During communist times workers and students would go for a home cooked lunch at government subsidized canteens. Today these venues are disappearing, but there are still a number of them in Krakow and if you’re looking for a real experience along with vibe and attitude, then be sure to drop by!

I find menus in these types of places to be a bit extensive with everything from tripe or beetroot soup to stuffed cabbage and pierogies. I discovered this place when I worked nearby and at lunch time I found myself standing in line for a while. Once an item is sold out it’s taken off of the board so if you’d like some variety I’d suggest dropping by slightly before the lunch rush when students and nearby workers inundate the place. The crowd is very mixed from office workers and students to those who are already retired and drop in for lunch and to read the newspaper.

The prices are dirt cheap and you’ll be very lucky to get a smile out of the ladies in hair nets who seem to have become a fixed feature of this place.