Nestled in the heart of Poland, Krakow is a city where history and culinary delights merge to create a truly captivating experience. From hearty traditional dishes to contemporary culinary creations, Krakow offers a diverse food and drink scene. Join me on a gastronomic journey through the streets of Krakow as we explore the city’s dishes and beverages that make it a culinary gem in Central Europe. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new or a traveler looking savour the local culture, this Krakow Food & Drink Guide promises to be a feast for the senses.
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Must Try Foods when in Krakow
Pierogi (Dumplings)
Pierogi are one of Poland’s most famous and beloved dishes. These dumplings are typically made from unleavened dough and can be filled with various ingredients, including potatoes, cheese, meat, mushrooms, or fruits. They are boiled and often served with sour cream, butter, or fried onions.
Where to try Pierogi on a budget: Pierogarnia Krakowiacy
Pierogarnia Krakowiacy specialises in offering an authentic taste of Polish cuisine. Their menu features a wide range of pierogi options, including classic fillings like potato and cheese, as well as more unique and inventive choices such as spinach and feta or wild mushroom.
Where to try Pierogi if you’re feeling fancy: Pod Aniolami
Pod Aniolami is renowned for its fine dining, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion or a romantic evening. The menu features a blend of Polish and European cuisine, with a focus on using high-quality, seasonal ingredients to create culinary masterpieces.
Their Pierogi’s are fried in butter, making them some of the best I tried in while in Krakow!
Obwarzane
Obwarzanek is a traditional Polish pretzel-like bread product. It’s boiled before baking, which gives it a distinctive texture and flavor. It’s commonly sold by street vendors in Poland and is a popular snack or quick breakfast option.
Where to try Obwarzane: You will find Obwarzane being sold all around the streets of Krakow.
Want to make Obwarzane? The Live Bagel Museum of Krakow offers you the the opportunity to learn all about this snack and even make one yourself. Great fun for all the family, just make sure you book in advance.
Zapiekanka
Zapiekanka is a popular Polish street food. It consists of a half-baguettes or other types of bread, typically topped with sautéed mushrooms, cheese, and other toppings like ketchup or mayonnaise. It’s then baked until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.
Where to try: head to Plac Nowy and you will find several different places surving Zapiekanka up. I enjoyed mine from Zapiekanki BarOko and would highly recommend!
Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes)
Placki Ziemniaczane are savory potato pancakes that are a staple in Polish cuisine. Grated potatoes are mixed with ingredients like onions, eggs, and flour, and then fried until golden brown. They are often served with sour cream or applesauce.
Where to try Placki Ziemniaczane: You will find Placki Ziemniaczane on the menu at several restaurants. I enjoyed mine from Zalewajka.
Kotlet Schabowy (Polish roast)
Kotlet Schabowy is Poland’s version of a breaded and fried pork cutlet, similar to a schnitzel. It’s made from pork loin, pounded thin, breaded with breadcrumbs, and fried until crispy. It’s typically served with mashed potatoes and a simple salad.
Where to try Kotlet Schabowy: Zalewajka served up a great Kotlet Schabowy with some of the best creamy mash!
Kapusniazek
Kapusniak is a traditional Polish soup made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and meat, usually pork. It has a tangy and savory flavor and is often enjoyed during the colder months. It’s hearty and comforting, and sometimes served with a dollop of sour cream.
Where to try Kapusniazek: Explore the smaller, local eateries and “milk bars” in Krakow. These establishments often offer a range of traditional Polish comfort food, including Kapusniazek.
Barszcz
Barszcz is a sour beet soup that is a staple in Polish cuisine. It can be served hot or cold and is often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream. It has a vibrant red color and a tangy, earthy flavor.
Where to try Barszcz: head to the “milk bars” in Krakow, where you can often find a variety of traditional Polish, Barszcz included!
Vodka
Vodka is a popular alcoholic beverage in Poland. Polish vodka is known for its quality and craftsmanship, with several renowned brands. Traditional Polish vodka is often served straight and chilled, and it’s also used as a base for many cocktails.
Where to try Vodka: Wodka Bar is the best place to go to try out a variety different flavours of vodka. (I highly recommend trying the salted caramel and grapefruit vodka!)
Must Try Restaurants for Traditional Polish Food
Black Duck
Black Duck is a popular place in Krakow’s Old Town, known for its delectable selection of duck and grilled dishes. The restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and a variety of meat-based options, making it a go-to spot for carnivores.
Judah Food Market
Judah Food Market is a unique dining experience in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. This establishment offers a diverse menu inspired by Middle Eastern and Jewish cuisine, creating a fusion of flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Milk Bar
Milk bars are traditional Polish eateries where you can savor affordable, home-style Polish dishes. They are known for their hearty and authentic food, making them an excellent choice for those looking to taste traditional Polish cuisine on a budget!
Krakowskie Paczki
Krakowskie Paczki is a bakery specializing in traditional Polish pastries. Here, you can enjoy delicious Polish doughnuts known as “paczki” in various flavors and fillings.
Must Try Restaurants for Non Traditional Food
Starka
Starka is a restaurant that combines traditional and modern elements of Polish cuisine. The menu features a range of Polish dishes with a contemporary twist. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in exploring Polish flavors in a more modern context.
Sababa
Sababa is a cocktail bar serving drinks with a Middlle Eastern twist. The bar’s moody atmosphere adds to the overall experience.
Hamsa
Hamsa, located in the heart of Kazimierz, is a Middle Eastern and Israeli restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including shakshuka, hummus, and grilled meats. The restaurant provides an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience.
Moo Moo Steak
Moo Moo Steak is a steakhouse in Krakow that serves high-quality steaks and grilled dishes. It’s a favorite spot for meat lovers looking to savor premium cuts in a contemporary setting.
Must Try Cafes in Krakow for Food and Drink
Poranki
Poranki is a cozy and charming cafe in Krakow. It’s an ideal place for an Instagram worthy brunch. The cafe also offers a selection of coffee, tea, and pastries.
Poranki is a very popular place so make sure you book or expect a long wait, especially over the weekend.
Szal Cafe
Szal Cafe is a hip and artsy cafe that serves a variety of coffee and tea beverages. The cafe is situated in the Rynek Glowny Square, it offers incredible views of St. Mary’s Basilica.
Coffee Garden
Coffee Garden is a popular cafe in Krakow that provides a tranquil garden setting where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, as well as light snacks and desserts.
Fresh Coffee
Fresh Coffee is a coffee shop that focuses on serving high-quality, freshly roasted coffee. Located on the fourth floor next to the Vistula River, it offers incredible views across the city.
The Best Krakow Food and Drink Tours
There are a variety of different tours taking place in Krakow, here are a few suggestions:
Guided Polish Food and Drink Tour with Tastings: perfect for those looking for 11 to 12 Polish food tastings, including soups, street food, main dishes and dessert
Traditional Food Tour: Promising more food than you are able to eat! This tour guides you through the city, stopping to enjoy the local cuisine.
So, whether you’re a foodie seeking new tastes or a traveler eager to savor the local culture, Krakow’s culinary offerings promise to be a feast for the senses. With the help of this Krakow food and drink guide, your gastronomic journey through the enchanting streets of Krakow is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to return for more.
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Yumm! These dishes all look delicious, but I’m vegetarian so I would need to find some alternatives haha
I would say the majority of them are veggie or have veggie options like the dumplings! Perhaps not the steak bar…
What a delightful read! We’re heading to Krakow in 2024, and your recommendations are now pinned as our go-to culinary map. Thanks for the tasty inspiration!
Enjoy your trip! The food was so good!
Sadly we have not yet made it to Poland. We do have a friend from Poland though and have some dishes we would definitely want to try if we got to Krakow. Zapiekanka is certainly something new we would love to try. And since hubby loves beets we would try Barszcz. Tasty reasons to visit Krakow.
Polish food is very underrated, definitely worth a try!
Yum!! I absolutely love Polish food. I visited Poland a few years ago and already looking forward to the time I can return. I wish I would’ve had your lovely food guide to use as a reference because there were definitely some things that I missed! I loved all of the dumplings, soups, and Zapiekanka. The food is so hearty and was perfect for my December visit.
The dumpling were amazing! Always a good excuse to go back if you haven’t experienced it all!
I visited Krakow a couple of years ago and loved the city! The food scene is great as you said, even for vegans like me! SO many nice restaurants 🙂
I loved my week in Krakow! We hired a private local guide who let me provide a list of my interests so he could customize his tour. It was fantastic. I wish I took one of your food tours!