Krakow Food Tours: Cheese, Pierogies & Dessert

Poland’s most popular tourist destination is also the best place in Poland to enjoy Polish food.

The number of cafes, restaurants, markets and street food stalls in Krakow seems endless. You can spend weeks trying out many of the wonderful specialties or take a Krakow food tour to get the inside scoop from a local guide.

The Cloth Hall in Krakow and the main cathedral.

Krakow Food Tours

Most food tours in Krakow stick to locations in central Krakow. This generally means Krakow’s Old Town, known as Stare Miasto in Polish but more specifically, the area around the main square, Rynek Główny.

Outside of this area, you’ll find many excellent bars, eateries and markets in the Kazimierz district, Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter.

Top Pick

Krakow: 4-Hour Polish Food Tour

Duration: 4 hours.

Unlike other food tours, here you will get to learn the history behind the meals and specialties as well as about the food stores where the tastings take place. The opportunity to sample 10 Polish dishes and specialties as well as vodka makes this the most comprehensive food tour on offer.

Features:

Enjoy up to 10 food tastings at 4-6 venues in central Krakow.
Get a shot of locally made Polish vodka.
Try a variety of Polish cheeses and cured meats.
Taste one of Krakow’s most famous desserts.

Pros: This is Krakow’s most highly-rated tour. You will get to try a wide variety of dishes and a shot of Polish vodka.

Cons: There aren’t vegetarian alternatives at all tastings. This tour isn’t suitable for vegans.

Check Availability

Meeting Point: Plac Wolnica

Meet your food guide at Plac Wolnica (Wolnica Square) in the city’s Kazimierz district.

In my opinion, this walking food tour is the top choice for exploring Krakow’s culinary delights on foot.

However, if you’re looking for an alternative food tour experience, then my next recommended option might suit your preferences better.

Private Food Tour

Traditional Polish Food Tour
Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours.
This walking tour of Krakow provides an interesting overview of Krakow’s rich history and culture while you enjoy samples of Polish food as you go around.

As this is a private tour, you can choose the duration of the tour and how many tastings you would like included.

Polish Pub Crawl

Krakow: Pub, Bar & Club Crawl
Duration: 4 hours.
Alternatively, you might be interested in taking this very popular tour by Krakow Crawl. Krakow has a bustling nightlife, popular with locals and tourists alike.

This pub, bar and club crawl is the most popular in Krakow, and the low price is great for those on a budget or anyone looking to meet a few people on a night out. Club entry and welcome shots are included at all stops.

This guide is part of our series on Polish food and where to eat guide for visitors to Poland.

What to Eat in Krakow

If you’re looking to explore the culinary scene of Krakow and the surrounding region, here are some must-try dishes:

Pierogi – These are perhaps the most famous Polish food, consisting of dumplings stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as meat, cheese, or potatoes.
Bigos – Also known as “hunter’s stew,” this hearty dish is made with sauerkraut, meat, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
Kielbasa – This type of Polish sausage comes in many varieties, including smoked, fresh, and dried.
Oscypek – This is a traditional smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk, and it’s often served with cranberry sauce or other condiments.
Zapiekanka – A popular street food in Poland, consisting of a baguette topped with cheese, mushrooms, and other toppings.
Sernik – This type of cheesecake is popular in Poland, often made with a pastry crust and served with fruit.
Żurek – This is a traditional soup made with fermented rye flour, potatoes, and sausage and often served with a boiled egg.
Pączki – These are Polish doughnuts that are filled with various types of jams or custard and often dusted with powdered sugar.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes and specialties that Krakow and the surrounding region have to offer, so make sure to try as many as you can during your visit! A food tour is a great way to start your Polish food experience.

Street Food in Krakow

If you’re looking to try some street food in Krakow, here are a few popular options:

Obwarzanek – This is a type of bread that’s boiled and then baked, giving it a chewy texture. It’s often sold from street carts and vendors, and you can find it in a variety of flavours, such as sesame or poppy seed. Basically, these are what you might already know as bagels.
Zapiekanka – As mentioned before, this is a popular street food in Krakow. It’s essentially a type of open-faced sandwich made with a baguette and topped with cheese, mushrooms, and other toppings.
Nalesniki – These are thin pancakes that are typically filled with sweet or savoury fillings, such as cheese or fruit.
Grilled oscypek – While oscypek is typically served as a smoked cheese, you’ll also find vendors grilling it up on the streets of Krakow. It’s often served with cranberry sauce or other condiments.

For more information on things to eat in Krakow, Krakow Tourism offers plenty of inspiration including culinary events in Krakow such as Kraków Shrovetide (Zapusty) or Obwarzanek (Kraków Bagel Day).

Sustainable Food Tour Tips

If you’re looking for a sustainable food tour in Krakow, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Look for a tour that focuses on plant-based or vegetarian options. This can help reduce the impact of meat and dairy production on the environment. Krakow has a number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and many traditional Polish dishes can be made vegetarian as well.
Choose a tour that minimises waste. This could mean using reusable containers or avoiding single-use plastics. Look for a tour operator that prioritises sustainability and has a clear policy on waste reduction.
Consider the size of the tour group. Smaller group sizes can help minimise overconsumption and ensure a more personalised experience. It can also help reduce the social impact of the tour on the local community.
Look for a tour that prioritises locally-sourced ingredients. This can help support local farmers. Krakow has a number of farmer’s markets and specialty food shops where you can find locally-sourced ingredients.
Choose a tour operator that is transparent about their social impact. This could mean working with local communities or donating a portion of the profits to a local charity. Look for a tour committed to ethical and sustainable practices that positively impact the local community.

By considering these factors, you can find a food tour in Krakow that aligns with your values and helps minimise your impact on the environment and the local community.

Final Thoughts

Krakow is a fantastic city for foodies, and taking a food tour is a great way to explore the region’s culinary delights.

Whether you’re interested in traditional Polish dishes, international cuisine, or street food, there’s something for everyone in Krakow.

When taking a food tour in Krakow, be sure to look for a tour operator that prioritises sustainability and ethical practices.

This can help minimise your impact on the environment and the local community and ensure that you’re supporting local businesses in a responsible way.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and try new things! Many of the dishes in Krakow are unique and flavorful, and trying new foods is a great way to broaden your horizons and learn more about the local culture.

Overall, a food tour in Krakow is a fun and delicious way to experience the city and can be a highlight of any trip to Poland.

If you have questions or want to leave a tour review, please do so in the comments.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to tours in Krakow, Poland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.