European Capital of Gastronomic Culture

Kraków (or Cracow), my most favourite city in the world, has been named this year’s European Capital of Gastronomic Culture. For a good reason. Actually, for many reasons, and here are only some of them. Not only is this gorgeous city one of UNESCO’s planet’s top 12 landmarks, its vibrant food scene impresses as well, as it reinvents tradition and adds a modern touch. Family traditions are the basis of the contemporary Krakow cuisine, where new dishes are being created form old recipes. Ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced. The number of food places is mind boggling. Mamma-and-papa joint’s with pierogies, rouladen and hearty soups are right next to fine food establishments where you can end your amazing meal with a strawberry mousse encased in an edible chocolate tomato. 

For a newbie who doesn’t quite know where to begin the culinary explorations, the city offers free walking food tours. You learn about history, traditions, and you sample various delicacies off the beaten track, from pierogies fro what seems a room in a regular apartment, to a piece of sausage at the local market, a tiny bowl of borshtch (beet-root soup), a piece of herring, half-pickled cucumber. As you explore the city, you can grab one of the following ubiquitous staples and classics:

·      Obwarzanek – a quintessentially Cracovian baked bagel that cannot be found anywhere else. The stands (see photo) are everywhere. You can enjoy the little French bagel ring with salt, sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

·      Oscypek – a cute decorated ball of smoked goat cheese, warmed up, served with cranberry jam.

·      Zapiekanka – a new classic from the 1970s, now ever present in all cities, a baguette baked with a variety of toppings and cheese, measuring up to 50 cm. Affordable and yummy.

Now, I have a confession to make: not only do I have an addiction to Polish donuts, but when in Kraków I overindulge in massive pieces of torts. On one of the streets leading from the main square, there is a café I cannot pass by, and now I also have Robert hooked. Their cakes and torts beckon everyone who walks by. Huge, multilayered artistic creations of light angel cake, fresh fruit, whipped cream, merengue, almonds, chocolate mousse are worth the guilt. Actually, when I think of it, I don’t feel any guilt, just immense pleasure while inhaling the mountain of deliciousness.