When I travel, I always aim to sample the local specialities. Poland was no different in this regard. I had the chance to sample a variety of Polish specialities. In this piece, I will introduce you to some quintessential dishes you should try while in Poland.
I’ll also share some of my favorite restaurants in Krakow!
Key Ingredients in Polish Specialities
Broadly, Polish cuisine gave me the sense that it's the kind of food that "keeps you going", fortifying you against the cold or a long day. It's hearty, comforting, and perhaps not always sophisticated. However, it's essential not to overgeneralize.
In Krakow, you can dine sumptuously without burning a hole in your pocket (sometimes as low as about $3.50 a meal!). Some ingredients certainly stand out: mushrooms are delightful, beets feature prominently in soups and smoothies, and cabbage is foundational in many recipes, like golabki (stuffed cabbage). Duck, fish (such as carp and herring), and potatoes (notably in potato pancakes, known as "placki") are also prevalent.
Many traditional dishes have a component of fermentation (like fermented cabbage, fermented flour), and it's not unusual to see dishes set in jelly (e.g., carp in jelly or 'karp w galarecie').
Some Typical Dishes to Sample
While I haven't tasted every Polish speciality, I did my research before my trip, jotting down several dishes to ensure I maximized my culinary adventures in Krakow.
Soups
A must-try is their array of soups, which are as diverse as they are flavorful:
- Zurek: A tangy soup composed of fermented rye flour and veggies, with possible additions like sausage, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs. Sometimes referred to as "white borscht".
- Borscht (barszcz): A rich beet soup, traditionally served on a Polish Christmas Eve.
- Mushroom soups, such as zupa pieczarkowa and zupa grzybowa.
There's a soup to match almost every palate, from cabbage (Kapusniak), to dried peas (Grochowka), barley with veggies (Krupnik — also a name of a local vodka!), to the tangy and sour pickle soup (Ogorkowa).
For the more adventurous, there are soups that may be an acquired taste. I had resolved to try them during my Krakow visit, if only for the experience. I'll confess, I ended up backing off:
- Czernina: Best savored without delving into its preparation (similar to black pudding ^^). If curiosity gets the better of you, it's a sweet-sour concoction with duck blood, vinegar, and sweet components (like sugar, honey, or pear syrup).
- Flaki: A soup featuring very finely chopped tripe.
Comforting Polish Dishes
With Polish specialties, you're guaranteed not to leave the table with an empty stomach!
I had the pleasure of tasting bigos. To put it simply, it closely resembles sauerkraut, frequently served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. It comprises white cabbage, an assortment of meats (like sausage, beef, bacon – to each their own preference!) and various spices.
Another staple is kotlet schabowy. These are thinly sliced pork chops, first dipped in flour and egg, then coated with breadcrumbs. They're typically pan-fried.
Then, there's kotlet mielony, which are meatballs, often made from pork, though variations with beef and chicken exist. These too are coated with breadcrumbs and egg.
Sausages in Polish cuisine
Sausages play a starring role in several classic Polish dishes, such as the previously mentioned bigos and zurek. There's a plethora of recipes, using either meat or poultry, so seize the opportunity to try them out if you can!
Various types of sausages ("kielbasa") include krakowska (a Krakow sausage resembling a garlic sausage) and kabanos (a slender, dried sausage).
Pierogis
No conversation about Polish cuisine is complete without mentioning pierogis. These are akin to large dumplings, somewhat reminiscent of Japanese steamed dumplings but with a thicker dough.
These are typically stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings. Classic pierogis might have cabbage and mushrooms, but there's no limit to their variations!
Establishments like Przystanek Pierogarnia and Pierogarnia Krakowiacy in Krakow specialize in pierogi. I've indulged in some filled with strawberries and cream, and others with cabbage.
They're probably among the most affordable meals (less than 10 zlotys for a serving of 9 pierogis, which is slightly over $2.3)... and they're incredibly hearty.
In fact, numerous restaurants offer pierogis on their menus. I even had the chance to savor sweet pierogis at chocolatier E. Wedel, generously drizzled with chocolate.
Street Food in Poland
When I think of Polish street food, the word "Obwarzanek" instantly springs to mind.
You can't miss vendors selling obwarzanek (plural: obwarzanki) on every street corner in Krakow. This ring-shaped bread is available in plain, poppy seed, sesame seed, or cheese flavors. The dough is very similar to a bagel's.
These vendors have kiosks everywhere (near tram stations, adjacent to the train station, and so on). They're an iconic part of the Krakow experience, and just reminiscing about it fills me with nostalgia.
Another on-the-go snack is the Zapiekanka. Think of it as a sizable, often oversized, open-faced sandwich. Top it off with mushrooms, cheese, sauce, and you're good to go! It's yet another pocket-friendly snack, typically priced around 5 zlotys.
And one mustn't forget the Maczanka Po Krakowsku, essentially a burger with meat simmered in red wine that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth. It's garnished with onions and often, mushrooms.
Cheese and Sweet Polish Specialties
As a passionate cheese aficionado (sorry, I'm French!), I naturally gravitated towards trying Polish cheese, especially the renowned oscypek, made from a blend of sheep's and cow's milk.
On the sweeter side, the Poles are known for their rich pastries, abundant in cream and layers of sponge cake.
Babka is Poland's traditional Easter cake, also popular in various Eastern European countries like Bulgaria and Romania. It's reminiscent of a kouglof. For those intrigued, you can try this recipe.
The karpatka is essentially a light choux pastry filled with creamy custard.
Another treat to sample is the makowiec, a delightful poppy seed roll, and the nalesniki z serem. These are essentially pancakes, stuffed with a blend of fromage blanc or a cream cheese similar to Philadelphia.
Not a Fan of Polish Specialties?
To be frank, while typical Polish dishes might not be to everyone's palate, mine included, Poland also offers more sophisticated culinary delights.
I've had the pleasure of savoring excellent local produce, like mushrooms, duck, and fish, presented in a more refined manner.
Furthermore, Krakow boasts a variety of stellar international restaurants, catering to vegetarians, burger enthusiasts, or aficionados of Japanese cuisine.
What particularly caught my attention was the prevalence of eateries tailored for vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and more. Although I'm not vegetarian, it seemed to me that this lifestyle holds a significant place in the local culture.
Top Dining Spots in Krakow
Vegab: This vegetarian eatery defied my apprehensions about vegetarian food leaving one hungry. Not only was the food fulfilling, but its flavors compelled me to visit a second time during my stay.
Café Camelot: This cafe offers a health-centric menu abundant in fresh produce. Despite the prolonged service, its popularity among locals suggests its authenticity.
E. Wedel: This chocolatier on Krakow's main square, Rynek Glowny, offers a regal breakfast spread. Their pralines are irresistibly delectable, and their hot chocolate is worth every sip.
The Gallery of Artistic Cakes (Galeria Tortów Artystycznych): Nestled in Krakow's Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, this patisserie served me a cake that didn't last long on the plate!
Przystanek Pierogarnia and Pierogarnia Krakowiacy: As previously highlighted, these are prime destinations for savoring pierogis, an iconic Polish delicacy.
Smakolyki: Located on Straszewskiego 28, this establishment is known for its traditional dishes and expansive breakfast spread.
Qrudo Food & Wine: Located in Krakow's Jewish quarter, this place is a haven for those seeking visually appealing dishes and a friendly ambiance.
Nago Sushi & Sake: An exquisite Japanese restaurant that emphasizes live preparation of sushi, maki, and sashimi.
Czarna Kaczka (Poselska 22) - Located on a modest street, this place is a gem for savoring Polish delicacies. Menus are conveniently accessible in multiple languages through QR codes, and the service is notably friendly. I recommend making a reservation beforehand.
Zielonym Do Góry: Situated slightly off-center, south of the Old Town in the Podgorze district, it's a perfect spot after exploring the nearby historical sites. The offerings are refined and health-oriented.
Lastly, Gogo Burger comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor for its homemade burgers. Although they were flavorful, I found them on par with what I've tasted in France – but then again, we French might have particularly high standards when it comes to food!
Delving Deeper into Polish Cuisine
In my experience, hospitality in Krakow's restaurants was exceptional, a noteworthy mention!
You can dine at any time of the day. Historically, this stems from the days when Poles would work straight through until mid-afternoon and only then have their meal. Nowadays, with changing work schedules that align more with Western standards, it's not uncommon to find restaurants that open late in the morning and continue serving well into the afternoon.
The traditional Polish breakfast is hearty, comprising a hot beverage, fruit juice, deli meats, cheeses, bread accompanied by honey and jam, as well as a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. It's the ideal fuel for a day of exploration!
Most of the restaurant menus are available in both Polish and English. If it's only available in Polish, the Google Translate app can be a savior. Snap a photo of the menu, and the app will help you translate the items with ease.
You can also consider joining a food tour in Krakow. It offers a unique chance to experience the city through its Polish culinary delights, and to savor the local beers or vodka. You can also check this walking tour including dinner and tastings.
If you ever venture to Poland, I hope you'll be intrigued enough to taste some of these traditional dishes. Until then, feel free to check my travel blog about Poland for more articles and ideas!
