Poles usually eat "niadanie" (breakfast) before 8 AM. The main meal "obiad" is at 3 PM pm and is the meal the family expects to gather for. The evening meal "kolacja" is smaller and is eaten before 8:30 PM.
The continental style of eating is used. Both hands (not the elbows) are kept above the table during the meal. Eating should not begin until everyone has been served and the host or head of the family has begun. When eating as a guest, it is impolite not to finish one's first helping.
Meals are usually eaten at home (apart from “second breakfast” that is usually eaten at school or work). Some children may eat their dinner at the school's canteen (lunchroom). Sometimes people eat in the city which is becoming more, but overall meals at home are preferred.