Krakow's Culinary Specialties – What to Eat in Krakow?
September 20, 2021
Obwarzanek, maczanka, zapiekanka, Ojcowski trout – discover the best traditional Krakow food! Find out what to eat in Krakow and where to try the city’s iconic local dishes.
September 20, 2021
A Taste of Krakow – Local Specialties and Traditional Dishes
To truly experience Krakow, you must taste its traditional delicacies. While classic Polish dishes like pierogi, żurek, and schnitzel can be found throughout Poland, Krakow boasts its own unique flavors that you won't find anywhere else.
1. Obwarzanek Krakowski – A Symbol of the City
The obwarzanek is one of Krakow’s most recognizable symbols, as iconic as Wawel Castle and the Wawel Dragon. You’ll find it at nearly every street corner, sold from carts and bakeries.
This ring-shaped bread has a golden, crispy crust and is sprinkled with salt, sesame, or poppy seeds. The first mention of obwarzanek dates back to 1394, when it was served at the royal court of King Władysław Jagiełło and Queen Jadwiga.
Today, obwarzanek has received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union, meaning that the authentic version can only be made in Krakow and its surrounding areas.
Bagels with poppy seeds and cheese
2. Maczanka Krakowska – The Great-Grandmother of the Burger
Often compared to pulled pork sandwiches, maczanka krakowska is a slow-cooked pork neck or loin marinated for two days, then slowly roasted and stewed with onions until tender.
The meat is served in a bun and soaked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with mustard, pickles, veal bone broth, and red wine.
Maczanka was a popular fast food among students and carriage drivers in the 19th century, though some claim its roots go as far back as the 17th century. The best places to try it are street food trucks in the Kazimierz district.
Explore Krakow on a guided city tour with a licensed local guide. Walk through the city’s most iconic districts, such as the Old Town or Kazimierz, and learn about their history through engaging stories and reliable historical insights. This tour is a perfect introduction to Krakow, offering both famous landmarks and lesser-known places explained by a professional guide who is happy to answer your questions.
Duration: 2h - 3hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Join a Krakow ghost tour that reveals the city’s darkest secrets after nightfall. This guided walk through the Old Town combines spooky legends, true crime stories and dark history, told in an engaging, thriller-style narrative by a licensed local guide. If you enjoy chills, mystery and a different side of Krakow, this evening experience is for you. Recommended for participants aged 15 and over.
Explore Krakow’s Old Town at your own pace with a professionally prepared audio guide. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the most important sites of the historic centre, including Krakow’s Main Square and its surrounding streets. Listen to engaging commentary filled with history, fascinating facts, legends and local trivia – an ideal introduction to Krakow for first-time visitors and independent travellers.
Explore Wawel Castle in Krakow from the outside and understand its history, architecture, and royal significance during a relaxed self-guided walk with a professional audio guide. This tour focuses on Wawel Hill and the castle grounds, offering clear historical context before visiting the castle interiors or booking Wawel Castle tickets.
Once the former residence of Polish kings, Wawel Castle remains one of the most important landmarks in Poland. This audio tour helps you experience the site with deeper understanding – without rushing, crowds, or fixed schedules – making it an ideal introduction to any Wawel Castle visit.
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Jewish Quarter of Krakow with a carefully prepared audio guide for independent sightseeing. This self-guided walking tour takes you through Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district – allowing you to explore its streets, stories and atmosphere at your own pace.
Kazimierz lies just a short walk from Krakow’s Old Town and is a place where the city’s past and present meet. Through narration and historical context, the audio guide introduces the history of the Jewish community, their contribution to the city, and the lasting impact of World War II on this remarkable district.
Explore Krakow in a fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly way with a Krakow City Tour by electric golf cart. This sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, especially for first-time visitors or travellers with limited time who want to see the highlights without long walks.
During the ride, you will explore key areas of Krakow, including the Old Town surroundings, Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district, and parts of Podgórze, where the famous Schindler’s Factory was located. A professionally prepared audio guide provides historical context and helps you understand the city’s past and character.
This electric car tour allows you to see more in less time while staying comfortable in all weather conditions, making it an easy and practical way to start exploring Krakow.
Duration: 1h - 2hAudio GuideTransportation included
This Polish-style open-faced baguette was introduced in the 1970s as a cheap alternative to Western fast food. Zapiekanka is a toasted half-baguette topped with cheese and mushrooms, sometimes with additional toppings such as ham, onions, or sauces.
Although zapiekanki are available all over Poland, Krakow is their undisputed capital. The most famous spot to get one is Okrąglak at Plac Nowy (New Square), though locals recommend less touristy places like Zapiekanki od 1980 roku at Sienna Street 3 or the bar at the Korona sports club.
4. Bagel – The Jewish Cousin of the Obwarzanek
Few people realize that bagels most likely originated in Krakow! The first written mention of a "bun with a hole" appeared in 1610, stating that bagels were given to women after childbirth as a symbol of good fortune.
The key to the bagel’s unique texture lies in its preparation – it is boiled in water with baking soda before baking, giving it a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior.
Bagels became world-famous in New York City, where Jewish immigrants brought the recipe in the early 20th century.
The "basic" zapiekanka is served with cheese and mushrooms, but there are many variations
5. Ojcowski Trout – The Taste of Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska
Just a few kilometers from Krakow, in the Ojców National Park, you’ll find one of the region’s most eco-friendly specialties – Ojcowski Trout.
This fish is farmed in pristine, natural spring waters, using sustainable methods with no artificial feed. It is typically served smoked or roasted, accompanied by fresh herbs and lemon.
Ojcowski Trout is a must-try for seafood lovers, offering a light and healthy alternative to Krakow’s more indulgent dishes.
6. Winnica Srebrna Góra – Krakow’s Own Vineyard
Krakow may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wine, but it actually has a long winemaking tradition.
Located at the foot of the Camaldolese Monastery in Bielany, Winnica Srebrna Góra is one of Poland’s largest vineyards. Established in 2008, it revived a tradition that dates back to the 10th century, when winemaking flourished in the region.
You can find Winnica Srebrna Góra wines in specialty wine shops around the Old Town, or visit the vineyard itself for a wine tasting experience.
Summary – What to Eat in Krakow?
Krakow isn’t just about history and monuments – it’s also home to unique flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a quick list of must-try local specialties:
✅ Obwarzanek Krakowski – a chewy, ring-shaped bread with a crispy crust. ✅ Maczanka Krakowska – a slow-cooked, flavorful pork sandwich. ✅ Zapiekanka – Poland’s beloved fast food, best at Plac Nowy. ✅ Bagel – a historic Jewish delicacy originating from Krakow. ✅ Ojcowski Trout – an eco-friendly, locally sourced fish. ✅ Winnica Srebrna Góra Wine – a taste of Krakow’s revived winemaking tradition.
👉 Which of these specialties have you tried? Or do you have a favorite zapiekanka spot? Let us know in the comments!
Explore Krakow in a fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly way with a Krakow City Tour by electric golf cart. This sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, especially for first-time visitors or travellers with limited time who want to see the highlights without long walks.
During the ride, you will explore key areas of Krakow, including the Old Town surroundings, Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district, and parts of Podgórze, where the famous Schindler’s Factory was located. A professionally prepared audio guide provides historical context and helps you understand the city’s past and character.
This electric car tour allows you to see more in less time while staying comfortable in all weather conditions, making it an easy and practical way to start exploring Krakow.
Duration: 1h - 2hAudio GuideTransportation included
Join a Krakow ghost tour that reveals the city’s darkest secrets after nightfall. This guided walk through the Old Town combines spooky legends, true crime stories and dark history, told in an engaging, thriller-style narrative by a licensed local guide. If you enjoy chills, mystery and a different side of Krakow, this evening experience is for you. Recommended for participants aged 15 and over.
Explore Krakow on a guided city tour with a licensed local guide. Walk through the city’s most iconic districts, such as the Old Town or Kazimierz, and learn about their history through engaging stories and reliable historical insights. This tour is a perfect introduction to Krakow, offering both famous landmarks and lesser-known places explained by a professional guide who is happy to answer your questions.
Duration: 2h - 3hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Explore Krakow’s Old Town at your own pace with a professionally prepared audio guide. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the most important sites of the historic centre, including Krakow’s Main Square and its surrounding streets. Listen to engaging commentary filled with history, fascinating facts, legends and local trivia – an ideal introduction to Krakow for first-time visitors and independent travellers.
Duration: 2h - 3h
Live guide
Skip-theLine
Transportation included
