Falling in Love with Polish Cuisine, One Dish at a Time at Black Duck Krakow

While Hungarian cuisine in Budapest was hit-and-miss, the Polish cuisine we tried on our first day in Poland was unforgettable.

Aside from pierogi, which I once had in Melbourne, I hadn’t eaten much Polish food before, so my knowledge of it was minimal. On our first day in Krakow, instead of aimlessly wandering, I relied on trusted bloggers and discovered a restaurant called Black Duck.

From our hotel, we crossed the main square and followed a smaller alley until Google Maps led us to the restaurant specializing in traditional Polish cuisine tucked away in a cozy courtyard. Although it was past lunchtime, at least two other tables were occupied—an older couple and a lively group of young men enjoying dessert and laughter.

Black Duck seemed as promising as claimed by the internet people.

The menu was extensive and filled with traditional Polish dishes. Hungry and unsure of what to order, we decided to trust the waiter’s recommendations: potatoes, pâté, duck, and goulash.

I also ordered a flight of Polish vodka, which arrived first, along with complimentary bread, pickles, and another small side dish. We nibbled on the bread, constantly reminding each other not to overdo it so we wouldn’t ruin our appetite before the main course.

Next came the Goulash, which Fafa jokingly called the “Polish sambal.” As we poured it over the fried potatoes and ate, I realized he wasn’t far off—its rich, flavorful spiciness paired perfectly with the crispy potatoes. It was absolutely delicious and instantly made Polish cuisine one of my favourite highlights of the Eastern Europe part of the trip. Side note: I need the dishware in which the Goulash was served, but I don’t know what is it called – Polish readers help, please.

Then came the duck, drizzled with a flavorful sauce, followed by the tuna pâté, which was nothing short of exceptional. Every single dish the waiter recommended was fantastic. By the time we finished, I was practically in a food-induced euphoria and ready for a nap. As we asked for the bill (we tipped generously to the waiter as a thank you for their spot-on recommendations), I noticed a solo traveller eyeing our table. Before we left the table I overheard him ordering most of what we had—good on him.

My only regret was not returning the next day to try more dishes. If you’re ever in Krakow, even if it’s just for a length of one meal, make sure you visit Black Duck for the best-tasting Polish cuisine. You can thank me later 🙂

Czarna Kaczka aka Black Duck address: Poselska 22, 31-002 Kraków, Poland.

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