Let me say, if you want to savor the most delicious pierogi, you should visit Kraków. The Krakowska Konglomeracja Kupców organizes a tasteful Pierogi Festival every summer. The latest was held at Mały Rynek and enjoyed immense popularity. At the festival, you can sample both traditional and seasonal, less common flavors of pierogi. However, I know not everyone can visit Kraków during festival time. But, it’s worth saying, Kraków is still a pierogi paradise even outside the festival season.
If you like polish dumplings I suggest you also read a little bit about pierogi history.
Kalejdoskop Restaurant in Kraków
Kalejdoskop is a restaurant that offers Ukrainian cuisine, which, like Polish cuisine, delights in pastries. The pierogi here, let me tell you, are prepared on-site by a team of experts. You can indulge in pielmieni filled with various types of meat. Pielmieni is a term from the Korni language, spoken by inhabitants around the Ural region, meaning „bread ear”. This dish is served with sour cream, melted butter, and is well-seasoned.
Of course, that’s not the only pierogi variant you can order at this Kraków pierogi restaurant. There are pierogi stuffed with cabbage, meat, and a tasty potato variant, somewhat unusual for the Polish table. If you need a dish for warm days, I can tell you, the sweet lazy pierogi, served with cream and fruits and generously dressed with melted butter, are ideal.
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
Every dish at Kalejdoskop is always colorful and very nicely served, which immediately stimulates the appetite.
- Here is the spot location: Kalejdoskop, ul. Westerplatte 1
Wiśniowy Sad – Great for Pierogi
Wiśniowy Sad is a tremendously intriguing place in terms of decoration. It reveals a definite influence of eastern opulence, a penchant for adornments and refined eleganxe. Moreover, this pierogi place is practically in the heart of Kraków and has a very pleasant summer garden. The name itself is, of course, the title of Anton Chekhov’s play.
In this Kraków pierogi place, you can choose between two types: one large pierogi, or several small ones. The pierogi here are prepared in two variants: one with chicken and lentils wrapped in yeast dough, and another vegan version with spinach and white cheese. Both are just as good!
- Here are more pictures of Wisniowy Sad and location: Open Google Maps
Traditional Pierogi at Wiśniowy Sad
You’ll also find pielmieni syberyjskie served with cream here. You may be tempted to try the baked version instead of the traditional boiled one. An even more interesting and richer version is pielmieni with meat served in broth. I am convinced there are not many places where you can taste something so delicious.
Wiśniowy Sad also serves Mandy Uzbeckie, lamb pierogi not boiled but steamed. Another delicacy is Hinkali, a dish originating from Georgia. These are pierogi filled with beef, coriander, and Tkemali plum sauce. If you have ever tasted Georgian cuisine, I think you will agree that these are characterized by full flavor and extraordinary aroma.
A very interesting taste experience are cilimciki, pierogi filled with white fish, served with lemon butter. Definitely worth trying.
If you’re not a fan of novelties and prefer traditional flavors, you can always order pierogi with cabbage, meat, liver, or the so-called 'Russian’. And here, I believe, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re looking something for lunch, I suggest you also read about the best soups in Krakow. In the other article I listed the best restaurants that serves soups for you. Find it please using the search option.
Pierogarnia Krakowiacy – The Unique Flavors of Dumplings
Let me say this, when you visit the heart of Krakow, do not skip Pierogarnia Krakowiacy. This place sets itself apart from other joints with their daily fresh dumplings, crafted from top-quality, natural ingredients. They proudly receive these from local suppliers. Now, I think it’s worth to mention that their dumplings, known as pierogi, are manually made, maintaining the tradition.
No matter how picky your taste buds might be, the assortnent of original flavors is sure to satisfy you. To paint you a picture, imagine having raspberry with white chocolate, Raffaello, or mascarpone with a cherry note, as Martyna tells me. Besides, there are other unconventional choices, like sun-dried tomato with mozzarella and fresh basil, or smoked cheese with mushrooms and buckwheat.
- Here are Pictures and Pierogarnia location: Open Google Maps
Until May 1st, you’ll find better prices at ul. Westerplatte 15. After that, the prices will be standardized at both locations. So, if you need a budget-friendly option, it’s best to head to Westerplatte.
Menu Highlights
At ul. Szewska 23, Russian pierogi (10 pieces) cost 13 zł, and other varieties come at 15 zł. For beverages, lemonade is 6 zł, compote is 5 zł, and fizzy drinks cost 6 zł.
At ul. Westerplatte 15, Russian pierogi (10 pieces) are a steal at 9.99 zł, and other varieties go for 11.99 zł. Compote and fizzy drinks are both 5 zł each.
If you’re looking for inexpensive meal in Krakow, you should definitely read this article, where I list the best milk bars in Krakow. Milk Bar is a place in Poland where you can eat cheap and homemade traditional meal.
Dumplings of Pierogowy Raj
Now let’s take you to Pierogowy Raj, with locations at ul. Starowiślna 18 and ul. Sławkowska 25. If you want an array of choices, this is your stop. I know you’ll be stunned by their 54 flavors of hand-crafted dumplings. As Ewelina, an employee at the Starowiślna location, tells us, their menu goes beyond classics, offering the curious palate pierogi with capers, spinach, or even an Indian taste.
- Here you can find pictures and the spot location: Open Google Maps
A portion of their Russian or meat pierogi (12 pieces per serving) will cost you 12 zł. They particularly recommend trying the Tuscan pierogi, filled with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, mozzarella, and olives for 14 zł. Tea is priced at 5 zł, and a 0.5-liter fizzy drink is also 5 zł.
Przypiecek – Great Choice for Pierogi
Next stop, Przypiecek at ul. Sławkowska 32. Here, they prepare fresh dumplings every day using the best products. Their fillings are always fresh, and though not the cheapest, you’ll see that quality comes at a price, as explained by Małgorzata, the manager of Przypiecek.
- Here you can find more pictures and Przypiece location in Krakow: Open Google Maps
Przystanek Pierogarnia – Making a Stop for a Dumplings
Last, but not least, we have Przystanek Pierogarnia (przystanek in polish means bus stop :)) which can be found at ul. Bonerowska 14, Rynek Dębnicki 3, ul. Krowoderska 74, and Osiedle Na Stoku 32. Now, let me tell you, this place is a true reflection of a home-like atmosphere, where dishes are made from ingredients provided by local producers.
- Here you can find more pictures and the location in Old Town: Open Google Maps
This pierogi restaurant is one of the franchises Krakow is famous for. You can find a spot to enjoy their dumplings at any of the 14 different locations scattered all over the Małopolska capital.
Here, the menu is divided simply into two categories: sweet pierogi and savory ones. The sweet option is served with cream, while the savory ones are paired with sautéed onions. Among the sweet delights, the cherry-filled pierogi caught my attention. Despite the fruit’s natural tartness, the combination was surprisingly fitting. But if you have a sweet tooth, you might prefer the strawberry or cheese with cinnamon options.
Przystanek offers four types of vegetarian pierogi, two of which are also suitable for vegans. Some options include pierogi with cheese and spinach (always a great combination), cabbage and mushrooms, lentils and carrots (I haven’t been brave enough to try this yet), and cheese and mushrooms. If you have no dietary restrictions, you might want to try the meat pierogi or the ones with potatoes and bacon.
Their servings are generous, and their prices are affordable. But hey, don’t just take my word for it, try them out yourself! If you know of any other spots offering this traditional Eastern European delicacy, do let me know!
References:
- http://przystanek-pierogarnia.pl/
- https://www.gdziezjesc.info/krakow/pierogarnie
- https://www.pyszne.pl/zamow-pierogi-krakow
