So you find yourself in Krakow during the Easter season- great! There is nothing better than immersing yourself in a culture during an important time of year. For a full breakdown on what to do when- go to our main post about Easter in Krakow. For interesting facts and things that happen during the Easter season go here!

The month of Easter will provide you with a pretty intense amount of events- from the Easter Market in the Main Square, to the single-day events such as Emaus and Rękawka. But let’s say you’ve got some time, and instead of eating what’s offered to the mass of tourists in the Old Town- you’re going to eat what you’d find in a real Polish home… well then here’s your list! And yes, they really do love that boiled vegetable smothered in mayo salad– like a lot!

Easter in Poland means cakes and eggs and cakes and eggs! And then some horseradish and meat. [For more on Easter check out our article 13 Interesting Facts about Easter in Poland].

1. Babka

Heavy on egg yolks, this traditional Easter cake is similar to Italy’s Panettone, in that it is a semi-sweet yeast bread, which sometimes includes rum-soaked raisins.

2. Mazurek

This very sweet, flat cake is made of a single or double sheet of short pastry, covered with a sheet of sponge cake. Marmalade is used to keep the two layers together, and on top you will find a layer of icing. The fun with this cake comes with the decorating; using dried fruits and nuts to make beautiful designs.

3. Pascha

Although past originated in Russia, this is a Polish Easter classic. Simply put its a molded cheese, and more elaborately it’s like a cheese spread that is described as similar to cheese cake but without the crust, and great on slices of not-so-sweet cake.

4. Żurek

This is a sour rye soup, which is enjoyed all through the year, not just at Easter. It is usually served with hard-boiled eggs and sausage in the broth, and if made from soured rye flour. Its tartness seems strange at first, but you’ll definitely grow to love it!

5. Jajka Faszerowane (Stuffed Eggs)

Easter is all about eggs! These stuffed eggs are similar to the deviled eggs of American picnics, but have a slightly elevated flavor profile with lots of fresh herbs added; as well as, breadcrumbs and cheese!

6. Jajka na Twardo (Hard Boiled Eggs)

These are as simple as the name- just plain hard-boiled eggs. Usually sliced and made into open faced sandwiches, or cut in half and topped with a little mayo, salt, and pepper. The eggs that were in the basket

7. Sałatka Jarzynowa (Cooked Vegetable Salad)

This creamy vegetable salad is a little strange for some. For me, it’s a bit mushy, and many friends have admitted hating it as a child, but learning to appreciate it as an adult. The salad itself is usually boiled peas, carrots, potatoes, eggs, pickles, and onions, all crossed with a heaping amount of mayonnaise.

8. Pasztet

Also referred to as pate, this Polish version often comes in the form of a loaf. Made from liver, it is a rich spread to add to your breakfast table, and can be served by the slice.

 

9. Kiełbasa Biała

White sausage is personally my favorite type of Polish sausage, and definitely my favorite to have for breakfast. It isn’t smoky like many other kielbasas, and often contains hints of garlic, marjoram, and black and white pepper.

10. Wędliny

A full array of what us Americans call deli-meats will always be on the Polish Easter table.

 

11. Chrzan

Simply Polish for horseradish, what makes this unique to the table is that it is often homemade! Go to any Polish market around Easter time and you can buy horseradish root by the kilo. If you’ve never had it fresh before, now is your time to try it!

A huge thank you to Agata Poznanska for her help in putting this list together! Questions? Email us at emilysguidetokrakow@gmail.com or DM us at @emilys.guide.to.krakow on TikTok or @imfeelingpipsy on Instagram