What to Eat in Poland: 6 Traditional Dishes You Must Try
September 6, 2021
Discover the best traditional Polish dishes! Try pierogi, żurek, bigos, and more. Find out where to eat in Kraków, including a Michelin-starred restaurant.
September 6, 2021
Polish Cuisine – A Mix of Tradition and Flavor
Polish cuisine is a delicious blend of influences from Tatar-Turkish, German, Jewish, and Ruthenian traditions. Known for its hearty dishes, strong flavors, and pickled ingredients, it varies by region but shares some nationwide classics.
Here are the must-try Polish dishes, available in Kraków, Warsaw, and across the country.
Russian dumplings with cottage cheese and bacon
Top 6 Must-Try Polish Dishes
1. Pierogi – Poland’s Iconic Dumplings
Pierogi are Poland’s most famous dish. These stuffed dumplings come with various fillings, the most popular being pierogi ruskie (cottage cheese, onion, and potatoes). Other versions include meat, sauerkraut with mushrooms (Christmas special), and sweet ones with strawberries or blueberries.
2. Rosół – Poland’s Sunday Tradition
Rosół is a clear chicken broth served with thin noodles, traditionally enjoyed as a Sunday lunch starter in many Polish homes. Made with chicken, beef, or a mix of meats, along with root vegetables, it’s known for its comforting and restorative qualities.
3. Żurek – The Unique Polish Soup
Żurek is a sour rye soup with sausage and egg, often served in a hollowed-out bread loaf. A staple of Easter traditions, it has a tangy, smoky flavor with a hint of horseradish.
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 breaded pork cutlet, similar to Wiener Schnitzel, is a Polish classic. Usually served with mashed potatoes and cabbage or beetroot salad, it’s been a Sunday dinner favorite for decades.
5. Bigos – Hearty Hunter’s Stew
Bigos is a slow-cooked stew of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various meats, enriched with spices like bay leaves and allspice. It’s even tastier after reheating, making it a great winter comfort food.
6. Polish Potato Dishes – Kluski, Pyzy & More
Polish cuisine offers many potato-based dishes:
Kluski śląskie – round dumplings with a signature dimple, perfect with sauces.
Leniwe (Lazy Pierogi) – soft, cheese-based dumplings, a quicker alternative to traditional pierogi.
Placki ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes) – crispy and golden, served with sour cream or goulash.
Broth
Polish Desserts – Sweet Treats to Try
Pączki – fluffy doughnuts filled with rose jam, a Fat Thursday favorite.
Szarlotka – Polish apple pie, often topped with crumble.
Sernik – creamy cheesecake made with traditional Polish twaróg cheese.
Apple pie
Where to Eat Traditional Polish Food in Kraków?
Kraków is one of the best places to experience classic Polish flavors. In the Old Town and Kazimierz, you’ll find everything from milk bars serving traditional home-cooked meals to top-rated restaurants offering modern interpretations of Polish cuisine.
If you’re looking for pierogi, Pierogi Krakowiacy is one of the most highly rated spots in the city. For classic Polish cuisine with an elegant touch, Miód Malina is an excellent choice.
For hearty, traditional portions in a casual setting, you can visit Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa, known for its generous portions and old Polish dishes, or Restauracja Gościnna Chata, specializing in regional Małopolska cuisine.
In Kazimierz, Zalewajka is a great choice for homemade soups and traditional flavors. If you’d like to explore Kraków’s Jewish culinary heritage, Ariel is one of the most well-known restaurants in the area.
For a more refined experience, try Szara Gęś w Kuchni, an elegant restaurant offering modern takes on traditional Polish dishes. If you’re looking for a top-tier culinary experience, Bottiglieria 1881, Kraków’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, is the perfect choice.
Don't forget about Kraków's signature street food, such as obwarzanek, maczanka, and zapiekanka – you can read more about them here:
Polish food is rich, comforting, and deeply rooted in history. Whether you’re enjoying pierogi for the first time, savoring a bowl of rosół on a Sunday, or warming up with bigos, it’s a culinary journey worth taking!
What’s your favorite Polish dish? 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
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
