Polish Street Food

On your left, you’ll see several food trucks. The mouth-watering smells are enough to make you hungry. Beyond its rich history and culture, Poland also has fantastic culinary traditions that often fly under the radar. Here’s a quick food guide to help you navigate Kraków’s street food scene, and give you a better idea of what you’ll want to try. Let’s be honest, you’re probably thinking: “Everything! Obviously.” First up, the queen of Kraków street food: the zapiekanka. The name comes from the Polish verb meaning “to bake until golden,” and it’s a halved baguette traditionally topped with mushrooms and melted cheese, and served with ketchup. These days, you’ll find them with all kinds of toppings, from the classic to the gourmet. Next up, a local must-try is the obwarzanek krakowski. This bagel-like bread has been made for over 600 years and even has protected geographical status, meaning it’s officially part of the city’s heritage. You’ll spot them sold in little glass carts all over the city. One word of advice: don’t call it a pretzel, or you may upset the locals! Another national icon are pierogi. If you’re a fan of stuffed dumplings, whether Chinese, Italian, or South American, you’ll feel right at home here. Originally a peasant dish, pierogi are now loved by all and even have their own festival! These dumplings are typically filled with potato and cottage cheese, cabbage, meat, or mushrooms. They’re as delicious as they sound. Kiełbasa is also worth trying. It’s a long, U-shaped smoked sausage, especially popular with those looking for something to eat after a night out. If you need something to warm you up, go for a bowl of soup. In Poland, soup is a staple, and many traditional recipes have found their way into the street food scene. Time to dive in and start your culinary adventure!