaty dates back to the 19th century. Locals, especially those working in steel mills and forges, perfected the skill of crafting these light, crispy wafers. The wafers are typically 10–20 cm in diameter, 1–3 mm thick, and often feature embossed patterns or text. Traditional baking molds have unique names, like presa or oblate żelazko.
In May 2010, “Silesian oblaty” were officially added to Poland’s list of traditional products, highlighting their cultural and culinary significance.