Everything you need to know about dining in this city
Weeknights are calm from 17:00 - 19:00; later gets busier, especially Friday - Saturday after 18:30. Weekend dinners near the Old Town fill quickly during peak tourist months and winter markets. For groups, reserve a day ahead. Dosas and mixed grills are cooked to order, so allow a little extra time.
Spice levels are usually listed; ask for mild, medium, hot, or “Indian hot.” Rice and naan are ordered separately from curries. Sharing is welcome. A 10% tip is customary but optional. Cards are widely accepted, though some small counters may prefer contactless. Ask for allergens to be flagged on the bill or verbally.
Quick bites or lunch combos with a drink run 35 - 60 PLN per person. A curry with rice or naan and a lassi typically totals 60 - 100 PLN. Adding a starter, grill, dessert, and drink comes to 100 - 160 PLN. Tasting menus, seafood, or lamb specialties can reach 160+ PLN per person.
Stare Miasto concentrates many options near the Main Square and the station, convenient but crowded. Kazimierz blends cozy dining rooms with street‑food counters along lively streets. Podgórze and Krowodrza offer quieter spots near offices and campuses, good for lunch or takeout. Residential areas host a few delivery‑focused kitchens.
Find answers to common questions about dining in Krakow
Start with tandoori chicken or paneer tikka from the clay oven, then a curry such as butter chicken, chana masala, or palak paneer. Biryani offers fragrant rice with spices and optional meat. When available, dosa with sambar is a South Indian favorite. Pair with basmati rice and fresh naan.
Most menus let you choose heat: mild, medium, or hot. In Poland, a listed “medium” often tastes gentler than versions in India or the UK. If you enjoy serious heat, ask for “Indian hot,” fresh green chilies, or a side of pickle or chili oil. Staff can usually accommodate requests.
Yes. Indian cooking features many plant‑based dishes such as chana masala, dal, aloo gobi, and vegetable biryani. For vegan orders, ask about ghee, butter, cream, and paneer; many kitchens can use oil or coconut milk instead. Clarify whether naan contains dairy, and request rice or roti if needed.
Some venues advertise halal sourcing, particularly for chicken and lamb. Always confirm with staff about certification, suppliers, and any alcohol‑free sections. If strict observance matters, ask how grills and utensils are handled to avoid cross‑contact. Tandoori items and curries prepared to order are often the most straightforward to verify.
Many provide takeaway and partner with local delivery apps. Curries, biryani, and tandoori items travel well; request sauces packed separately and naan wrapped to avoid condensation. Peak dinner hours can extend delivery times, so plan ahead on weekends or during holidays. Reheat gently to preserve texture and spice balance.
Often, yes. Rice‑based dishes, tandoori meats, kebabs, and many curries are naturally gluten‑free. Naan, samosas, and some desserts use wheat flour, so avoid them or ask for alternatives like basmati rice or papad. Because kitchens share equipment, request careful handling if cross‑contact is a concern.
Krakow’s Indian dining scene spans cozy curry houses, lively street‑food counters, and polished rooms for a sit‑down meal. Expect North Indian staples such as creamy curries, tandoori breads, and biryani alongside South Indian dosa at a handful of places. Many kitchens adjust spice heat, and vegetarian or vegan choices are common. Halal‑friendly menus appear at some venues; always check with staff. Portions often suit sharing, so pairing a curry with rice and naan is a safe start. Weekday lunches can be quieter; evenings bring a bustling crowd near the Old Town and along the river. Use myForager to quickly filter by price range, spice notes, and dietary needs, then compare menus at a glance. Whether planning a relaxed weekday meal or a celebratory dinner, the city offers plenty of options without straying far from major sights.
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