Chicago has long been known as one of America's greatest food cities, where cultures, neighborhoods, and traditions come together to create something entirely new. Few restaurants embody that spirit better than Kimski, a Bridgeport favorite that has spent the last decade proving that Polish and Korean cuisine can not only coexist, but thrive together.
It all started with a Polish sausage.
Before Kimski ever opened its doors, the idea was born during Monday industry nights at Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar.
Owners Ed and Mike Marszewski, whose family has both Polish and Korean roots, served free grilled Polish sausages topped with kimchi as part of their weekly "Ko-Po Barbecues." The casual gathering became a playground for Chicago chefs to experiment with flavors from both cultures.
One of those chefs was Won Kim.
What began as a few creative dishes shared among friends soon sparked an idea that no one could have predicted. The combination of Korean flavors and Polish comfort food wasn't meant to replace tradition, it was meant to celebrate it in a completely new way.
When Kimski opened in 2016, it challenged expectations. Pierogi were filled with Korean barbecue, Polish sausage found a new partner in kimchi, and familiar ingredients from two proud cultures came together on the same plate. It was bold, unexpected, and undeniably Chicago.
Fusion restaurants often come and go, but Kimski has endured because it understands something important: great food starts with respect. Rather than trying to redefine Polish or Korean cuisine, Chef Won Kim and the Marszewski family created a space where both traditions could inspire one another.
As Kimski celebrates a decade in Bridgeport, its legacy extends beyond the menu. It reminds us that Chicago's food scene has always been shaped by immigrants willing to share their traditions while embracing new ideas. In a city where neighborhoods and cultures constantly intersect, restaurants like Kimski tell a story that could only happen here.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of traditional Polish cooking or someone discovering pierogi for the first time, Kimski offers a different perspective, one that proves honoring your heritage doesn't always mean standing still. Sometimes, the best way to celebrate the past is to have the courage to create something entirely new.
