It’s been said that Kraków boasts more cafés, restaurants and bars per square metre than any other city on earth. Whether that’s true or not, even the most determined visitors will find at least two things will be needed: time, and a very big appetite
Pierogarnia Krakowiacy – image © Jason Weaver
While the former might not be so hard to come by, the latter is a whole different matter, and with Polish cuisine on the table, toting portions to defeat even the most capable of eaters, with everything from boat-like platters of kielbasa, meat dumplings and pork cutlets, to sour soups of boiled egg or pierogi dough packets stuffed with cream cheese, it’s something of a hefty task.
The fastest way to get to grips with Kraków cuisine is to take a food tour. These come in a variety of wonderful flavours, catering to specific interests. Guides are fluent in English and will show you the city from the inside.
Local delicacies are very easy to come by in Kraków, and the prices are usually wallet-friendly. Just taking a walk through the Old Town will reveal a myriad of street-side openings that cook up Cracovian delights 24 hours a day. In the day, locals can be seen devouring mustard coated sausages, and there’s always a big crowd enjoying plates of late night pierogi in the city’s so called 4/8 bars (where a beer is just 4 PLN and a plate of any food on the menu , only 8 PLN), even if it is only to soak up the vodka.
The most famous of the lot are probably the pierogi dumplings, which are available en masse in most restaurants that have a Polish menu. These thick dough packets are usually dressed with oil and chopped onion, and can be filled with a real array of different mixtures. The most popular is probably Pierogi Ruskie (Russian style, with cream cheese and herbs), but meat versions are available, along with fruit-filled alternatives for desert. Pierogi usually comes served in plates of 8-10 pieces, and the price will range from around 4 PLN for the cheapest, to around 30 PLN in the more gourmet joints.
One dish that’s a must-try is the cabbage and meat stew, bigos. While it may not sound immediately enticing, this is an old Polish favourite, and is known as hunter’s stew for its raw and earthy ingredients, which can include a wide range of different meats, from veal to venison, to smoked bacon and sausage. Again, this one’s available in most restaurants throughout the city, but the best (like most things in Poland) is always home-made!
Poland is also famed for its soups, and in this category there are two that any visitor absolutely must try. First, the blood-red barszcz is a really rich beetroot soup, that’s often served with small, ravioli-like pierogi swimming at its bottom that add extra texture, while the sour żurek is great for warming up in the winter, and often comes served in a hollowed out bread roll (at least, that is in the more fancy places).
But, when it comes to the specialities of Kraków, there are a few select Polish foods that the city claims outright. Most notably perhaps are the half-baguette zapiekanka, a long pizza-style creation that’s packed on top with anything from feta cheese, to hefty chunks of Polish sausage. In the centre of Kraków’s Jewish Quarter, the stalls around Plac Nowy are said to sell the best in the whole country.
Also of Cracovian origin are the small pretzel-like breads that are usually sold by unassuming members of the older generation from little blue-framed stalls on the city’s street corners. These are called obwarzanek, and are particularly good when heated and served with butter.
For the best of Kraków food and drink, and more information about restaurants serving wonderful local fare, have a look at our selection of Kraków restaurants or consider some of the food-related activities on our Things To Do In Kraków page. Our Two-Day Kraków Itinerary, Three-Day Kraków Itinerary and our Four-Day Kraków Itinerary pages also feature a selection of local places to eat and drink.
Things To Do In Krakow
Start Planning Your Kraków Trip Now!
:: Find available Kraków hotels on Booking.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.
:: Wondering where to stay in Krakow before you book your hotel? See our comprehensive guide to the city's most convenient areas for visitors.
:: Find the cheapest flight to Kraków with Skyscanner - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.
:: Book an airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals.
:: Find out how to get your phone set up with a SIM card in Kraków.
:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Kraków.
:: Get travel insurance from World Nomads - make sure you're covered to protect both your health and your belongings. World Nomads lets you buy insurance online quickly and easily.
:: Get a KrakowCard 2- or 3-day pass that gives entry to almost 40 of the Kraków's fantastic attractions and unlimited use of the city's bus and tram network.
:: Need inspiration? Check our Kraków Itineraries for two-day, three-day, and four-day trips, as well as our Things To Do In Kraków guide for ideas of where to do and what to do.
