Everything you need to know about dining in this city
Weekday lunches are quieter and often include budget-friendly sets. Early evenings (17:00 - 19:00) fill as tours end; expect waits near Old Town on weekends. For groups, reserve Friday - Saturday. Takeaway is quickest around peak dinner hours. In summer, outdoor tables go fast; winter brings steadier, earlier dining.
Card payments are widely accepted, though tiny takeaways may prefer cash. Tipping isn’t mandatory; 10% is appreciated for table service. Water is not typically complimentary-ask for still or sparkling. Clarify spice level and dairy (ghee or cream) if needed. Many kitchens can prepare vegetarian or vegan versions on request.
Estimate per person: quick lunch 25 - 40 PLN (snack plus drink); casual meal 40 - 70 PLN (vegetarian curry with rice or naan); fuller dinner 70 - 110 PLN (shared curry, bread, drink); grills or biryani 90 - 130 PLN; upscale experiences 130+ PLN. Portions are often shareable, helping keep totals down.
Stare Miasto concentrates options near the Main Square, Floriańska, and Świętej Anny-convenient between sights. Kazimierz offers many casual, good-value spots along Dietla and around Plac Nowy. Near Wawel, Stradomska and Zwierzyniecka suit pre‑ or post‑riverwalk meals. Residential areas add quieter, takeaway-friendly choices.
Find answers to common questions about dining in Krakow
Vegetarian mains tend to be the best value. Dal, chana masala, aloo-based curries, and seasonal vegetable dishes are usually priced lower than meat grills. Biryani can stretch further when shared with raita. Add one naan or rice rather than both to keep totals down without losing variety.
Many places run weekday lunch menus or thali-style plates that bundle a small curry, rice or naan, and a drink for a set price. Portions vary, but they’re designed for speed and value. Ask what’s included, whether refills are possible, and if the deal runs on weekends or public holidays.
Most kitchens adjust heat on request. If unsure, ask for mild or medium and request fresh chili on the side. Staff can steer toward naturally gentler dishes, like korma or dal, or toward bolder options such as vindaloo. Mention sensitivities to chili, black pepper, or whole spices.
Yes. Menus often have dedicated vegetarian and sometimes vegan sections. Plant-based curries typically cost less than meat grills. To go dairy-free, confirm ghee, cream, yogurt, and paneer use; many cooks can swap coconut milk or oil. Pair one curry with rice to stay budget-friendly.
Children who prefer gentle flavors usually do well with butter-style sauces, tikka pieces without heavy spice, plain naan, and basmati rice. Request mild seasoning and serve sauces separately. Yogurt-based raita can soften heat. Portions are sizable, so sharing a single main plus sides often works.
Takeaway can lower the total if skipping drinks and service, but delivery apps add fees. Collection from the restaurant is often the most economical. Check whether lunch sets apply to takeaway, and consider portion sizes-one curry with rice may comfortably serve two at home.
Craving Indian food in Krakow on a budget? The city’s compact center makes it easy to find warming curries, tandoor breads, and hearty rice plates at wallet-friendly spots, from Old Town lanes to Kazimierz side streets. Many kitchens offer lunch combos, veg-forward mains, or shareable biryani that keeps costs reasonable while still delivering bold spice and aroma. Portions tend to be generous, so pairing one curry with rice and naan often feeds two. myForager helps narrow options fast with smart filters, estimated price ranges, and distance sorting. Look for menus that note mild-to-hot heat levels; most places can dial spice up or down on request. If a lighter meal is the goal, consider dal with rice or a grilled tikka plate. Whether grabbing a quick thali between sightseeing or a casual dinner near the river, budget-friendly Indian cooking is never far.
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