12 +traditional Polish Foods in Krakow you Have to try in 2025

Poland isn’t just the land of pierogi. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time living in Poland, it’s that the traditional Polish food scene here is unforgettable.

Krakow, in particular, is a feast for the senses. Every street corner seems to have a cozy café, a hole-in-the-wall eatery, or a vendor serving up something warm, cheesy, or fried—just the way comfort food should be.

Since moving back to Europe I have been back to Poland and especially Krakow, what seems like a million times now– eating to my heart’s content and rediscovering all the incredible flavors that make Polish cuisine so special.

This guide is not just about listing foods—it’s about the dishes that have stuck with me, the meals that warmed me up on a cold day, and the flavors that will always make Kraków feel like home.

If you love food as much as I do, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

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Zapiekanka: it’s a polish Pizza!

Zapiekanka (Za-Pe-Kan-Ka) is traditional Polish street food at its finest. Imagine a crispy half-baguette, slathered in melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and drizzled with ketchup. Simple? Yes. But don’t underestimate it.

Every bite is crunchy, savory, and completely addictive. I first had zapiekanka in Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, where the smell of freshly toasted bread fills the air.

You’ll head to Kazimierz for this one. I know you can find them all over the city, but Kazimierz has the best zapiekanka you can find. You can also find great renditions at the Judah Food Market.

It was a chilly evening, and this warm, cheesy delight was exactly what I needed. There are endless variations, from barbecue chicken to jalapeños, but the classic version remains undefeated, which is just sour cream, chives, paprika, and cheese. It’s delicious!

Kluski Śląskie

Kluski Śląskie (KLOO-skee SHLOWN-skee) is something special. It’s filled to the brim with traditional Polish food. Poland shares history with many of its surrounding countries so you may see these on the menu in Germany, Czechia, and Hungary.

Talk about Traditional Polish Food! Essential components include starchy potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold), potato starch for binding, and eggs. They have a distinctive round shape with a small depression in the center.

My friend Aleksandra took me to Kluska Na Placu in Krakow. They specialize in regional food, and this is one of them. This restaurant is a treat, and the atmosphere is pretty incredible.

It feels like you are in someone’s house, about to have a meal that Grandma made. Kluska Na Placu has such an extensive menu full of YUMMY traditional Polish food.

I tried the Silesian Dumplings with Bursztyn Cheese Sauce and Bacon (Kluski z sosem z sera Bursztyn i bekonem). Aleksandra had the Silesian Dumplings with Beef Stew ( Kluski z gulaszem wołowym).

Both dishes were incredible and such a treat on a warm winter day! I topped my meal off with a glass of wine from the region, Godyla, a 2021 Cabernet Cortis. The notes were light and refreshing. I normally do not go for Polish wine, but I think I may have changed my mind with this last visit!

This is just right off the main square in Krakow! It’s a great place for families and of course anyone!

Pączki:

One of my favorite desserts that I have missed has been Pączki.

This is a Traditional Polish Food that you need to try while in Krakow, or anywhere in Poland!

Every year, on Fat Thursday, Polish line up to devour these donuts and will eat dozens of them right before Lent.

I always found this fascinating and yes, I partook in this tradition. Why not? You can find stand-alone stores that sell them or you can stop by your local grocer and find them in the pastry aisle. I love Rose with candied orange on top.

GO TO: @dobrapaczkarnia is one of the more mainstream places, but you need to stop by Cukiernia Michałek for some of the best donuts you can get your hands on! Oftentimes the line is past the block!

Żurek:

THIS IS MY FAVORITE SOUP! If you aren’t following me on Tiktok, Polish folks really laid into me for bringing sachets of Zurek back to Italy with me. The comments were hilarious. Yes, the soup is that great!

@kimberlykepharttravels

What i brought back from poland…this is one of mt favorite soups in poland, you have to try it! I just went to carre four and grabbed a bunch. 😂 Am I Polish yet? #visitpoland #travelblogger #souvinier #zurek #polishfood #budgettraveling #travelpoland #traveltiktok #poland #polishfood

♬ C.B.Rhumba by Sage Guyton and Jeremy Wakefield – SpongeRadio

This Polish soup has ties back to the Middle Ages. Zurek is a traditional Polish soup known for its distinctive sour taste. Not only in

Polish peasants used to keep a pot that was ceramic so they could make their Zakwas, which is the sour base for soup. It sits for a few days at a time and becomes sour over time.

Pretty incredible, right? Interestingly enough, the pot was not washed, so fermentation from the previous batch could act as a starter for the next. 

The sour flavor in żurek comes from the fermentation of rye flour, which is a key ingredient. For the love of all things Polish, If you do grab some sachets from the store, don’t post about it on TikTok or Instagram.

Pierogi

I could write a love song about Pierogi.

Pierogi was the first Polish dish I learned how to make when we were living in Poland. I know every country has its take on a dumpling, however, I love the Polish dumpling. TRY ANY KIND!! My favorite is cabbage and mushrooms!

In Krakow and all over Poland, You’ll find Pierogi stuffed with mashed potatoes, fried onions, quark or farmers cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, spinach, cheese, or other ingredients depending on the cook’s preferences.

You can even find Dessert versions often stuffed with sweetened quark or with a fresh fruit filling such as cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, or plum!

Kielbasa

Craving a late-night snack in Krakow? There is a wonderful place just near the edge of Kazimierz that is open from 7 pm to 12 am and it serves some of the best grilled Kielbasa you can get your hands on! I am talking about Kiełbaski z Niebieskiej Nyski

This family sets up their blue van and serves Kielbasa fresh from a grill while you wait! It was some of the best Kielbasa I have had in my life, I am not kidding you!

Obwazarek

The twisted, chewy bread rings you’ll see on almost every street corner in Krakow? That’s obwarzanek. Kind of like a bagel-meets-pretzel, this traditional snack dates back to the 14th century. Sprinkled with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or salt, it’s the perfect street food—cheap, filling, and warm.

Kotlet Schabowy

Poland’s version of a schnitzel, kotlet schabowy is a breaded pork cutlet that’s pan-fried until golden and served with mashed potatoes and mizeria (a creamy cucumber salad). It’s comfort food done right.

Go To: U Babci Maliny or Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa

Maczanka, the kebab-style sandwich

Often described as Krakow’s take on pulled pork, maczanka is slow-cooked pork shoulder soaked in caraway-spiced gravy and stuffed into a crusty bun. It’s savory, juicy, and wonderfully messy.

Go To: Judah Food Market.

Oscypek, Polish smoked cheese

This smoked sheep’s cheese comes from the Tatra Mountains but is a beloved addition to Kraków’s culinary scene. It’s usually grilled and served with cranberry sauce—salty, smoky, and sweet in one perfect bite. It’s quite delicious and I highly recommend to try it if it’s on any menu!

GO TO: Christmas Market stalls or Pod Wawelem restaurant year-round.

Ziemniaczane, the potato pancakes

These golden-brown potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re often served with sour cream or mushroom sauce, and in some homes, with a dusting of sugar.

My friend Aleksandra taught me this as we were sitting in a restaurant in Krakow and she opened up the canister of sugar and told me to try!

Go To: Krakowska Koliba right near the Maly Rynek

Smalec

Smalec is a traditional pork lard spread, usually mixed with crispy bacon bits, onion, garlic, and sometimes apple. Served cold on slices of thick rye bread and topped with pickles, it’s an old-school starter that’s packed with flavor. It might sound unusual, but it’s hearty, rustic, and one of the most Polish things you can eat.

To be honest with you, I hated this at first but then I grew to love it!

Go To: Restauracja Sukiennice , This is at the Sukienniece near the Stary rynek

Barszcz (Borscht)

Barszcz is a beet-based soup that’s tangy, earthy, and beautifully red. The clear version is often served in a cup with mushroom-filled dumplings (called uszka), especially around the holidays. There’s also a heartier version with beans and cabbage known as barszcz ukraiński.

Go To: Restauracja Sukkiennice

Bigos (Hunter’s Stew)

Known as Poland’s national dish, bigos is a rich stew made from sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various meats, and sometimes mushrooms and prunes. It’s slow-cooked for hours and tastes even better the next day. It’s hearty, tangy, and perfect on a cold day. This is a stew I would eat when I was feeling homesick or just down and out, it has a warmth I cannoth describe!

Go To: Miod Malina

Gołąbki (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

This is such a treasured dish, the first time I tried this at Krakus in Krakow, I was floored. Gołąbki (pronounced goh-WOMP-kee) are tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory mix of ground pork, rice, and seasonings, then baked in a tangy tomato sauce. This is Polish comfort food at its finest—simple, filling, and made with love. You’ll find gołąbki on many traditional menus in Krakow, and each restaurant tends to add their own spin. It’s often a sign of different regions as well.

Go To: Krakus

These are all the best traditional foods you need to try in Krakow

I hope this helps you try new food while on your travels to Krakow. Krakow and poland in general is such a foodie haven! Don’t forget to email me and let me know which foods you loved!