On February 27, 2025, celebrated Polish chef Magda Gessler engaged with fans and audiences during the Shrove Tuesday festivities, also known as Tłusty Czwartek or Fat Thursday, by showcasing traditional Polsih pastries on the morning show, "Dzień dobry TVN." The event not only highlighted her culinary expertise but also sparked discussions about the rising prices of her famous donuts (pączki) and how she navigates public perception.
Gessler, known for her charismatic presence and culinary authority as seen on her show "Kuchenne Rewolucje," prepared faworki live on air, emphasizing the importance of high-quality ingredients. She stated, “Jeden pączek mi wystarczy, bo cały tydzień pracuję nad tym, żeby były one genialne, idealne, fantastyczne, wspaniałe.” During cooking segments, she showed viewers how to make dough, selecting sour cream over regular, and even humorously noted the absolute requirement of vinegar to achieve the perfect crunch, leading to some unexpected moments on set.
Despite the culinary charm, Gessler's participation didn’t come without its controversies. A slip of the tongue resulted in her using strong language live on television, catching the hosts off guard. The incident served as a reminder of the informal, sometimes unpredictable nature of live programming and the unique personality Gessler brings to her shows. Damian Michałowski, one of the show’s hosts, couldn't contain his laughter, noting, “To jest telewizja poranna!” as the moment unfolded.
Later on, Gessler took to the streets of Warsaw to give away her famous donuts. While she proudly touted her pastries—priced at 23 zł for the classic version and 24 zł for gourmet fillings—she also greeted fans with smiles and enthusiasm. Gessler’s promotions weren't merely for show; she has been celebrating 30 seasons of "Kuchenne Rewolucje," and this outreach connected her to viewers as she distributed pączki, which have become iconic symbols of the Polish pre-Lenten festivities.
Much of the public debate surrounding Gessler centers on the cost of her offerings. The pricing of her pączki has drastically increased over the years—from 8 zł at "U Fukiera" back in 2021, to 24 zł for newer specialty flavors today. While Gessler defends the price points by citing the quality of ingredients, stating: “By wyprodukować dobrego pączka, trzeba zakupić 36 żółtek, prawie pół kilograma masła i kilogram mąki.” This justification resonates with some fans but raises eyebrows among others who feel the pricing reflects excessive luxury.
Following her street giveaway, some criticized Gessler over the hygiene displayed during her festive eating. Observers noted her enjoyment of the donuts above the rest, pure pleasure contrasted with concerns over food etiquette. Unfazed, Gessler replied mainly to positive comments, celebrating the craftsmanship behind her pastries, which she claims are created with warmth and love.
Fans are divided—some admire her audacious approach to food and culture, claiming, “Magda jest w niebie, ale inni goście mogą mieć jakieś ALE.” Meanwhile, her appearance sparked comments about professionalism, with critiques of her eating style: “Jak tak można!” echoing through social media platforms.
Despite the mixed reception, Gessler remains undeterred, embracing her role as both artist and entrepreneur within Poland’s culinary scene. The donut debate highlights broader conversations about food value and consumer expectation reflected within Polish culture, particularly during key celebrations such as Shrove Tuesday.
Alongside these festivities, Gessler continues to entertain and educate viewers on her successful television series and embodies the spirit of Polish traditions. Shrove Tuesday is not only about indulgence but also involves the navigation of modern food culture, where the culinary legacy is refined by personal flair and public involvement.
With her continued success and the opening of new avenues of culinary exploration, Gessler remains at the forefront of Poland's gastronomic offerings, encouraging festive celebrations even amid criticism. This year's Shrove Tuesday revealed not just delicious pastries but also the spirited discussion around culinary accessibility and costs, as her fans eagerly await the next chapter of both her career and culinary adventures.