If you’re planning a trip to Krakow and you love food, you’ve made an excellent choice. Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and full of flavour. Krakow, in particular, is known for its traditional dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore some of the must-try Polish dishes that you should add to your list while in Krakow.
First on our list is barszcz, a beetroot soup that is a staple in Polish cuisine. This soup is usually served with uszka, small pasta-like dumplings filled with mushroom and onion.
Another must-try dish is pierogi, which are dumplings filled with various ingredients such as potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, or meat.
Pierogi are usually boiled or fried and served with sour cream, and they’re a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
If you’re a meat lover, you can’t leave Krakow without trying bigos, a hearty stew made with sauerkraut, various meats, and spices.
Another meat dish to try is kotlet schabowy, which is similar to a breaded pork chop. It’s usually served with mashed potatoes and pickled cucumber.
No matter what your taste preferences are, Krakow has something to offer for everyone when it comes to traditional Polish cuisine.
Understanding Polish Cuisine
When you’re in Krakow, you’ll want to try some of the traditional Polish dishes. Polish cuisine is hearty and often includes meat, potatoes, and cabbage.
Here are some things to know about traditional Polish food:
- Pierogi: These are dumplings that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or cheese. They are often boiled and served with butter and sour cream.
- Bigos: This is a stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and sometimes mushrooms. It’s often served with bread or potatoes.
- Kielbasa: This is a type of sausage that is popular in Poland. It can be made with pork, beef, or a combination of meats.
- Zapiekanka: This is a type of open-faced sandwich that is made with a baguette and topped with cheese, mushrooms, and sometimes meat.
- Żurek: This is a sour soup made with fermented rye flour and often served with sausage and hard-boiled egg.
- Kotlet schabowy: This is a breaded pork cutlet that is similar to a schnitzel.
- Gołąbki: These are cabbage rolls that are filled with meat and rice and often served with tomato sauce.
Polish cuisine also includes a variety of soups, such as barszcz (beet soup) and flaki (tripe soup). For dessert, try some paczki (Polish doughnuts) or sernik (cheesecake).
Overall, traditional Polish dishes are hearty and filling, perfect for a cold day in Krakow. Don’t be afraid to try something new and enjoy the rich flavours of Polish cuisine.
Popular Dishes in Krakow
If you are visiting Krakow, you must try the traditional Polish dishes that the city has to offer. Here are some of the most popular dishes that you should try during your visit:
Pierogi
Pierogi is a staple dish in Krakow and Poland. These dumplings are usually stuffed with cheese and potato, but you can also find them with meat, cabbage, or fruit fillings. Read also Where to eat the best pierogi in Krakow
Pierogi can be boiled, fried, or served as a dessert. You can find them in almost every restaurant and cafe in Krakow.
Bigos
Bigos is a hearty meat and cabbage stew that is traditionally a winter dish. It is made with leftover meat parts, sausage, onion, mushrooms, garlic, and lots of fresh and pickled cabbage.
Although there is no standard recipe for Bigos, it is usually cooked in large batches and served with bread or potatoes.
Kielbasa
Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that is made with pork, beef, or poultry. It is usually seasoned with garlic, pepper, and other spices.
Kielbasa can be grilled, boiled, or fried, and it is often served with bread or potatoes.
Barszcz
Barszcz is a traditional Polish soup made with beets, potatoes, and other vegetables. It is usually served with sour cream and bread.
Barszcz can be served hot or cold, and it is a popular dish during Christmas and Easter.
Gołąbki
Gołąbki are stuffed cabbage rolls that are usually filled with meat, rice, and spices. They are cooked in tomato sauce or broth and served with potatoes or bread.
Gołąbki can be made with pork, beef, or poultry.
Placki Ziemniaczane
Placki Ziemniaczane are Polish potato pancakes that are usually served with sour cream or apple sauce.
They are made with grated potatoes, flour, eggs, and spices. Placki Ziemniaczane can be served as a main dish or a side dish.
Zapiekanka
Zapiekanka is a popular street food in Krakow. It is a type of open-faced sandwich made with a baguette, mushrooms, cheese, and other toppings.
Zapiekanka is usually baked in an oven and served hot.
Kotlet Schabowy
Kotlet Schabowy is a type of Polish breaded pork cutlet that is usually served with potatoes and a salad. It is similar to the Austrian schnitzel.
Kotlet Schabowy is a popular dish in Poland and can be found in most restaurants in Krakow.
Golonka
Golonka is a traditional Polish dish made with pork knuckle that is usually served with sauerkraut and potatoes. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter days.
In summary, Krakow offers a variety of traditional Polish dishes that you should try during your visit.
From pierogi to Bigos, Kielbasa to Barszcz, Gołąbki to Placki Ziemniaczane, Zapiekanka to Kotlet Schabowy, and Golonka, there is something for everyone.
Polish Desserts to Try
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck because Polish cuisine has some delicious desserts that you must try while in Krakow.
Here are some of the traditional Polish desserts that you should definitely try:
Pączki
Pączki are traditional Polish doughnuts that are usually filled with jam or other sweet fillings. They are similar to American doughnuts but are denser and richer in flavour.
Pączki are usually eaten on Fat Thursday (the last Thursday before Lent), but you can find them in bakeries and cafes all year round. Some popular fillings include rose petal jam, raspberry jam, and custard.
Kremówka
Kremówka, also known as Napoleonka, is a popular Polish cream cake that consists of two layers of puff pastry filled with sweet vanilla cream.
It is said that Pope John Paul II was a big fan of kremówka, which has made it even more popular in Poland. You can find this delicious dessert in most bakeries and cafes in Krakow.
Makowiec
Makowiec is a traditional Polish poppy seed cake that is usually served during Christmas and Easter. It is made with a sweet yeast dough and filled with a mixture of ground poppy seeds, honey, and raisins.
Some variations of makowiec also include nuts and dried fruit. This cake is usually served with a dusting of icing sugar on top.
Angel Wings
Angel Wings, also known as Faworki, are crispy fried pastries that are usually dusted with icing sugar. They are a popular dessert in Poland and are often served during special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.
Angel Wings are made with a simple dough that is cut into strips and fried until golden brown.
These are just a few of the many delicious Polish desserts that you can try while in Krakow. Be sure to stop by a bakery or cafe and indulge in some of these sweet treats.
Drinks in Polish Cuisine
When it comes to drinks in Polish cuisine, there are a variety of options to choose from.
Here are some of the most popular drinks in Poland that you should try while in Krakow:
Beer
Beer is a staple in Polish cuisine, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular Polish beers include Tyskie, Zywiec, Warka Strong, Perla Miodowa, and Lech.
These beers are known for their rich, full-bodied flavour and are perfect for pairing with traditional Polish dishes.
Vodka
Vodka is another popular drink in Poland and is often served chilled or even frozen. Some of the most popular clear Polish vodka brands include Belvedere, Baczewski, Chopin, Luksusowa, Pan Tadeusz, Wyborowa and Żubrówka.
Polish vodka is known for its smooth, clean taste and is often enjoyed as a shot or mixed into a cocktail.
When in Krakow try also:
Wine
While beer and vodka are the most popular drinks in Poland, the country also produces some excellent wines.
Polish wines are known for their unique flavour and are often made from local grape varieties. Try also Guided Wine tasting walking tour. Some of the most popular Polish wines include Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mead
Mead is a traditional Polish drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made from honey and water, mead is often flavoured with herbs and spices to give it a unique taste. It is a sweet, refreshing drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
Overall, there are plenty of traditional Polish drinks to try while in Krakow. Whether you prefer beer, vodka, wine, or mead, there is something for everyone in Polish cuisine. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious drink with your traditional Polish meal.
Food Tours in Krakow
If you want to taste the best traditional Polish dishes in Krakow, then you should consider taking a food tour. Food tours are a great way to explore the city, learn about the local culture, and try some delicious food. Here are some of the best food tours in Krakow:
No matter which food tour you choose, you are sure to have a great time and try some delicious food.
These tours are a great way to explore Krakow and learn about its history and culture through its food. So, don’t hesitate to book a food tour on your next trip to Krakow!
Unique Polish Dining Experiences
When visiting Krakow, there are plenty of unique dining experiences to be had that will give you a taste of traditional Polish cuisine.
Here are a few options to consider:
Milk Bars
Milk bars are a type of cafeteria that originated in Poland during the communist era. They were designed to provide affordable meals to the working class, and they still exist today.
Milk bars serve simple, home-style dishes that are made with fresh ingredients. They are a great option if you want to try traditional Polish food without breaking the bank.
One popular milk bar in Krakow is Milkbar Tomasza.
Tatra Mountains
If you’re looking for a more adventurous dining experience, consider taking a trip to the Tatra Mountains.
This mountain range is located on the border between Poland and Slovakia, and it is home to many traditional Polish restaurants.
Here, you can try dishes like roasted lamb, grilled trout, and smoked cheese. The views are also breathtaking, so it’s a great option if you want to combine food and scenery.
Read also:
Traditional Polish Restaurants
Of course, there are plenty of traditional Polish restaurants in Krakow that offer a range of dishes. S
ome popular options include:
- Pierogi: These are dumplings that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, or meat and cabbage.
- Bigos: This is a stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and spices. It’s often served with bread or potatoes.
- Kielbasa: This is a type of sausage that can be grilled or boiled. It’s often served with sauerkraut and mustard.
- Zurek: This is a sour soup made with rye flour and meat. It’s often served in a bread bowl.
No matter where you choose to dine in Krakow, you’re sure to find something delicious. Just be sure to come hungry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants in Krakow serve the best traditional Polish dishes?
Krakow has many restaurants that serve traditional Polish dishes, and it can be overwhelming to choose one.
However, some of the best places to try traditional Polish cuisine include Kuchnia u Doroty, Gospoda Koko, and Wierzynek. These restaurants are known for their delicious food, excellent service, and cosy atmosphere.
What are some must-try traditional Polish dishes in Krakow?
Krakow is famous for its traditional Polish cuisine, and there are many dishes that you should try.
Some of the must-try dishes include pierogi, gołąbki, bigos, and żurek. Pierogi are dumplings filled with either savoury or sweet fillings, while gołąbki are cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat.
Bigos is a hearty stew made with sauerkraut and meat, and żurek is a sour rye soup with sausage and potatoes.
Where can I find the best pierogi in Krakow?
Pierogi are a popular dish in Krakow, and you can find them in many restaurants and cafes. However, some of the best places to try pierogi include Pierogarnia Krakowiacy, Przystanek Pierogarnia, and Pod Nosem.
These places serve a variety of pierogi with different fillings, and they are all delicious.
What is the traditional Krakow dish obwarzanek and where can I try it?
Obwarzanek is a traditional Krakow snack that is similar to a bagel. It is a ring-shaped bread that is boiled and then baked, and it is usually sprinkled with salt, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
You can try obwarzanek at many street vendors in Krakow, especially in the Old Town and Kazimierz areas.
What are some popular local spots for trying traditional Polish cuisine in Krakow?
If you want to try traditional Polish cuisine in a local setting, you should visit some of the milk bars in Krakow.
Milk bars are budget-friendly eateries that were popular during the communist era, and they serve traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi, bigos, and żurek.
Start Planning Your Krakow Trip Now!
- Unsure where to stay in Krakow? Discover top-rated Old Town and Kazimierz hotels with Booking.com. Reserve now, pay later, and enjoy free cancellations.
- Book your airport transfer now and enjoy a hassle-free ride directly to your hotel. Driver will meet you at John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice.
- Take a Sobering Tour of Auschwitz. Arrange a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to pay tribute and learn about this significant historical site.
Due to high demand, especially during the winter season, it’s strongly recommended to book your tickets, tour to Auschwitz and accomodation well in advance to secure your preferred dates and times! ⏰ Book Auschwitz Tour 🔖
- Explore the Fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mine! Book your guided tour today and discover this UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Krakow. These tours are popular year-round, so book early to avoid disappointment and ensure your spot.
- Looking for ideas? Check out our KrakowTOP.org recommended itineraries, including the famous Christmas Market, holiday events, and must-see Krakow attractions like Wawel Castle, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and St. Mary’s Basilica.
Some of the popular milk bars in Krakow include Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą, Bar Pod Barbakanem, and Bar Mleczny Zielona Kuchnia.
What are the top three most popular traditional Polish dishes in Krakow?
The top three most popular traditional Polish dishes in Krakow are pierogi, gołąbki, and bigos. Pierogi are dumplings filled with either savoury or sweet fillings, while gołąbki are cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat.
Bigos is a hearty stew made with sauerkraut and meat. These dishes are available in many restaurants and cafes in Krakow, and they are all delicious.
