Must-try Dishes
Placki ziemniaczane - Potato Pancakes - Crispy, grated potato patties usually served with sour cream or sugar. They're a common comfort food, often enjoyed at home or in casual eatery settings, especially on cold days.
Zapiekanka - Polish French Bread Pizza - A toasted half baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and often a drizzle of ketchup. You’ll find this popular street food item in local markets and after parties, and it makes for a quick late-night snack.
Barszcz czerwony - Beetroot Soup - A bold red broth made from beets, often served hot with a dollop of sour cream and sometimes dumplings. Many locals enjoy this savory soup during lunch, especially on chilly winter days.
Gołąbki - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a beloved family dish typically made for gatherings or Sunday dinners.
Ser koryciński - Korycin Cheese - A semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, often served with bread and pickles. This regional specialty can surprise newcomers because it’s rich in flavor and made using traditional methods—look for it in local markets.
Polska zupa zalewajka - Sour Rye Soup - A tangy soup made from fermented rye bread, often served with boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. This dish is particularly popular in early spring, celebrating the end of winter—locals enjoy it during the Easter season.
Śledź - Herring Salad - Salted herring usually mixed with onions, potatoes, and apple, drizzled with vinegar. This dish is traditionally served during Christmas and has a surprising kick; locals often enjoy this tangy mix during festive gatherings.
Mizeria - Cucumber Salad - Thinly sliced cucumbers mixed with sour cream, dill, and spices. It's a refreshing side that can become a main dish, especially during hot summer months when it's eaten alongside grilled meats.
Desserts & Drinks
Kawa z Krakowa - Kraków Coffee (rich local brew) - A dark, robust coffee often brewed with a touch of cinnamon. Locals usually opt for it in cozy cafés during chilly afternoons, sometimes paired with a slice of sernik (cheesecake).
Kompot - Kompot (fruit drink) - A chilled beverage made from stewed fruits like apples, pears, and strawberries, sweetened and often spiced with cloves. It’s a common sight at summer feasts and family gatherings, typically served in large bowls for sharing.
Vodka - Wódka (traditional spirit) - This classic Polish vodka is often served ice-cold in shot glasses, accompanied by pickles or smoked meats. You’ll find it on special occasions, like weddings or holiday celebrations, where toasts are made with gusto.
Wuzetka - Wuzetka (chocolate layer cake) - A decadent, chocolate sponge cake filled with a rich cream and light ganache, stunning in both taste and appearance. Often enjoyed during coffee breaks, it’s especially popular at birthday parties or bakeries around town.
Frozen Monika - Lody Monika (beloved ice cream) - These artisanal ice creams, available in flavors such as stracciatella or pistachio, are served straight from a vintage ice cream cart in summer. Locals savor them in the Main Market Square on warm evenings, often opting for a double scoop.
By the way, if you don’t want to miss out on the best fruits for kompot, aim for the late summer season when they’re freshest.
