Posted by Food in Poland is often described as “similar to German cuisine” – and that’s not wrong. Both countries love hearty soups, potatoes, pork dishes and comfort food that keeps you full for hours. But Polish cuisine has its own classics, its own spices, and some dishes you will hardly find in Germany in this form. If you are in Krakow, you can try many traditional meals in simple local restaurants (and usually for less money than in Germany).
Krakow is also a very international city. Besides Polish food, you’ll find many foreign restaurants: Italian cuisine is especially common here, from small pizzerias to elegant places. Poland and Italy have a long cultural connection, and Krakow has always been open to outside influences. On top of that, there are plenty of Asian restaurants, Mexican food, Spanish tapas-style places and more. Fast food is also everywhere: McDonald’s, KFC (very common in Poland), and lots of kebab shops.
Tours from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
The easiest and, in our opinion, best way to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow is with a bus tour. You don’t have to find your own way to the mine by car or train. You already have an entrance ticket and don’t have to queue and wait. It’s best to book on the website Getyourguide.
Restaurants are cheaper in Poland than in Germany. This is especially true for simple restaurants with local, Polish cuisine. Many of the dishes below can be tried, for example, in the restaurant Bar Smak (Karmelicka 10, very central). It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly the kind of place where you get classic Krakow/Poland food without paying tourist prices.
On the following website you can book various day trips from Krakow online at low prices: Click here
Typical Polish Dishes You Should Try in Krakow
Below you’ll find an overview of popular Polish dishes. Some are “must-try” classics, others are more local or a bit unusual. In Krakow, you can find these meals in milk bars (Bar Mleczny style), simple Polish restaurants, or even as street food. If you like traditional food, start with pierogi, soups, and one hearty meat dish – that’s the standard “first Polish food experience” for many visitors.
Golonka
Golonka: A heavy meat dish similar to knuckle of pork (pork hock). It’s very popular all over Poland and often served with sauerkraut, mustard and bread. The outside is usually crispy, while the inside stays juicy. It’s not a light meal – more like “one dish, no dessert afterwards”.
Flaki
Flaki: Tripe in a soup. Some hate flaki, some love it (picture). In Poland it’s a classic “old-school” soup, often seasoned strongly (pepper, marjoram, sometimes paprika). If you want to try something truly traditional, flaki is one of those dishes that locals often mention.
Pierogi
Pierogi: One of the most ordered dishes in Poland, and usually inexpensive. Think of them like dumplings (similar idea to ravioli), but with countless fillings: minced meat, sauerkraut, mushrooms, potato & cheese, spinach, or sweet versions with fruits like strawberries or blueberries. Pierogi are often served with fried onions and sometimes bacon. They are versatile, filling and eaten as a main dish, a side dish or even as a dessert.
In Krakow you will find pierogi restaurants everywhere – from traditional spots to modern places with creative fillings. If you only try one Polish dish, many travelers choose pierogi because they are “safe”, tasty, and still very local.
Potato pancakes (Placki Ziemniaczane)
Potato pancakes: Extremely popular and widespread. In Polish they are called Placki Ziemniaczane. Similar to the German version, they are crispy, flat pancakes made from grated potatoes, traditionally fried in hot oil. In restaurants you can get them in many variations: with sour cream, mushroom sauce, goulash, or even sweet with applesauce.
Tip: if you see “placki po węgiersku” on a menu, that’s the famous version served with a goulash-style meat sauce. It’s heavy, but very common and loved by locals.
Bigos
Bigos: Perhaps the most famous Polish dish. It’s a stew made from mild sauerkraut with sausage and meat. Many people call it the “Polish hunter’s stew”. Must try in Krakow. Typically served with bread or potatoes, bigos is also a practical dish because it can be made in large portions and tastes even better the next day.
Depending on the restaurant, bigos can be more sour, more smoky, or more meaty. If you like sauerkraut and sausage, you will probably like bigos too.
Kaszanka
Kaszanka: A Polish blood sausage made from pig’s blood, wheat or barley and spices. It is often served grilled or fried. Kaszanka is a typical example of rural Polish cuisine and is eaten especially as street food in Krakow (for example at markets, BBQ stalls, or simple places that sell grilled meat). It’s not for everyone, but if you like black pudding or blood sausage in general, it’s worth trying.
Gołąbki
Gołabki: Cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of rice and meat, usually served in a tomato sauce. A very well-known dish throughout Poland. The name literally means “little pigeons”, which refers to the shape of the stuffed cabbage leaves. They go well with potatoes, bread or simply on their own as a filling main course.
In simple Polish restaurants you often find gołąbki as a daily special. It’s comfort food, warm and filling – perfect after a cold day of sightseeing.
Zapiekanki
Zapiekanki: Long baguettes, topped and toasted. These are available as fast food and street food. They are typical for Krakow and are one of the most famous snacks in the city. The “classic” version is with mushrooms and cheese, often finished with ketchup (sometimes a lot of ketchup).
Possible ingredients include mushrooms, cheese (e.g. Gouda or mozzarella), ketchup, ham, salami, onions, peppers, olives, cucumbers, pickles and lettuce. If you want a quick, cheap, and very Krakow-style meal, zapiekanki are a perfect choice.
Pancakes (Naleśniki)
Pancakes: Widely served, including in restaurants in Krakow and throughout Poland. In Polish they are often called naleśniki (thin crepes). Popular fillings in Krakow include apple, jam, or the typical soft and slightly sweet cheese. You can also find savory versions with meat, mushrooms, spinach or vegetables.
If you are traveling with kids (or you just want something simple), sweet naleśniki are one of the easiest options in Polish restaurants.
Meat dishes
Meat dishes: Schnitzel, roast pork, goulash and more can be found almost everywhere in restaurants with Polish cuisine in Krakow. Very often you get a large portion with potatoes and a salad (or pickles/cabbage salad). If you’re hungry after a long day in the old town, Polish portions are usually generous.
Side dishes
Side dishes: Potatoes are number 1, as chips, boiled potatoes, fried potatoes, mashed potatoes and so on. Similar to Germany. There is also rice, pasta and plenty of cabbage-based sides (fresh, pickled, or cooked). In many traditional places you’ll also see simple salads with grated carrots or beetroot.
Soups
Soups: As in Germany, soups are a very popular starter in Krakow. You’ll find vegetable soup, tomato soup, sauerkraut soup, potato soup, cucumber soup, leek soup and more. Bean soup with meat (white beans) is also common and very filling.
The famous beetroot soup Barszcz is very popular among tourists. Barszcz is often eaten as a starter, and it can be served in different styles: as a clear soup, sometimes with small dumplings, or with additions depending on the restaurant. Fresh herbs such as dill or parsley often add a nice freshness.
Obwarzanek Krakowski
Obwarzanek Krakowski: A local specialty from Krakow, vaguely resembling a pretzel. It’s a ring-shaped bread, often with poppy seeds, sesame seeds or salt. Obwarzanek is sold at stalls on the streets of Krakow – a small, simple, very inexpensive snack for in-between meals.
Great YouTube video about food in Krakow
If you want to see what these dishes look like in real life and how much they cost, the video below is a good overview. It also gives you an idea of typical food spots in Krakow and what tourists usually order.
Drinks in Krakow: Kompot, Beer and Vodka
Kompot: A sweet fruit drink made from fruit and sugar. The fruits depend on the season, but commonly used in kompot are apples, cherries, plums, pears, strawberries, rhubarb and much more. In traditional restaurants, kompot is often a cheap and very typical drink option.
Popular alcoholic drinks in Krakow include beer (piwo) and vodka. In tourist areas you’ll find international beer brands, but also many Polish beers. Vodka is part of Polish drinking culture, and in Krakow you can try it in bars, restaurants or in vodka-tasting experiences.
Enjoy your meal in Krakow!