What Food is Krakow Famous For And Where To Hunt For It?

Let me tell you that there’s a certain thrill when we speak about Krakowska cuisine. It is not just food, it’s a lifestyle and a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of Krakow. So, what does it mean to dine the Krakow way? In simple terms, it means eating abundantly and richly.

Some folks in Warsaw may interpret this differently, suggesting that it’s eating at someone else’s expense. I, on the other hand, firmly believe in the first definition. Now, if you’re wondering about Krakow’s famous dishes, I think you’d be excited to know that this city has a lot to offer. Thanks to the Małopolska bohemia and Galicji atmosphere, Krakow’s cuisine has been shaped into its present form.

Krakow is Famous For Food Originating From Galicja

To discuss Małopolska cuisine, we need to touch base with Galicja – the food traditions from areas once part of Austria-Hungary, of which Krakow was once a part. I am convinced that almost every Krakow resident has tried schnitzel, head cheese, and Krakow sausage at least once in their life. These dishes, along with extravagant desserts, were hugely popular in the city.

The main contenders were the Krakow cheesecake and Pischinger – a cake made of wafers filled with a chocolate mass. Sweet, high in calories, and heavily fruit-oriented, these delights were once the go-to indulgence for locals. Nowadays, you can mainly find these treats in Krakow’s cafes and bakeries. But, if you want to recreate these desserts at home, I can tell you that there are plenty of recipes available online that’ll help you do so, taking you on a culinary time travel.

Galicji was also famous for its sheep farming and cattle rearing. If you need to explore the area’s meat and cheese offerings, you’ll find a plethora of varieties to choose from. Meanwhile, Stary Kleparz, Krakow’s oldest market square, continues to thrive and attract a significant number of customers. It’s worth to say that people even travel from outside Krakow just to buy products from local suppliers and producers. So, if you’re ever there, you need to know that a visit to Stary Kleparz is a must.

Must-Try Delights on Krakow’s Culinary Map

If you haven’t tried „Maczanka po krakowsku”, „obwarzanek”, and duck yet, you’re missing out on some quintessential Krakow culinary experiences. „Maczanka po krakowsku” is a dish made of pork and bread with a caraway sauce, a spice quite popular in Małopolska. Once a favorite dish among coachmen, some people regard it as the „great-grandmother” of the burger.

According to tradition, it should be served in a kaiser roll. But if you want, you can slice the pork and plate it. You can easily prepare this dish at home, or order it in many local restaurants. It’s a real treat for all meat lovers. Other traditional dishes include tripe and Krakow-style duck served with groats and mushrooms.

• I suggest you also read this article about traditional and regional dish you can find in Krakow: An Insight into the Typical Krakow Food Tour Experience

Certainly, one of the culinary symbols of Krakow is the „obwarzanek”. This delicacy has been baked in Małopolska for over 600 years! It’s available in many variants. You can buy an „obwarzanek” topped with nigella seeds, poppy seeds, salt, sesame, or cheese. Rye „obwarzanki” are also available. Another local favorite (and for good reason!) is Prądnicki bread. Its recipe was recreated from literary records and memmories of the residents of Prądnik, a district in Krakow.

Kazimierz’s Zapiekanka and Starowislna’s Ice Cream

The stories of Kazimierz’s zapiekanka are legendary! You can get the best in Krakow at the so-called „rotunda” in the New Square. There are many choices because the vendors offer various toppings that make each zapiekanka taste completely different.

Even if you’re not a fan of this type of dish, I believe it’s worth trying out of sheer curiosity. The sausages from the Blue Nysa are also popular. This stall, located on Grzegórzecka street, is shaped like a blue car. It stands out not only for the excellent taste of the sausages but also for its opening hours.

The car usually „opens” around eight in the evening, and you can order dishes almost all night. It’s a perfect option if you’re hit with hunger pangs after a party, but of course, it’s not just for that. Ice cream lovers won’t be indifferent to the ones at Starowislna.

This ice cream parlor has been attracting crowds for many years. In summer, you may have to queue for up to an hour! The ice cream owes its success to a special homemade recipe. There aren’t many flavors, but each one is a delight. If you’re a chocolate lover, I am convinced that a scoop of this ice cream will amaze you.

So, if you’re visiting Krakow, I think you must try at least one of the above-mentioned dishes. I can tell you, you won’t be disappointed!

References:

• https://www.booking.com/articles/specjaly-ktore-musisz-sprobowac-w-krakowie.pl.html
• https://krakow.naszemiasto.pl/tag/krakowski-przysmak