Krakow: Vegan Travel Guide
Poland: famous for it’s stews and meats. Hardly where you’d expect to find some of the best vegan food in Europe. I travelled to Krakow with my boyfriend, Tom, on £5 bargain fares and prepared for an adventure. The weather was chilly at best and snowing at worst so we were both craving a lot of warm, comforting food.
Where to Eat
Krowarzywa
This was our first dining experience in Poland and Krowarzywa set the bar high. I opted for the smoked tofu burger and Tom chose the seitan option. We both ordered cheese as an extra and split potato wedges.
The burgers were delicious with generous topping and sauces adding to the composition. Perhaps too generous as we both struggled to eat these burgers with any grace or dignity, so bear that in mind when you choose to dine here. Drinks included a selection of smoothies and a few healthier, greener soft drinks (and unfortunately no alcohol).
The desert options are quality not quantity, we popped back in on our final day to grab a brownie and millionaires shortbread to share. Whilst both were delicious, Tom and I were both fighting over the shortbread which had the perfect balance of caramel and chocolate.
Veganic
Veganic was beyond impressive. With creative vegan twists on classic dishes at a modest price this restaurant was a real winner. My boyfriend is a real stickler for service and was beaming over the engaging and attentive waiter. I ordered the deliciously cheesy gnocchi after asking the waiter for his recommendation and Tom ordered the tagliatelle with basil pesto. We were both amazed by our chosen dishes which were healthy, fresh, filling and flavoursome.
The drinks menu was unlike anything I’d seen at any other vegan restaurant, with a long menu of warm cocktails – perfect for a cold November evening. I chose a Jack Daniels, almond and chocolate combination which would’ve been better suited as a desert drink rather than a beverage to start the meal.
We were so happy with the service, food and value for money at Veganic that we returned for brunch where Tom and I ordered a breakfast bagel and fruity pancakes respectively. These were equally impressive, I can only dream that Veganic may one day open up a London branch.
Alchemia
When your travel buddy isn’t vegan, it’s unlikely they’ll want to go to veggie restaurants for every meal. I’m fortunate that Tom enjoys and is excited about vegetarian and vegan food but he did want to try some meaty options whilst abroad. One was at Alchemia where they clearly labelled their vegan options and I ordered a delicious tofu red curry. This restaurant had a cool hipster vibe that would’ve be out of place in Shoreditch. Located in the Jewish Quarter and surrounded by bars, this is a great place to start a night out in Krakow.
Things to Do
Auschwitz
Auschwitz can be found on almost every travellers bucket list. It’s an emotionally tiring tour deep in history and the lows of humankind. It’s important to visit as those who don’t reflect on history are condemned to repeat it. Hitler’s plan to isolate, degrade and murder Jews worked so well as it was slow and steady at chipping away at their rights and raising the discrimination. We can now spot when political leaders try to criminalise races unfairly, as we know what downward spiral can follow.
We had a guided tour around the two camps which were respectful, informative and well paced. I thoroughly recommend a humbling visit to Auschwitz.
Salt Mines
More of a ‘Thing to Don’t’.We also took the time to visit the Salt Mines which we expected to be full of natural beauty but instead was full of ornaments and gimmicks. There are some great points to the tour: being able to lick the salt rock walls, the gorgeous chapel and the cheap salt rock lamps on sale outside the attraction. However the tours were low on information, full less of history and more of superstition. We were rushed about, moved queue to queue and deeply regretted wasting the bulk of a day in Krakow stuck underground.
The Verdict
Overall, our trip to Krakow was incredible. This was my first city break with Tom and was thoroughly delighted with him allowing me to take the lead in choosing restaurants. The city is truly beautiful with magnificent buildings, a youthful atmosphere and creative vibe.
Stick Around
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