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If you are wondering what to eat in Krakow, the city has a surprisingly strong food scene, one that is easy to overlook if you are focused solely on its historic landmarks and beautiful medieval streets. However, once you start paying attention to what people are actually eating, you will notice a mix of street food and traditional dishes that reflect everyday Polish cooking.
I grew up eating Polish staples like pierogi, gulasz (goulash), and kielbasa, so many of these flavors felt familiar. At the same time, Krakow introduced me to dishes I had never tried before. From zapiekanka and obwarzanek picked up on the go to casual sit-down meals, the food scene here is broader and better than you might expect.
These are the seven foods I kept coming back to while exploring the city, and the ones I would recommend trying if it is your first time in Krakow. Like many of the city’s highlights, they are best experienced as part of a well-planned itinerary. You can easily pair these food stops with the key sights we cover in our Krakow Travel Guide, along with our breakdown of What to Visit in Krakow.
Without further ado, here are the seven must-try foods in Krakow, Poland!
Table of Contents:
- 7 Must-Try Foods in Krakow
- Where to Eat in Krakow
- Food Experiences in Krakow (Food Tours & Cooking Classes)
- Final Thoughts on What to Eat in Krakow
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7 Must-Try Foods in Krakow
This combination of street food and traditional dishes mirrors what you will actually find as you explore Krakow, and it highlights some of the foods I enjoyed most during my visit.
Pierogi (Polish Dumplings)
Pierogi are one of the most recognizable dishes in Polish cuisine, and one of the first foods that comes to mind when deciding what to eat in Krakow. You will see them on nearly every menu, served either boiled or lightly pan-fried and filled with a variety of ingredients.
The most traditional version you will come across is pierogi ruskie, filled with a mixture of potato and farmer's cheese. Beyond that, there is a surprising amount of variety. I grew up eating pierogi filled with potato and ground beef, in addition to pierogi ruskie, but Krakow introduced me to versions that I had not tried before. One that stood out in particular was apple-filled pierogi, which leans slightly sweet but still feels right at home alongside the more savory options.
In Krakow, pierogi are not just a dish to try once, but something you should try at different restaurants throughout your trip. Whether you are stopping into a casual, traditional Polish restaurant or sitting down for a more formal meal, they are an easy and reliable choice, even if you are unsure about some of the other foods on this list.
You will find pierogi throughout Krakow, but some of the best versions are often in smaller, no-frills spots where the focus is clearly on the food rather than the setting.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, learning how to make pierogi is also a fun way to connect with the iconic dish on a deeper level.
Zapiekanka (Toasted Open-Faced Sandwich)
Zapiekanka (pronounced zah-pyeh-KAHN-kah) is one of the most popular street foods in Krakow, and something you will almost certainly come across while exploring the city. It is traditionally made with a halved baguette topped with mushrooms and melted cheese, then finished with ketchup or other toppings depending on how you order it.
While simple, zapiekanka is a food that is easy to underestimate. It is quick, inexpensive, and surprisingly satisfying, especially if you are looking for a quick lunch in-between sightseeing stops or as a late night bite.
Zapiekanka can be found throughout Stare Miasto, Krakow’s Old Town, and Kazimierz, with each stand offering its own variation. If you are deciding what to eat in Krakow and want something quick and casual, zapiekanka is an easy place to start. One of my favorite versions was called “szpinak,” which builds on the classic combination of cheese, mushrooms, and chives with the addition of spinach, feta, and bacon. Although, I substituted the ketchup for a garlic sauce!
Obwarzanek Krakowski (Traditional Bread)
Obwarzanek Krakowski (pronounced ob-var-ZAH-nek kra-KOV-skee), or obwarzanek for short, is one of the most iconic foods in the city and something you will notice almost immediately as you begin exploring Krakow. Sold from small blue street carts throughout the Old Town, this braided, ring-shaped bread is a Krakow speciality that has been made here for centuries. In fact, it is actually protected under the European Union's Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), meaning it can only be produced in the region.
At first glance, obwarzanek looks similar to a bagel, and while the texture is not entirely different, obwarzanek tends to be a bit lighter with a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, chewy center. Think of it as a bagel meets a pretzel! It is typically topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or salt, making it a simple and satisfying snack.
That said, you will come across more modern variations, including sweet versions topped with chocolate or Nutella. While the traditional version is the most common, modern interpretations are definitely worth trying if you are looking for something a little different.
If you are deciding what to eat in Krakow and want something quick, local, and inexpensive, obwarzanek is an easy choice. It quickly became our go-to breakfast in Krakow, especially on mornings when we wanted something quick before heading out for the day.
You will find obwarzanek carts throughout the city, especially around Stare Miasto and near major squares. Most of the blue carts are cash-only, so it is worth having a few złoty on hand. Since they are sold fresh throughout the day, it is best to grab one when you see a cart rather than seeking out a specific location.
Kielbasa (Polish Sausage)
Kielbasa is another staple of Polish cuisine and, along with pierogi, is one of the most well-known foods to try when deciding what to eat in Krakow. The word itself simply means “sausage” in Polish, but in practice it refers to a variety of traditional smoked pork sausages that are typically grilled and served with mustard and bread.
While you will find kielbasa on many restaurant menus, it is often best experienced in a more casual setting. Some of the most memorable versions we had were served simply, hot off the grill, without much added beyond a side of bread or a few condiments.
I grew up eating kielbasa sandwiches as a kid and while I do not love them as much as I used to, I do still enjoy them from time-to-time with spicy brown mustard and a little bit of ketchup. It may not be the most traditional way to have it, but however you eat it, the key is making sure the kielbasa is served hot off the grill.
If you are still narrowing down what to eat in Krakow, kielbasa is one of the easiest dishes to work into your plans. It is filling, straightforward, and does not require much planning, making it a great option between sightseeing stops or when you are not in the mood for a longer sit-down meal.
You will come across kielbasa in a variety of places throughout Krakow, from small local restaurants to more informal street food stands. Like many of the dishes on this list, it is less about finding one specific place and more about trying it when the opportunity presents itself.
Gulasz (Goulash)
Gulasz is one of the more traditional, slow-cooked dishes you will come across when deciding what to eat in Krakow. While it is often associated with Hungarian cuisine, it is also widely enjoyed in Poland, where it typically takes the form of rich, hearty stew made with meat, onions, and spices.
Compared to some of the quick street food bites on this list and found throughout the city, gulasz is served as a sit-down meal. It is commonly served alongside bread, potatoes, or dumplings, and is especially satisfying after a long day of walking through Krakow's Old Town.
We visited Krakow in November, and a bowl of gulasz with dumplings and fresh bread for dinner quickly became my favorite way to warm up in the evenings. While it is a dish that feels tied to cold weather, you will find it on menus in Krakow year-round.
If you are looking to round out your experience of traditional Polish food, gulasz is a good addition to your list. It offers a different perspective from the more casual foods and gives you a sense of the heartier side of Polish cuisine.
Pączki (Polish Doughnuts)
Pączki (pronounced puhnch-kee) are traditional Polish doughnuts and one of the easiest sweet treats to try while exploring Krakow. They are similar to jelly-filled doughnuts, but tend to be slightly richer and more dense, with a soft dough and a light dusting of powdered sugar or glaze. The dough reminds me of brioche.
They are traditionally filled with fruit preserves, with some of the most typical options including plum jam and rose hip jam. Poppy seed is another classic filling, which is my favorite. Pączki with a poppy seed filling is not overly sweet and has a slightly more balanced flavor compared to the fruit-based options.
Traditionally, pączki are eaten on Fat Thursday (celebrated on the last Thursday before Ash Wednesday), a pre-Lenten celebration similar to Mardi Gras, but today they are also enjoyed year-round.
Like obwarzanek, more modern variations of pączki can be found across the city, including those filled with Bavarian cream, Nutella, and chocolate.
You will find pączki throughout Krakow in bakeries and cafés, and they make for an easy mid-morning snack or an afternoon break between sightseeing stops. Whether paired with a coffee or picked up on the go, they are a simple way to add something sweet to your day.
Vodka
Vodka is an integral part of Polish culture and something you will definitely encounter throughout your time in Krakow, both alongside a meal or on its own. While vodka may not be food in the traditional sense, it is very much part of the experience when thinking about what to try in the city.
What stood out most to us was the variety. Instead of just ordering a single drink, many bars offer a long list of flavored vodkas made with ingredients like herbs, fruits, spices, honey, and even gold flakes.
A number of bars around Krakow offer vodka tasting flights, making it easy to try a few different types of local vodkas in smaller pours. Even if you do not think you like vodka, it is worth trying at least one small glass while you are in Krakow. It is part of the experience, especially when shared with others and paired with a simple toast of “na zdrowie” (pronounced nah ZDROH-vyeh), which means "cheers” in Polish!
If you are interested in learning more about Polish vodka or want a more guided introduction, this is also something that is often included as part of food tours or tasting experiences throughout the city.
Where to Eat in Krakow
Dining in Krakow is more diverse than many travelers expect, with everything from traditional Polish cuisine to more modern, internationally influenced restaurants. While the city’s food scene is often overlooked, many of Krakow’s best restaurants deliver excellent quality at surprisingly approachable prices.
You will find traditional dishes like pierogi, kielbasa, gulasz, and vodka on menus throughout the Old Town (Stare Miasto) and Kazimierz. However, some of our favorite restaurants in Krakow we visited include: Kluska na Placu for traditional Polish dishes, Milkbar Tomasza for a classic (and very popular) breakfast, and Goscinna Chata for hearty meals in a more rustic setting.
At the same time, many of the street foods and lighter options on this list are easy to find across the city. Zapiekanka, obwarzanek, and pączki are widely available and can be picked up from street food stands and small shops as you explore, whether you are walking through the Old Town, Kazimierz, or even the train station, Kraków Główny.
We found ourselves stopping often for quick snacks and street food instead of enjoying long sit-down meals. Two of our favorites were easily pączki and obwarzanek. We really enjoyed the pączki from Dobra Pączkarnia Kraków (multiple locations in the Old Town) and the more modern, dessert versions of obwarzanek from Gorący Precel.
For vodka, we also enjoyed visiting Staropolskie Trunki on Floriańska Street, which specializes in traditional Polish vodkas and liqueurs and offers a chance to sample a range of flavors in one place.
For a more detailed breakdown of where to eat in Krakow, including additional restaurant recommendations, you can find everything in our Krakow Travel Guide.
Food Experiences to Add to Your Krakow Itinerary
Figuring out what to eat in Krakow and trying new foods, whether they are these seven or others, is part of any visit. However, one of the best ways to truly understand the city’s food scene is through a guided food tour or cooking class.
One of the highlights of our trip was taking a pierogi cooking class with Delicious Poland. Learning how to make pierogi from scratch gave us a much deeper appreciation for the dish, and it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences we had in Krakow.
The cooking class was truly wonderful! The small group class allowed gave us plenty of time with the instructor to ask questions and learn a little bit more about this iconic dish. Since taking the pierogi making class in Krakow, I have started making pierogi at home for my family; a tradition that feels especially meaningful because my grandfather never taught us his recipe.
If you prefer to explore with a guide, food tours are another great option. Many combine traditional dishes with local history, and often include stops for things like pierogi, kielbasa, and even vodka tastings along the way. It is an easy way to try a range of foods (and drinks) in a short amount of time, especially if it is your first visit. Food tours are also a great way to meet fellow travelers, explore new neighborhoods, and enjoy the local food scene without having to do a lot of prep work or research in advance.
Some of the highest-rated food tours and cooking classes in Krakow can be booked through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide. These experiences should be booked in advance and tend to fill up, especially during the busy summer months and Christmas season when the city is at its busiest.
For a broad introduction to Krakow's food scene:
Fora more interactive or social experience:
- Tipsy Polish Food Tour with History, Pierogi, & Shots
- Vodka Tasting Tour: Tapas, Tipsy Tales, & Hidden Gems
- Vodka Tasting in Hidden Bar
If you specifically want to learn how to make pierogi:
Final Thoughts on What to Eat in Krakow
Deciding what to eat in Krakow is part of what makes visiting the city so enjoyable. From traditional dishes like pierogi and gulasz to delicious street foods like zapiekanka and obwarzanek, the food here reflects both everyday Polish cooking and the uniqueness of the city itself.
Polish cuisine is often overlooked, but it is something I have always appreciated, and Krakow is one of the best places to experience it. While these seven foods are a great place to start, they are just a small part of a much broader food culture. Dishes like bigos (a hearty stew), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), and naleśniki (Polish crêpes; pictured below) are just as worth trying, especially if you have more time to explore the city’s restaurants and cafés.
One of the things that makes Krakow such an easy city to explore is how naturally food fits into your day. Whether you are stopping for a quick snack between sightseeing or sitting down for a more traditional meal in the evening, there is always something nearby that is worth trying.
If you are planning your trip, these dishes are a great place to start as you decide what to eat in Krakow, and you can easily build them into your itinerary alongside the highlights we cover in our what to visit in Krakow guide. For hotel recommendations and more information to help you plan your time in the city, be sure to check out our Krakow Travel Guide.
Have you tried any of these foods in Krakow, or is there something you are especially excited to try? Let us know in the comments below. We always enjoy hearing about your experiences!
