What to Eat in Kraków — 10 Dishes You Must Try

Kraków is one of the most interesting culinary cities in Poland. Beside the classics — pierogi, żurek, bigos — you will find dishes here that do not exist in other regions. Here are 10 dishes you must try in Kraków.

1. Obwarzanek Krakowski

The symbol of the city, inscribed on the EU protected products list. Sold on every street corner, best freshly baked — sprinkled with salt, poppy seeds, or sesame.

2. Zapiekanka from Okrąglak

The legendary zapiekanka from Plac Nowy, served with garlic sauce. It is not haute cuisine, but a ritual of every visit to Kraków.

3. Pierogi with Cabbage and Mushrooms

A classic of Lesser Poland cuisine. Served in every tavern, but best in small family restaurants in Kazimierz.

4. Kraków Makowiec

Sweet yeast cake with poppy seeds, dried fruit, and icing. Served at holidays and celebrations, available in every pastry shop in the city.

5. Żurek in Bread

Sour soup with rye leaven, served in a hollowed-out bread loaf. It warms and fills — perfect for cold days.

6. Grilled Sausage with Pickled Cucumber

Simple but excellent. Best from food trucks in Kazimierz, accompanied by beer from a local brewery.

7. Duck with Apples

A traditional Kraków dish, served in elegant restaurants. Roast duck with apples, marjoram, and dumplings.

8. Podhale Bryndza

Sheep cheese from Podhale, available at markets and regional shops. Served with cranberry, bread, and honey.

9. Fuczki

Pancakes with sauerkraut, fried in a pan. A Lemko dish, available in small bars in Kazimierz.

10. Papal Cream Cake

A cake with vanilla cream and icing, known from Wadowice but popular throughout Lesser Poland. Symbolic for Pope John Paul II.

Where to Eat?

Instead of restaurants in the Main Square, it is worth visiting milk bars in Kazimierz (such as Milkbar Tomasza) and small family restaurants in side streets. There the food is cheaper, better, and more authentic.