Food in Poland is similar to German cuisine. However, there are also typical Polish dishes. Below we will present some typical Polish dishes, which are also available in many restaurants in Krakow.
Krakow is a cosmopolitan city. There are of course many restaurants with foreign cuisine. In Krakow there are especially many Italian restaurants, from simple pizzerias to noble restaurants. Italy and Poland are connected by an old friendship, which is especially alive in Krakow. You can also find many other things: Restaurants with Asian cuisine, Mexican, Spanish and much more. More and more there is also fast food. Mc Donalds, KFC (very common in Poland) and many kebab stores.
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 German website Getyourguide.
Restaurants are cheaper in Poland than in Germany. This is especially true for simple restaurants with local, Polish cuisine. Almost all of the following dishes can be tried, for example, in the restaurant Bar Smak (Karmelicka 10, very central). A simple restaurant with typical dishes from Poland and Krakow.
On the following German website you can book various day trips from Krakow online at low prices: Click here
Golonka: A heavy meat dish similar to knuckle of pork or pork knuckle. Very popular all over Poland.
Flaki: Tripe in a soup. Some hate flaki, some love it (picture).
Pierogi: One of the most ordered dishes in Poland, inexpensive. About like ravioli, but with all imaginable fillings: Minced meat, sauerkraut, mushrooms, cheese. Even pierogi with fruits like strawberries or blueberries are often popular. (Image)-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 a dessert.
Potato pancakes: Extremely popular and widespread. Comes with applesauce, mushrooms and much more. (Image)Polish: Placki Ziemniaczane. Similar to the German version, they are crispy, flat pancakes made from grated potatoes, traditionally fried in hot oil.
Bigos: Perhaps the most famous Polish dish. Sauerkraut (mild) with sausage and meat, Must try in Krakow.Typically served with bread or potatoes and sometimes with a shot of Polish vodka, bigos is a versatile dish that can be made with leftovers.
Kaszanka: A Polish blood sausage made from pig’s blood, wheat or barley and spices. It is often served grilled or fried. Kaszanka is an example of rural Polish cuisine and is eaten especially as street food in Krakow.
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.
Zapiekanki: Long baguettes, topped and toasted. These are available as fast food and street food. Typical for Krakow, can be found especially in Krakow. Delicious (picture).
Delicious (picture below). Possible ingredients include mushrooms, cheese (e.g. Gouda or mozzarella), ketchup sometimes in large quantities, ham, salami, onions, peppers, olives, cucumbers, pickles and lettuce.
Pancakes: Widely served, including in restaurants in Krakow and throughout Poland. Often in Krakow with apple or the typical soft, sweet cheese from the region. Also with meat and other fillings.
Meat dishes: Schnitzel, roast pork, goulash and more can be found almost everywhere in restaurants with cuisine from Poland in Krakow.
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….
Soups: As in Germany, the most popular appetizer in Krakow. Vegetable soup, tomato soup, sauerkraut soup, potato soup, cucumber soup, leek soup…. Bean soup with meat (white beans) is delicious.The famous beetroot soup Barszcz is also very popular among tourists. Barszcz is often eaten as a starter. The addition of fresh herbs such as dill or parsley gives the Barszcz soup freshness.
Obwarzanek Krakowski: A local specialty from Krakow, vaguely resembling a pretzel. 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.
Enjoy your meal in Krakow!
Great YouTube video about food in Krakow
Kompot: A sweet fruit drink made from fruit and sugar. The fruits depend on the season, but commonly used in compote are: apples, cherries, plums, pears, strawberries, rhubarb and much more.
Popular alcoholic drinks in Krakow include beer (piwo) and vodka.