What to Eat in Poland: Iconic Dishes & Local Prices (zł)
Pierogi Ruskie (Pierogi Ruskie)
Authentic Polish specialty from Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland: Pierogi Ruskie, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland (Kraków Airport (KRK — 17 min SKA1 train to Kraków Główny))
Obwarzanek Krakowski (Protected Braided Bagel) (Obwarzanek Krakowski)
Authentic Polish specialty from Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland: Obwarzanek Krakowski (Protected Braided Bagel), best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland (Kraków Airport (KRK — 17 min SKA1 train to Kraków Główny))
Oscypek Smoked Sheep Cheese (Oscypek Smoked Sheep Cheese)
Authentic Polish specialty from Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland: Oscypek Smoked Sheep Cheese, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland (Kraków Airport (KRK — 17 min SKA1 train to Kraków Główny))
Żurek (Żurek)
Authentic Polish specialty from Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland: Żurek, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Kraków, Wieliczka, Zakopane & Lesser Poland (Kraków Airport (KRK — 17 min SKA1 train to Kraków Główny))
Pyzy Warszawskie (Pyzy Warszawskie)
Authentic Polish specialty from Warsaw (Warszawa) & Mazovia: Pyzy Warszawskie, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Warsaw (Warszawa) & Mazovia (Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW — 20 min SKM S2/S3 train, 4.40 zł!))
Duck with Apples (Duck with Apples)
Authentic Polish specialty from Warsaw (Warszawa) & Mazovia: Duck with Apples, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Warsaw (Warszawa) & Mazovia (Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW — 20 min SKM S2/S3 train, 4.40 zł!))
How to Eat Well in Poland Without Tourist Markups
Walk at least two streets away from major monuments like Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) & St. Mary's Basilica — Hear the live hourly Hejnał Mariacki bugle call from the 82m Gothic tower and admire Veit Stoss's carved linden-wood altarpiece (15 zł). Don't miss the Rynek Underground Museum beneath the square (36 zł; free Tuesdays). or UNESCO Old Town (Stare Miasto), Royal Castle & Barbican — Walk the Royal Route (Krakowskie Przedmieście) past Copernicus and Chopin's heart at Holy Cross Church to Castle Square (Royal Castle free on Wednesdays). before sitting down. Look for menus posted with clear prices in zł (PLN) and busy local lunch counters.
Tipping & Dining Etiquette in Poland
10% at sit-down restaurants and pierogarnia (say the total amount you wish to pay BEFORE the waiter taps your card, or leave cash); Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny) are self-service with no tipping.