If you are a fan of a street food and visiting Kraków at the same time – let me say, there’s a pure joy that comes from grabbing a bite straight off a food truck, isn’t it? The combo of fresh air, a cozy spot to lounge, and the option of a nearby water source makes this choice unbeatable. With summer in full swing, outdoor dining is a no-brainer.
You’ll find a slew of food parks and food squares popping up like daisies all over the place. But where should you go in Krakow? And, more importantly, when, with whom, and why? If you’re interested, the answers are right here in this handy article.
- Make sure you also read this article from which you will find out where the best budget eateries are in Krakow: Krakow’s Legendary Milk Bars – Where Students Used to Dine
Before diving in, I think it’s crucial to understand my Kraków’s street food spots selection criteria:
- The food – Variety is the spice of life. It’s always a bonus when a spot stands out. Given the ever-changing lineup of street food trucks and stands, I’ll spotlight only those deserving extra attention. I won’t list specific prices, because, believe it or not, street food isn’t always cheap. Unless you’re planning to split a hot dog, you better bring a good bit of cash.
- The vibe – Everyone’s tastes differ. I’ve tried to accommodate your preferences. Open spaces and greenery top our list, but I’ve also included places with a more industrial vibe.
- The extras – The best street food parks are more than just a truck and a lounge chair. Today’s organizers go all out to offer more: think summer cinema, concerts, and kid-friendly activities. In some spots, there’s always something happening.
- The water – This is my personal preference. I am convinced that a nearby water source adds something special, especially during the summer. So, don’t be surprised if the top street food spots also include this feature.
Krakow’s Top 10 Street Food Spots
Here are my best suggestions you can try this summer.
↳ 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
Street Food Spot at Judah Square
Kicking off our list is perhaps Krakow’s original food truck hotspot at the intersection of Wąska Street and Saint Lawrence. It’s been around forever and once revolutionized the culinary scene. I can tell you, this was where I first tried the famous Belgian fries! Besides that, you’ll find other crowd-pleasers like Andrus’ maczanka krakowska or the Boogie Truck’s burgers, including my favorite lettuce-wrapped burger.
- In order to find out more about famous Kraków food you must try, read this: Culinary Paradise – Best Traditional Food You Can Eat In Kraków
The square itself is petite, not really designed for a lengthy chillout sesion, though they’ve recently added a few loungers and tables. It’s certainly worth a visit if you’re exploring Krakow’s Kazimierz district. Bonus: it stays open till 1 a.m. on weekends, a rarity around here.
Across the square, be sure to pop into „Space Full of Time”, a cool blend of shop, cafe, reading room, and work area. You’ll love it.
- Check more pictures and Google maps location: Here
Just a heads up: this spot can get crowded and seating is limited. Plus, there's a notable lack of cleanliness – litter often strewn about, which is a bit of a downer. And, no toilets. Some of your food options here are:
- Andrus maczanka in Krakow
- Boggie Truck
- Chimney Cake Bakery
- Belgian Fries
- Knitted Coffee
- Pan Kumpir
- Dumplings are Here
- Tempura Truck
- The Dog
- Zapietruck
Food Trucks at Izaak Square in Kraków
Just around the corner from Judah Square, closer to Plac Nowy, the heart of the Kazimierz district, there’s another haven for street food enthusiasts. This spot always reminds me of its creator, Walenty Kania, known for his „kitchen for the brave”.
An adventurous chef, globetrotter, TV celeb, and lover of unique flavors, he opened this space in 2016. For a time, locals had a blast sampling his daring cuisine, from bull testicles and brains to chicken claws and horse meat.
Unfortunately, Walenty’s fame took him and his food truck far and wide. You might run into him at a beer festival or a similar event. You can check his current location on his website.
- For Google pictures and Google maps location: click here
From the original line-up, only the sweet Trdelnik truck survives. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to munch on. Mexican fare, burgers, Thai ice cream, and more. One curious option is the vegan meatballs from Meatball Roll, boasting 100% natural ingredients, no gluten, no added sugars, and prepared without frying.
- By the way, if you’re looking for no gluten food in Krakow make sure you read this article: Embracing Gluten-Free Restaurants and Food in Kraków
Mural Street Food in Kraków
Next up, we head closer to the heart of Krakow, to Krupnicza Street. Just nearby, on Dolni Młynów Street, you’d have found the city’s gastronomic hub, a historic complex known as the Cigar Factory, until its closure in 2020.
I have to admit, it’s bittersweet to mention Mural here, because it was once a top contender in this list. During my quest for Krakow’s best burgers, I fell in love not just with the superb burger from M22, but also the well-thought-out concept of Mural. It had it all: a distinctive logo, communal card system, wines from the famous Zielonki Wine Station, and even clean toilets.
A double-decker, floral-adorned metal structure with tables and a bar, Mural was cozy even on chillier days. The feast went on, rain or shine. Sadly, the metal structure has since disappeared, taking away much of the place’s charm. I hope to see it return and elevate Mural’s rank on this list. For now, here’s a fond look back with a memory photo.
Just a seven-minute walk from the Market Square, at the heart of the spot is a covered bar serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, surrounded by the food trucks listed below:
- A Circus on Wheels
- M22
- The Spice Pan
- Three Friends
- Yummie India Foodies
Hype Park in Kraków
Next, we move like a chess knight to Kamienna Street. This spot is currently one of the hottest outdoor party scenes in Krakow. The place’s industrial vibe, set in a former freight station, is a magnet for the younger crowd.
- For More Google pictures and Google maps location: Click Here
Don’t expect lush green grass here. Instead, you’ll find quirky structures for seating, loungers, pallets, and even plastic crates. The main pedestrian street houses several food trucks. Among them, the tasty burgers from M22 and Mazaya, and a quick bite offer from Molàm, one of Krakow’s top Thai joints that I wrote about earlier.
But Hype Park isn’t all about the food. If you want to enjoy a concert, with a refreshing drink in hand, this is the place to be. Swing by after 6 pm and you’ll see that Krakow’s nightlife goes late into the night here.
- In order to read more about nightlife in Krakow, make sure you check this article: Krakow’s Top 14 Clubs to Dance the Night Away
Lipowa Hall Food Spot in Kraków
A fairly recent venture, Lipowa Hall launched in July 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. But it’s weathered the storm well. Tucked away off the main drag, it fits perfectly into the raw architecture and slightly hipster vibes of the up-and-coming Zabłocie district.
- If you don’t know where this district is, please read this article: Krakow’s Districts – Where To Stay For A Visit or Live?
Here, your day can start at 11 am with a coffee and breakfast, and end at midnight with drinks or craft beer from the local bar, which boasts an impressive 20 beer and wine taps! The food offer isn’t that extensive, but with stalls serving cuisine from all corners of the globe, there’s something for everyone.
My personal recommendation? The rolls from The Masala Roll Factory.
But Lipowa Hall isn’t just about food and drinks. Keep an eye on their website, there’s always something happening: concerts, food festivals, plant fairs, and even craft workshops for kids’ stuff. Kids are more than welcome here. You’ll find a changing station with all the esentials, a play corner, and an ice cream stand. If you’re planning a private party, there’s a VIP room available.
Nearby, be sure to check out Nalejse, Krakow’s first self-service multitap and craft beer shop, set in the former Telpod electronics factory.
Whether you fancy daytime street food, an evening party, craft beer, wine, cocktails, or a mix of all these, Lipowa Hall has you covered, both indoors and out. And yes, there are restrooms on site.
Here are some of the offerings you’ll find:
- Doskoi Krakow Japanese Food
- Huta Mięsa – Sandwiches and burgers
- Lipowa Cocktails & Beers
- Oh My Thai
- Nice – the taste of the Caucasus
- SpecTACOlar
- Rools rolls Thai ice cream (supposed to open for summer)
Błonia Street Food Zone
Our gastronomic journey brings us back to the sprawling greens of Błonia in Krakow. Walking along the tram line towards Cichy Kącik, on the right side of Krakow’s most famous meadow, you’ll stumble upon the Błonia Zone. Its most distinctive feature is a large white tent, where a summer cinema or a fan zone springs to life.
This family-friendly venue also includes a small playground for children. On Friday evenings, you can sway to live music and even dance to the beat.
- Check Google pictures and maps location of this spot by clicking here
The food offerings are diverse and cater to various tastes. From Belgian fries to Pan Kumpir for potato lovers, pizza, burgers, and even sushi. Particularly noteworthy are the Indian Masala Dosa pancakes, a treat for vegans.
For the choosy eaters, I suggest the cozy Błonia Bistro located right next door.
However, the close proximity to a tram line and a large apartment building at the entrance could be seen as a downside. Despite being open theoretically until midnight, the place usually buzzes with life until about 10 pm.
It’s a spacious spot with numerous sunbeds and tables. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy live broadcasts in the tent while savoring their beer. Convenient facilities include restrooms and an outdoor tap for handwashing.
Here are some of the food outlets you can find:
- Companeros
- Belgian fries in Krakow
- Cracow buddy
- Krakoska casserole
- Masala Dosa
- Na Thai
- Malandrino sweets
- Pb burger
- Liquor truck
- Fritto delicacies
Additionally, Dogi dogi (hot dogs) + beverage and ice section also operate under the umbrella of the Błonia Zone.
Bezogródek Street Food Spot
Bezogródek, situated on the opposite side of Błonia at Focha Street, is seen as an alternative to the Błonia Zone. This food truck park has been a familiar name among Cracovians since it was founded in 2016 at Cichy Kącik on Piastowska Street, just weeks before Izaak Square.
- Check Google pictures and maps location by clicking here
However, due to legal issues, Bezogródek had to relocate in 2021. Today, it thrives in a new location with a tropical twist. Amidst the palm trees and sand, you can sip on refreshing drinks, making it one of Krakow’s most atmospheric food truck spots. Additionally, the food selection is generous with Andrus as a notable standout.
You must try the maczanka with beetroot and chocolate – it’s divine. The location also benefits from an adjacent free city parking lot with about 50 spaces and a nearby Jordanian garden for children.
It’s a well-appointed place adjacent to Błonia, boasting a central bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Food outlets are on one side, while on the other, you’ll find a chill-out section with Aperol sunbeds on the sand, and ample restroom facilities for guests.
Here are some food outlets to check out:
- Curry Up
- Belgian fries
- Holy Hummus
- Miski – breakfast, bowls, and takeaways
- Parkowa Kraków Food & Chill Out – bowls and burgers
- Taqueria by Poco Loco
- Rolls & Rolls Thai Ice Cream
- Squared Pizza
- Sweet Galicja – fresh
Huta Wita Street Food Spot
With the water-side location providing an edge, the third spot goes to „Huta Wita” nestled by the quaint Nowohucki Reservoir. While this locale holds a special place in my heart, I understand that not everyone shares my affection for Nowa Huta. So, I’ll stick to the facts that, I hope, will entice you to pay a visit.
- Location of the spot and picture can be found here.
„Huta Wita” is a food lover’s haven with about ten food trucks offering a variety of cuisines: from classics like burgers, fries, and casseroles to Hungarian langos and Mexican tacos. Don’t miss the ice cream, coffee, and fresh-squeezed juices. Yet, the star attraction, in my opinion, is the pizza fresh out of a wood-fired oven installed right in the food truck shack.
This ingenious idea of Piekarnia Pizz, which also operates at the Mateczny roundabout, gives their pizza the authentic charm that can easily compete with many good Italian pizzerias in Krakow.
- If you are interested in reading about Italian food in Krakow make sure you read this article too: Presenting Krakow’s Best Italian Restaurants
The place exudes charm, especially in the evening. With the sand beneath your feet and colorful fountains adorning the water, it feels like a mini-vacation.
There are plenty of activities at the Lagoon: playgrounds for children, chill-out spots, a brine graduation tower, bicycle paths, and kayaking. Weekend crowds might be a slight downside, so I recommend visiting during the week.
A plaza with many food trucks near the Nowohucki Reservoir, with consumption on deckchairs under the open sky, and unfortunately, no restrooms.
- Divine Krakow ice cream shop
- Chillout Cafe & Shake
- Coco Mexican Grill
- Some casseroles
- A cart of green
- Hot Dogs
- Huta Frytek
- Mini donut kings
- Mr Tacos & Panini
- Pb burger
- Liquor truck
If these don’t cater to your taste, you’ll find more options just 50 meters away, including:
- Ice cream at Grandma Lucyna’s
- Italian and natural scoop ice cream and shakes
Arena Garden Food Spot
Deciding whether to place Arena Garden at the top was a tough call. In all respects, this place is perfect. The culinary experience is unmatched, with the most diverse assortment of food trucks in Krakow.
Craving a world tour of flavors? Gyros, falafel, langos, tagine, pad thai, curry, ramen, bao dao buns… Classic tastes aren’t left behind either. Particularly intriguing were the vegan burgers and hot dogs from Kiszman, garnished with pickles from the renowned Lesser Poland Charsznica.
With a myriad of parties, concerts, festivals, and events, I recommend checking their FB for the detailed schedule. The vast zone can seem overwhelming, so ask yourself why you’re here. For a party?
Choose a deckchair or a colorful table in the upper Arena. Those seeking a chill-out spot or a family picnic can settle on a blanket or sun loungers in the lower, grassy area. With ample space and a picturesque complex of artificial lakes right next door, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic date. Have fun!
- For more Google pictures and map location: Click Here
This vast area behind the Arena, with an extensive culinary base, benefits from proximity to Aviators Park and expansive green lawns perfect for picnicking. Restrooms are available at the café on the Arena level.
- Aperol Cocktails (Arena)
- Arena Coffee (Arena)
- Burger Truck (Arena)
- Curry Point
- Grill (Arena)
- Gyros Pita (Arena) – Greek cuisine
- Kiszman – sandwiches and burgers
- Kingdom of Chips (Arena)
- Ice-cream
- Eye on Morocco
- Oki Ramen (weekends)
- Kozel Beer (Arena)
- Pizza (Arena)
- Sweetie (Arena)
- Taco Truck (Arena) – Mexican cuisine
- Hungarian on wheels (Arena) – Hungarian Langos
Forum Hall Food Zone in Kraków
And the crown goes to our good old Krakow and the hall in the former Forum hotel. This venue is a rare gem where tourists and locals alike have fun. It’s hard to fathom the sea of Aperol spritz consumed here daily.
- Here are pictures and map location: Click Here
Inside the hotel hall, you’ll find several bars and a café, along with a relatively small but diverse zone offering street food delicacies. This year, you can relish burgers from M22, hot dogs from StrEATzone, pizza from Resto 22 pizza & pasta by Tesone, grilled meat from Sahara Grill, and Mexican dishes from Tres Amigos.
For more exotic palates, OH MY THAI, VEGAN RAMEN & DUMPLINGS, VIETNAM street snacks & noodle bar, The Masala Roll Factory Indian Street Food, and Mazaya serve delectable eastern flavors.
The outdoor space is divided into several "sectors" – some with loud music, a fan zone, summer cinema, and concerts, while others provide a quieter ambiance where you can sip your Aperol with a breathtaking view of the Vistula bend, the church on the Rock, and the majestic Wawel Castle looming in the distance.
Every Krakus can vouch that this panorama is priceless. (And we know Krakow residents don’t like overpaying )
An additional attraction is the observation balloon located right next to the area. And no, it’s not just a tourist trap. Why deny yourself the pleasure of bird’s eye views of our stunning city? Give it a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
The vistas are captivating, and you may find you won’t need that Aperol spritz anymore. Whatever your choice of food truck paradise, I hope you have a fantastic time. And who knows, perhaps we’ll cross paths.
References:
- https://www.facebook.com/Foodtruckikrakow/?locale=pl_PL
- https://krakow.wyborcza.pl/krakow/56,44425,19958140,foodtruckowa-mapa-krakowa-sprawdz-gdzie-parkuja-food-trucki.html
