A Definitive Guide to Eating Traditional Polish Food in Krakow
Krakow remains one of Eastern Europe’s most underrated culinary gems. The ancient city’s restaurants serve signature dishes like pierogi and czarnina that the locals have been enjoying for generations. At the same time, Krakow offers plenty of modern fusion basics, as well as some truly unique finds.
Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, this guide will take you through all of the best traditional Polish food spots in Krakow and help you discover a hidden gastronomic treasure trove. We’ll talk about the most popular traditional dishes to try, where to get them, what you should expect when visiting local restaurants, and even an activity that takes you on a city-wide food-filled journey. So, if you want to learn more about Krakow’s traditional Polish food culture, grab a pierogi and let’s get started.
What are the Most Popular Traditional Dishes in Krakow?
It’s easy to think of Poland as having only one type of traditional dish – pierogi. However, the country has an incredibly rich culinary history and the city of Krakow is a testament to that variety. Here’s a quick look at the most popular traditional dishes to try during your time in Krakow:
- Pierogi – Pierogi are one of the most beloved Polish dishes. They feature a delicious dumpling-like dough filled with a range of ingredients including potato, cheese, and meats.
- Bigos – Bigos is a popular Polish stew that combines pork, beef, sausage, and mushrooms in a tomato-based sauce.
- Gołąbki – Gołąbki means “little pigeons” in Polish and refers to cabbage rolls filled with minced pork and beef, rice, garlic, and herbs.
- Kiełbasa – Kiełbasa is a type of sausage that’s popular throughout Poland. You’ll find a variety of types on offer including smoked, stewed, and grilled varieties.
- Kiszka – Kiszka is a type of blood sausage made from pork blood, buckwheat, onion, and bacon.
- Czarnina – Czarnina is a unique Polish dish featuring duck blood cooked in an acidic sauce containing duck fat and vinegar.
- Żurek – Żurek is a type of sour rye soup made with bacon, kielbasa, potatoes, and herbs.
- Pyzy z gzikiem – Pyzy z gzikiem is a potato-based dish that consists of boiled potatoes filled with beef, herbs, bacon, and served with sour cream.
- Śledź w oleju – Śledź w oleju translates as “herring in oil” and is just that: herring marinated in oil and served with onions, pickles, and boiled potatoes.
Where Can You Eat Traditional Polish Food in Krakow?
The beauty of Krakow’s restaurants lies in the quality and variety of traditional Polish fare they offer. From local bars to luxury eateries, here are some of the best places for traditional Polish food in Krakow:
- Pod Aniolem – A cozy restaurant specializing in typical Polish cuisine with outdoor seating. Try the gołabki, pierogi ruskie, or bigos connoisseur variant.
- Kielbasy U Żywca – This rustic smoker offers over forty varieties of kiełbasa for visitors to try and takeaway. From beef to wild boar sausages, you can get a full range of flavors and textures here.
- Chata – The menu at this traditional Polish eatery features dishes like pierogi ruskie or dumplings with goat cheese and cranberries. You can also try the bite-size potato pancakes with apple sauce or honey.
- Czarny Kościół – A casual spot serving classic Polish dishes such as bigos and pierogi. They also have several weekly specialties like kotlet schabowy or pork chin steak.
- Las Kabanos – This restaurant serves up traditional Polish cuisine in an elegant setting. Diners will enjoy dishes like żurek or tripe soup as well as kotlet schabowy or breaded pork chop.
What to Expect When Visiting Krakow Restaurants?
When dining at Krakow restaurants, you’ll find the quality of food can vary greatly. Generally speaking, traditional Polish restaurants tend to serve dishes made with fresh ingredients and stand out for their generous portions and delicious flavors. Prices tend to be quite reasonable, with most dishes costing around 20 to 30 PLN (5-7 USD).
It’s worth noting that most restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating, though you should keep an eye on the weather forecasts before heading out in case of possible rain or snow. Some eateries may also draw upon the country’s vibrant nightlife culture, so be sure to bring your party spirit along. Most places use cash as payment method but you may also be able to pay by card (Visa or Mastercard). Lastly, it’s an unwritten custom to tip in Poland with change rounded up – usually about 10% or more depending on how happy you were with your meal.
Exploring The City By Food – Krakow Traditional Polish Food Walking Tour
Krakow has no shortage of quality culinary experiences so if you’re looking for an even more immersive exploration of traditional food here try out Krakow Traditional Polish Food Walking Tour. Throughout the three hour tour expert guides will lead you through some of Krakow’s top foodie hotspots where you can try everything from regional specialties like bigos and pierogi, to local favourites like zapiekanka or pizza toast sandwiches. You can also enjoy learning about local customs and traditions from your guide which add an extra layer of experience to your food tour.
Wrapping Up
Krakow is a veritable haven for adventurous eaters looking for a true taste of traditional Poland. From hearty stews like bigos and delicate dumplings like pierogi to more obscure fare like czarnina – Krakow’s restaurants provide diners with unforgettable journeys through some truly unique flavours and experiences. To explore further consider taking a culinary tour through the city and discovering even more hidden culinary gems waiting to be tried out!
Finally, don’t forget to try out our special activity links at the top of this article: Krakow: Traditional Polish Food Walking Tour.
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