Where To Find Best Pierogi in Krakow

Pierogi are our national treasure and comes as a first thing on ”What to eat in Poland” list. The recipe of those middle-size hand-made dumplings dates back to 13 century and since then we have never stopped to make them! The key for having a good quality pierogi is a well made dough. Thin, but not too much, soft, but still springy – the secret how to make the best one is enchanted in the experienced hands of Polish mothers and grandmothers. Some of them are using eggs, some just warm milk, or water but what is sure - the flour must be full of gluten to achieve the proper velvet effect. 

Then you need to make a delicious filling in order to make pierogi tastier. We have some traditional filiings which are pierogi ruskie (russian) will be filled with boiled and smash potatoes, onion, and cottage cheese, Christmas version with dried mushrooms and sauerkraut, meat one – with minced pork, beef or goose meat and onion, and sweet one with the seasonal fruits, white cheese and cinnamon, or poppy seeds with nuts. Those are the most classic versions but each region has its own variations, each housewife is using the own creativity to make new flavours and each restaurant can surprise us with the new inventions. Cooked or fried, with beautifully caramelized onion, bacon, or with sour cream on the top - what to choose? And the most important - how to find the best pierogi in the world full of dumplings? Trust the experts! In this article you will find our personal choice of the best pierogi places in Kraków - from economic milk bars, through specialized pierogarnia to fancy fine dining restaurants - but what connecting all those places is just simple GOOD pierogi.

1. Przystanek Pierogarnia

Rynek Dębnicki 3, Bonerowska 14, Stefana Batorego 26, Bratysławska 4, Bora-Komorowskiego 41, os. Na Stoku 32, Krowoderska 74, Kraków (www.przystanek-pierogarnia.pl)

Our number one in Kraków - Przystanek Pierogarnia  - serving an excellent pierogi made with the recipes of the owners’ aunt Ula.  Located all around the city 7 tiny places usually just have few sitting places, but the quality of pierogi is right like at home, so we can strongly recommend it! Big portions, possibility to have savoury or sweet mix to try different options, and very affordable price – what more do you need?

2. Pierogi MR Vincent

Bożego Ciała 12, Juliusza Lea 114, Kraków  (www. pierozkiuvincenta.pl)

This classic pierogi place on Kazimierz with Vincent Van Gough inspired interiors is offering the long menu with classic, vegetarian and more innovative versions. We love them for the dough, compact, but still soft. Their flag option is Vincent pierogi – with fried beef, onion and salami. 

3. Bar Mleczny Górnik

Upadate: unfortunately, the restaurant Bat Mleczny Górnik has permanently closed its doors.

Czysta 1, Kraków (www.facebook.com/barmleczny.gornik)

Unofficially the best milk-bars pierogi in the city for all Polish old-fashion places lovers. To buy the classic pierogi you must use the phrase – “Pierogi Ruskie poproszę “ as the staff is not speaking English, but believe us – the dish that you will receive it will be as traditional as it should be!

4. Robimy pierogi food truck

Upadate: unfortunately, the Food Truck Robimy Pierogi ceased operations.

Dajwór 21, Kraków (www.robimypierogi.pl)

Food truck is always a guarantee of the good food. This small pierogi manufacture is serving the high quality hand-made dumplings for eating on-the-go (boiled or fried) prepared only with fresh, natural ingredients.  Seasonally you can try here pierogi with rhubarb, wild blueberries or with broad beans.

5. Pierogarnia Krakowiacy

Szewska 23, Westerplatte 15, Kraków (www.facebook.com/PierogarniaKrakowiacy)

All pierogi here are freshly and hand-made and al the raw products are taken from the local producers. Besides classic options their adventurous version like mascarpone-cherry, or rafaello are already legends. Big plus for short time order. 

6. Przypiecek

Sławkowska 32, Kraków (www.przypiecek.pl)

Pierogi even in the middle of the night? Of course – in Kraków all your dreams comes true! In Przypiecek you can order the delicious pierogi 24 h/day and you and be sure they will be always fresh made. If you can’t decide what to choose take one of their mixes – traditional, vegetarian, fruits or phantasy one.

7. Sąsiedzi 

Miodowa 25, Kraków (www.sasiedzi.oberza.pl)

Extraordinary decorated rustic restaurant located in the basement of the nineteenth-century tenement house in Kazimierz district is specialised in Polish and Galician traditionally cuisine and their bowl of homemade dumplings will satisfy the greatest traditionalists. The portion is smaller than usual (6 pieces) but will allow you to try also the other Polish delicacies.

8. Gospoda na Woli

Królowej Jadwigi 223, Kraków (www.facebook.com/pages/category/Polish-Restaurant/Gospoda-Na-Woli-201617269875431)

This traditional polish restaurant is located a bit more far away from the city centre but is perfect if you would like to make a short break from the touristy Market Square. First take a walk in the beautiful park Willa Decjusza, then visit the Photography Museum MuFo placed in the old wooden shooting range and at the end sit in the garden of Gospoda na Woli and order their famous pierogi ruskie. We can recommend you booking the table earlier as the place can be crowded, especially in weekends.

9. Trzy rybki

Szczepańska 5, Kraków (likusrestauracje.pl/restauracje/restauracja-3-rybki)

The Michelin Guide recommendation, one of the best restaurants in Kraków with unique Renaissance rooms, the ribbed vaults and Gothic windows, is also serving pierogi, but here you should expect a real taste explosion in your mouth! Currently in menu are pierogi with Fontina cheese, purple potatoes chips and truffle, but the chef Krzysztof Żurek is creating always something new, following the season. The highest class pierogi in the city!

10. Nakryto 

Beera Meiselsa 14 (www.nakryto.pl)

In Nakryto you will feel like in the polish home, when the grandma will never let you be hungry. Polish hospitality and nostalgic childhood dishes – this is what all of us sometimes need. Here tradition will get extra modern touch - their ruskie pierogi are served with delicate mint cream and the sweet version is made with traditional smoked plum Suska Sechlońska and nuts. 

9 Things to Know Before Your First Time Visit in Krakow

1- Where to stay in Krakow?

Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland yet most of the interesting things to see/do are almost in walking distance. The two most popular neighborhoods to stay in Kraków are definitely Stare Miasto (Old Town) and Kazimierz (Jewish quarter). Old Town with its central location and stunning beauty is still the most attracting, however, you should take into consideration that it is relatively crowded and expensive.

Our favorite area in Krakow is the Kazimierz district. By choosing an apartment or hotel in Kazimierz you will have a chance to catch a more local atmosphere – few steps from your doors you will find the best pubs, art cafes and restaurants that are visited mostly by locals in the city. Not only staying here but also eating&drinking will save you some money. You can reach the Krakow Market Square within 15 minutes by walk.

The other good alternatives can be Podgórze or Dębniki – both of them are still in the walking distance from the Rynek Główny (Main Square), on the other part of the Wisła river. Especially Podgorze is getting a lot of attention- recently lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants were opening in this district.

 2. Transportation

If you come to Kraków by plane the most affordable way to reach the city center from the airport is to take the train. It is a very comfortable, stress-free and budget-friendly option – much cheaper than the taxi and Uber. The ticket costs only 9 PLN, and you do not have to pay for your luggage. It is possible to buy the ticket in the passenger terminal, on the station platform, and on the train. Kraków Główny (the main train station) will be the fifth stop (you will arrive there in 20 minutes) and after 10 minutes walk, you will reach Rynek Główny (the Main Square).

 The alternative can be agglomeration bus lines (208, 209, 252) – it is even cheaper than the train (4.6 PLN), but the journey will take at least 45 minutes. These buses have few stops close to the city center, so in some cases, it can be an also convenient option. You can use the Jakdojade app to check which is the closest bus stop from your hotel.

Of course, you can take taxi, Uber or Bolt. There is an official Kraków Airport Taxi that you can book online at: https://www.krakowairport.pl/en/passenger,c70/transport,c313/krakow-air



 3. Polish Language

The Polish language is one of the most difficult languages to learn however Knowing a few polish words is always appreciated by Polish people. Do not be afraid to try, you will always gain an extra smile! Here are some words that will help you during your stay.

• Dzień dobry - good morning / good afternoon (jane DOH-brih)

• Dobry wieczór - good evening (DOH-brih VYEH-choor)

• Dobranoc - good night (doh-BRAH-notes)

• Cześć - hi (cheshch) 

• Do widzenia - good bye (doh vee-DZEN-ya)

• Proszę - please / here you are (PROH-sheh)

• Dziękuję - thank you (jen-KOO-yeh)

• Dzięki - thanks (informal) (JEN-kee)

• Przepraszam - I'm sorry / excuse me (psheh-PRAH-shahm)

• Tak - yes (tahk)

• Nie - no / not (nyeh)

• Nie wiem - I don't know (nyeh vyem)

• Jak się masz? - How are you? (informal) (yahk shay mahsh)

• Nie mówię po polsku. - I don't speak Polish (nyeh MOO-vyeh poh pohl-skoo)

• Nie rozumiem - I don't understand (nyeh roh-ZOO-myem

• Na zdrowie! - Cheers! / Bless you! (lit. For health!) (nah ZDROH-vyeh)

Many Polish people (especially the younger generation) speak fluently English as well as other languages and they are always open to help, so in any needs, you can always ask them.

4. Book Your Activities in Advance

The most popular attractions are very busy in high season so pre-booking activities can save you a lot of time and can guarantee that you will not miss it. The most popular attractions are Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, The “Wieliczka” Salt Mine, Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, Nowa Huta Museum, Wawel Castle.

5. Buying Sim Card

Buying a SIM card in Poland is quick, painless, and inexpensive. The 4 main providers are Orange, Play, Plus, and T-Mobile, and all of them will be suitable for you. You can buy a SIM card in supermarkets, small shops (like Żabka – available everywhere) street kiosks, gas (petrol) stations, and in official company stores.  Then you should register SIM card with your passport or national ID card – so please confirm during your purchase that the attendant has not just given you your SIM card package, but has activated the card as well. First, you should insert and register the SIM card, then wait for the confirmation, that all working properly via text messages from the cell company and a quick Internet speed test.

 We can recommend you to verify everything before leaving the store or kiosk, in case of any problems you can always as the attendant help.

The service is really cheap, but if you will need it you can later easily buy top-up vouchers in the same places you bought the SIM card.

6. Must Try Polish Dishes

Polish hospitality is famous and all polish mums and grandmas cook when they want simply make their you happy. What you should try in Kraków to feel this atmosphere?  

Our Krakow Food Tour covers most of the must-try Polish dishes as well as beer and vodka by visiting local eateries that visited mostly by local people. You can read more about our food tour here:

• Zalewajka - sour rye soup typical for Małopolska region:

• Barszcz (Christmas beetroot soup with dumplings – this is the taste of polish family Christmas Eve dinner. Try at Zalewajka Restaurant.-     

• Placki ziemniaczane – potatoes pancakes, served with goulash and sour cream. Try at Kuchnia u Doroty.-       

• Bigos – slow-cooked (sometimes even three days!) sauerkraut stew with meat, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Try at Goscianna Chata.

• Zapiekanki – Open-faced sandwiches with different toppings. Vegetarians options are available. Try at Plac Nowy.  

• Obwarzanek – The progenitor of Jewish bagel, twisted bread which is treated as a symbol of Cracow. You can find them everywhere- just make sure you try them in the morning as it is fresher. 

•  Pączki  - Polish donuts, fresh fried, soft and filled with the rose jam. Try at Gorące Pączki.

• Kremówka  (Papal Cream Cake) – a pie made with two pieces of thin puff-pastry filled with vanilla custard cream sprinkled with powdered sugar. Try at "Czarodziej" Cocktail-Bar Cukiernia.

•  Sernik – Cheesecake made with polish farmer cheese called twaróg. Try at Cukiernia Pod Arkadami.

7. Where to Eat in Krakow

Forgot about TripAdvisor! Here you will find our few personal choices of the best places to eat.

Polish Food in Krakow:

• Art. Restauracja - Reinvented polish cuisine in the fine dining option. World Luxury Restaurant Award Winner 2019, Michelin Guide  2019

• Albertina - Fine dining restaurant with Polish and Mediterranean cuisine. Michelin Guide  2019

•  Kogel Mogel - Exceptional Polish menu at its very best. Michelin Guide  2019

• Morskie Oko - Good and inexpensive traditional Polish food in the folklore environment

 International Food in Krakow:

• Zazie Bistro - Delicious French-inspired food at a fantastic price. Michelin Guide 2019

• Nolio - A real Italian cuisine with Neapolitan pizza and the best raviolo con uovo in the town. DOP mozzarella and  San Marzano tomatoes.

• Youmiko Sushi - very small and very creative sushi bar in Kazimierz with vegan options. The best sushi in Kraków!

• Akita Ramen – Meat ramen by Akita is considered an art. – You must have a visit!

•  Pod Norenami -- Perfect Asian food option for vegetarian (but not only) with the long menu.
  
  
  

8. Safety

Kraków is a very safe city. You can walk everywhere, there are no dangerous districts or so. Also coming back home at night normally does not create any disturbances.

9.Useful Websites and Apps

Visiting the new place is always a bit challenging – let’s make it easier for you. Here you will find a few useful applications that will help you to discover Kraków better.

• Jakdojade - The best transport application that allows you to go from point A to point B, buy a ticket or check the tram/bus route. Absolutely no. 1

• Traficar – Car-sharing app, you will pay only for time and distance (fuel and parking are already included in the price)

• Bolt  - Ride-hailing app for requesting a fast and affordable ride. The cheaper version of Uber.

   Hulaj, Lime, Blinkee, Bird – if you just have few days, electric scooters, available everywhere in the city, letting you see Kraków faster and from a different perspective.

• Kraków.pl – it is practically a free city guide, that also showing all events, concerts and the other upcoming events.

• Vegan Kraków – using this app you will easily find all the vegan-friendly spots in the city (restaurants, bars, markets, shops)

• Pyszne.pl – food delivery from the restaurant just to your hotel or apartment.

• Finebite – book the table in the best Kraków restaurants with 50% discounts just for your feedback

Must Try Traditional Polish Dishes

So you decided to pay a visit to that mysterious country that lies in the very heart of Europe - Poland. Taking into consideration that the country was pretty much separated from the rest of the world during 50 years of communism, you might wonder - what is there to eat?

Once you start exploring Polish cuisine you will most definitely be surprised. Poland has a lot to offer to people who are looking to challenge their taste buds. If you start digging into Polish traditional recipes, you might come across dishes that you might not even want to try, (soup made of duck blood - anyone?)  but some of them are so delicious that you will simply want more and more. On our food tour in Krakow and Wroclaw, we serve all traditional must try dishes so that you can experience all the dishes once you book a food tour with us.

One of the must try Polish dishes are definitely pierogi, (Polish dumplings). They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are served both on special occasions (like Christmas Eve) and as regular everyday meals. There are tons of different fillings to choose from (meat, potatoes, cottage cheese, lentils, spinach or all kinds of berries if you are a sweet tooth), so it’s difficult to ever get bored of that dish.  The best ones are handmade pierogis that are prepared by an experienced Polish housewife.  If you ever have a chance to pay a visit to a Polish household, try to persuade the lady of the house to prepare that dish for you. Yammi!

credit. Delicious Poland

Another interesting dish are placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), which in times of economic difficulties in 19th century often replaced bread among the peasants. They are made of grated and ground potatoes, flour and eggs, than deep fried in oil and topped with a variety of condiments. As with pierogis, you can choose between a savoury option (potato pancakes served with sour cream or goulash) or a sweet one (the same potato pancakes served with applesauce or sugar), they may also be served plain. If you’re really hungry, go for the pancakes with goulash. The rich, savory Polish goulash is made from pork and is a perfect topping for that delicious dish.

credit: Delicious Poland

You cannot leave Poland without trying traditional Polish soups. The most intriguing ones are Barszcz (the beetroot soup) and Zurek. Barszcz is always served on Christmas Eve in a company of cute little dumplings called “uszka” (which literally means “little ears”); these always have a mushroom and sauerkraut filling. The popularity of borscht has spread throughout Eastern Europe and the former Russian Empire, so you might find different types of borscht in each of the Eastern European countries. The Polish version is made of beets, meat stock, a bit of sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes consider adding other vegetables like carrots, parsley roots, white cabbage or even tomatoes, but the quintessence of the soup is beetroot, which gives the dish a distinctive red color.

Zurek is quite different. Very popular during Easter, this soup is made of soured rye flour (akin to sourdough) and is served with meat (usually boiled pork sausage or pieces of smoked sausage, bacon or ham). The recipe varies from region to region (in Silesia, for example, people add mashed potatoes to the soup), but most Poles will not accept Zurek without halved hard-boiled egg inside. It’s simply a must!

If during your stay in Poland you somehow end up partying with some Poles, Zurek is then highly recommended the day after - there is no better cure for a hangover!

Credit: Milli Studio

Another suggestion for culinary adventurous travellers is “Golabki” ( literally “little pigeons), which are Polish cabbage rolls. To make them you need soft-boiled cabbage leaves and some minced pork or beef. You also need to have skillful hands - the cabbage leaves need to be wrapped around the meat! The meat is not the only delicacy inside the rolls. There is also rice or barley, chopped onions and herbs. The rolls need to be baked in the oven in a casserole dish and served with a creamy tomato sauce.

Poles are definitely creative in the kitchen and are able to create a dish from nothing. A good example of that culinary ability is Bigos. If you need to clean out your freezer and use up leftovers from other meat dishes - make yourself some Bigos! Worth trying if you ever feel nostalgic after your trip to Poland. All you need are assorted kinds of meat chopped into small chunks and a mixture of sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) and shredded fresh white cabbage;  you mix all ingredients and the result is that delicious Polish stew. A couple of good quality shots of vodka and you feel like you’re in Poland again!

We are Delicious Poland. We run memorable and personal culinary tours in Krakow, Wroclaw and Warsaw. Join us and experience the tastes of Poland.

5 Must Try Polish Vodkas

On our Vodka and Culture Tour, we have heard many times the hard question: Which Polish vodka is the best? The reason why we think that the question is really hard to answer is that we have got different types of vodkas in Poland and each of them is characterized by different things. Below we listed 5 must try Polish vodkas which you can try almost in every bar and restaurant. In this post, you will not find the flavored vodkas as we decided to write them in another post.

1-Żubrówka: Żubrówka is called Bison Grass Vodka. This intriguing name comes from the one of its main ingredient- grass, that is gathered in Bialowieza Forest- home of polish bisons. Żubrówka delights unique, herbal taste. Generally, vodka is not served in Poland in cocktail form, but with Żubrówka we make an exception and mix it with Apple juice. Apples perfectly emphasize herbal notes. 

2-Żołądkowa Gorzka: It is herbal alcohol beverage with a beautiful, golden color. A blend of dried fruits, herbs and spices give unforgettable taste. However, Żołądkowa is not a proper vodka as its alcohol content is less than 37,5% abv (exactly 36% abv).So why Żołądkowa Gorzka has been listed here if it can not be called real vodka? Żołądkowa used to have 40% abv, but the number has been decreased without changing the taste.  It has very distinguished flavor and it's one of the few alcohols that are distributed only in Poland. Don't miss a chance to try it!
    

3-Sobieski: Sobieski is a vodka named after Polish invincible and fearless king Jan III Sobieski. The king had won Battle Vienna stopping the invasion of Ottoman Empire. Sobieski is based on high-quality rye and crystalline water. The careful selection of all ingredients makes Sobieski one of the smoothest and purest vodkas in Poland. It's not only premium quality vodka but also a history lesson.

4-J. A. Baczewski Vodka Monopolowa: Baczewski is a legendary vodka produced since 1781. It's one of the few vodka distilled from potatoes. Baczewski is distilled based on a traditional formula. You will be surprised by its smoothness and distinctive taste.

5-Dębowa: Dębowa literally means Oak Vodka. It's a herbal spirit based on Black Elderflower and Oakwood. The taste is a mixture of sweetness and spiciness. It reminds vanilla and pepper.
Visually Dębowa's bottle looks very impressive.
 

If this post made you more into the Polish vodkas join our vodka and culture tour! Our tour is not only about tasting but also learning traditions, drinking habits, and history.

5 Facts About Christmas Traditions in Poland That Might Surprise You

Christmas celebration starts in Poland on 24th of December and most of the traditions are connected with Christmas Eve. It's the most special and meaningful day of the year. On 24th of December Poles gather around the table and eat Christmas dinner. After dinner family sits near Christmas tree, sing Christmas carols and exchange gifts. 
Christmas traditions can be different depending on the region. However below you find five most common traditions that are known and practiced in all Poland:

1) 12 dishes: There must be served 12 dishes on Christmas table. Everybody should try every dish, so in the next year nothing will be missing. Number 12 refers to number of the apostles and number of months.

2) Meatless dishes: Meat is not served on Christmas Eve in Poland. On the table, you will find mostly fishes, soups (mushroom, beet), various dishes made of potatoes, sauerkraut, mushrooms, dried fruit compote. The most common „Christmas” fish is carp- before Christmas, you can buy in many markets a live carp. Poles keep live carps swimming in the bath for few days and kill it on the day of Christmas Eve. Carp can be served fried, baked or in jelly form.

3) One empty seat: There should be left at least one empty seat with full tableware in every polish home (plate, cutlery, glass). The place is for stray wanderer- whoever knocks the door on Christmas Eve, should be invited for joining the dinner. Nobody should be alone during that day.

4)Hay under the tablecloth: The hay is put on the table and covered by a tablecloth. It is related to the fact that Jesus was born on a hay in the stable.

5)Sharing the wafer: Before starting eating, Poles share the wafer (in polish „opłatek”) and wish each other all the best. 

                                                           Photo by FotoKatolik