Polish Culinary [#03] - Cracow Bagels

Like every region in Poland, Kraków, the royal city, has its culinary traditions. Among the dishes characteristic of the former Polish capital are, among others, Kraków-style maczanka, małdrzyki, flaczki, and duck Kraków-style. Many of these dishes are heavy, which is to be expected since Kraków is home to one of the most famous Polish restaurants – Wierzynek, named after the Kraków merchant Mikołaj Wierzynek. It was he who, in 1364, hosted a feast attended by numerous crowned heads from across Europe.

However, the true hero of Kraków's gastronomy is the unassuming obwarzanek. This type of bread is shaped like a ring with a diameter of about 15 centimetres. Its history dates back to the 14th century, and initially, it was baked only during Lent and only by Kraków bakers. A regulation was even passed stipulating who and where could sell obwarzanki. Over time, the laws regarding the baking and sale of this type of bread became less restrictive. Today, they can be found on every corner, definitely more often at street stalls than in bakeries. They are also available in various flavours – with salt, sesame, poppy seeds, or flaxseed. Nevertheless, the recipe remains the same. The dough is still prepared with wheat flour, yeast, fat, salt, and water. The obwarzanek, inscribed on the national heritage list, is a symbol of Kraków. One should not visit the town of Krak and not taste it.

Author of the photos and text - Bogusława Bandyk