No trip to Kraków is complete without indulging in the city's most famous dish—pierogi! These delicious dumplings can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients and are served boiled, fried, or baked. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the different types of pierogi available in Kraków, share a few personal thoughts on why pierogi are so popular in the city, recommend a few of the best places to enjoy pierogi in Kraków, and offer a few tips for those who want to try making pierogi at home.
Best Savory Pierogi Fillings:
Pierogi ruskie (potato and cheese)
Potato and cheddar
Potato only
Sauerkraut and mushroom filling (pierogi z kapustą i grzybami)
Sweet cheese
Sauerkraut filling (pierogi z kapustą kiszoną)
Wild mushroom filling (pierogi z grzybami)
Meat (pierogi z mięsem)
Vegan (sun-dried tomato and lentils)
Buckwheat groats and farmer’s cheese (pierogi z kaszą gryczaną i twarogiem)
Smoked cheese (oscypek) and cranberry jam
Spinach
Pumpkin
Chanterelle mushroom
Poppy seed, dried fruit, and honey
Best Sweet Perogi Fillings:
Blueberry
Strawberry
Sweet Cherry
Best toppings include:
- melted butter
- sour cream
- crispy bacon
- caramelized onions
- skwarki – fried pork backfat
- sweetened sour cream or whipped cream for sweet pierogi
Visit the Top Pierogi Places in Krakow:
- Przystanek Pierogarnia is Kraków’s number one spot for delicious pierogi. The recipes for the mouth-watering dumplings are passed down from the owners’ aunt Ula, and you can taste the tradition in every bite. The perfectly-seasoned filling is wrapped in a tender dough, and the pierogi are fried to golden perfection. Whether you order them with a traditional sauerkraut and mushroom filling or try something new like the ever-popular ruskie pierogi filled with potato and cheese, you’re sure to be satisfied. And at only 10 złotych (approximately $2.50) for a plate of six pierogi, Przystanek Pierogarnia is a great value as well. So next time you’re in Kraków, be sure to check out Przystanek Pierogarnia for an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Pierogi MR Vincent - The menu has something for everyone, whether you're craving classic comfort food or looking to try something new. Their selection of pierogi includes both traditional and vegetarian options, as well as more innovative flavors like buffalo chicken and macaroni and cheese. In addition to pierogi, they also offer a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. And for those with a sweet tooth, they have a selection of desserts that includes both classic and modern favorites. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty Pierogi meal or just looking for a light snack, Pierogi MR Vincent has you covered.
- Bar Mleczny Górnik is one of the best places to enjoy a meal of pierogi in the city. The milk-bar has been serving up traditional Polish fare for years, and its old-fashioned atmosphere is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The pierogi here are some of the best in the city, and they come in a variety of flavors, including cheese, potato, and meat. The bar also offers a variety of other traditional Polish dishes, such as cabbage rolls and Bigos (a stew made with sauerkraut and sausage). And for those looking for something a little sweeter, the bar also serves up excellent pancakes and crepes. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, Bar Mleczny Górnik Krakow is sure to please.
- Robimy pierogi food truck is a small pierogi manufacturer that serves high-quality hand-made dumplings for eating on the go (boiled or fried) prepared only with fresh, natural ingredients.
- Pierogarnia Krakowiacy all pierogi are freshly and hand-made and al the raw products are taken from local producers.
- Przypiecek is the perfect place to order delicious pierogi 24 h/day. With a wide variety of mix options, including traditional, vegetarian, fruit, and phantasy, there is something for everyone. The mixed options make it easy to try something new or stick with a favorite. Przypiecek also offers pierogi delivery, so you can enjoy your favorite dish without having to leave home. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Przypiecek has you covered. So next time you are craving pierogi, be sure to check out Przypiecek. You won't be disappointed.
- Sąsiedzi is a unique restaurant located in the Kazimierz district of Krakow. The restaurant specializes in Polish and Galician traditional cuisine. Although the portion size is smaller, the decor of the restaurant is extraordinary, with rustic wooden furnishings and an impressive collection of Polish folk art. The menu features a wide variety of traditional dishes, including pierogi, bigos, and kotlet schabowy. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. Sąsiedzi is a great place to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
Kraków's pierogi come in many different shapes and sizes, but they can broadly be divided into two categories: sweet pierogi and savory pierogi. Sweet pierogi are typically filled with fruit or cheese, while savory pierogi can be filled with anything from meat to potatoes. While you can find both sweet and savory pierogi throughout Poland, Kraków is especially known for its variety of savory pierogi.
Pierogi are such a staple of Polish cuisine because they're incredibly versatile. They can be served as a main course or a side dish, they can be either sweet or savory, and they can be boiled, fried, or baked. And of course, they're absolutely delicious! No matter what your taste buds are craving, there's sure to be a type of pierogi that will hit the spot.
If you're looking for traditional Polish fare, look no further than Zapiecek Pierogarnia. This popular spot serves up delicious pierogi made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. For something a little more unique, head to Pierogarnia October where you can try creative flavor combinations like rosemary & Parmesan or chocolate & chili pepper. And if you want to enjoy views of Wawel Castle while you eat, Visit Barbakan Newzacja for outdoor seating overlooking one of Kraków's most iconic landmarks.
How to make your own pierogi
All you need is some time and patience! The dough is made from flour, water, salt, and butter (no yeast required), and it should be rolled out as thinly as possible so that the finished product is nice and crispy. As for fillings, the sky's the limit--but we recommend keeping it fairly simple at first with something like mashed potatoes or sauerkraut before moving on to more adventurous combinations like beetroot & goat cheese or cherry & chocolate. Once you've got your dough rolled out and your fillings prepared, simply shape them into little pillows (be sure not to overstuff them!), boil them until they float to the surface, and then fry them up in butter until they're golden brown on both sides. Serve with sour cream and/or grilled onions and enjoy!
There's nothing quite like enjoying a plate (or two) of piping hot pierogi while taking in the sights and sounds of beautiful Kraków. Whether you prefer your pierogi sweet or savory, there's sure to be a combination that will tantalize your taste buds. So what are you waiting for? Do as the locals do and tuck into some delicious Polish dumplings today! Book a food tour with us and we'll show you some of the best street food Krakow has to offer including Pierogi