Poznań, one of the oldest and most significant cities in Poland, is the capital of the Greater Poland Voivodeship. The Greater Poland cuisine, including that of Poznań, is one of the most diverse and delicious in all of Poland.
Food in Poznań
St. Martin’s croissant: probably the most famous regional specialty of Poznań.
If you plan to visit Poznań, I highly recommend setting aside plenty of time to explore the local cuisine. Be sure not to miss these 3 traditional specialties: “rogal świętomarcinski” (croissant filled with poppy seeds), “pyry z gzikiem” (potatoes with cottage cheese), or “szare kluchy” (potato dumplings).
Typical Polish regional dish from Poznań: szare kluchy.
What to Eat in Poznań
Rogal świętomarciński. A traditional sweet pastry filled with white poppy seeds, specifically made for St. Martin’s Day (November 11th). Rogal świętomarciński is a protected designation and can only be made by certified patisseries in Poznań and its surroundings.
Pyry z gzikiem. A traditional Greater Poland dish consisting of boiled or baked potatoes (pyry) served with cottage cheese mixed with onions and spices (gzik). This dish is closely associated with the Greater Poland region, with Poznań as its capital.
Szare kluchy. Traditional Greater Poland dumplings made from raw and boiled potatoes, flour, and eggs. In Poznań, they are often served with cracklings and cabbage.
Kaczka po poznańsku. Roasted duck in the Poznań style, served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. This dish is considered one of Poznań’s specialties.
Szpekucha. A savory pie filled with bacon, onions, and cream, typical for the Greater Poland region, often served during Christmas markets in Poznań.
Makówki. A traditional Christmas dessert from the Greater Poland region, consisting of broken bread or sponge cake soaked in milk and layered with poppy seeds, honey, and dried fruits.
Typical Polish regional dish from Poznań: pyry with gzik.
Where to Eat in Poznań
Pyra Bar. Probably the best place to go in Poznań for potato dishes. Here, I tried pyry with gzik, szare kluchy, and potato babka, and everything was perfect. Every week, they have a different specialty on the daily menu, and I tried the seasonal broad beans in butter.
Schaboszczak od Dziadka. A local eatery where you simply must try their pork schnitzel (I personally recommend the one with the bone). Delicious food, huge portions, and quick service.
Dobra Pączkarnia. Another great place for pączki. Also, a wide selection, located right on one of the main streets.
Zapiex. A renowned place for zapiekanki. On weekends, they stay open late into the night.
Bajgle Króla Jana. Excellent breakfasts featuring Polish bagels. I tried the “international” scrambled eggs with sun-dried tomatoes, spicy nduja sausage, parmesan, vegetable salad with seeds, and of course, a bagel (I chose the garlic-rosemary one). I could eat this every day for breakfast!
(All of these establishments accept credit cards, and except for “Dziadek,” you can communicate in English everywhere.)
Breakfast at Bajgle Króla Jana in Poznań.
Farmers’ Markets in Poznań
Poznań is home to several farmers’ markets offering fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other products. The most famous include the centrally located Targowisko Świt, the historic market Rynek Łazarski, the prestigious Rynek Jeżycki near the city center, and Plac Wielkopolski, which serves not only as a marketplace but also as a significant city center. Most markets are open from Monday to Saturday, from 6 AM to 8 PM, and some have recently undergone revitalization.
Market vendors at Rynek Jeżycki in Poznań.
During my last visit in July 2024, unfortunately, most vendors did not accept credit cards. So, bring cash for your purchases.
Vendors’ offerings at Rynek Jeżycki in Poznań.
Poznań and Food-Related Museums
The city of Poznań boasts a surprisingly high number of unique museums dedicated to food.
Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania (St. Martin’s Croissant Museum)
For me, an absolutely essential culinary stop in Poznań is the Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania, which is dedicated to one of the most famous local specialties – the St. Martin’s croissant, known as rogal świętomarciński. This sweet pastry in the shape of a horseshoe is filled with white poppy seeds and sprinkled with crushed nuts. It is traditionally prepared for St. Martin’s Day (November 11th).
At the museum, you will learn everything about the history and tradition of preparing this popular pastry through an entertaining show which is also available in English.
Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania: everything about how to bake St. Martin’s croissant.
Poznańskie Muzeum Pyry (Poznań Potato Museum)
The Poznań Potato Museum is divided into several sections, each offering a unique perspective on potatoes and their significance. Visitors can explore the history of potatoes, their journey from South America to Europe, and their impact on European cuisine and agriculture. Guided tours are in Polish and appeal to visitors of all ages.
Poznań Potato Museum.
National Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa
Approximately 15 kilometers from Poznań lies the National Museum of Agriculture. This extensive museum focuses on the history and development of agriculture and food production in Poland. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from traditional farming practices to food processing and modern food technologies.
The museum is located on the grounds of a former estate, where visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor displays of agricultural machinery and livestock. Just before my visit, for example, a Polish beer festival took place here!
National Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa.
For me, Poznań is a city with simple but exceptionally tasty cuisine, focused especially on potato dishes.
I am sure that you will fall in love with Poznań cuisine just as much as I did.
Enjoy your food in Poznań!
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The St. Martin's croissant, a sweet pastry with a poppy seed filling, is inextricably linked to Poznań and the celebrations of St. Martin's Day. It has gained such popularity that it is now available all year round and has become one of the symbols of Poznań's gastronomy. The name of the pastry is protected by a local certificate and has also been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the EU.
Szare kluchy are traditional Polish potato dumplings from the Greater Poland region, which get their gray color from the use of raw grated potatoes. The dough made from potatoes, flour, eggs, and salt is shaped into small dumplings that are boiled in water and served with pork cracklings and sauerkraut. This tasty and filling dish remotely resembles Slovak halušky.
Pyry z gzikiem, a traditional Greater Poland dish of baked potatoes with a cottage cheese sauce, is a great example of a simple yet perfectly delicious meal. The foundation of the dish is potatoes baked in their skins, but the real star is gzik - a creamy sauce made from cottage cheese, cream, onion, and herbs.
Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania is a great show that entertainingly introduces you to the preparation and history of St. Martin's croissants, one of Poznań's most famous regional specialties. Two period-costumed chefs guide you through the entire process of making the croissants, from the beginning to their baking and tasting. The show is in English. If you have a sweet tooth, I definitely recommend visiting.
The National Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa is one of the largest and most important museums of its kind in Poland. The extensive complex offers an interesting insight into life in the Polish countryside. The collection of historical agricultural machinery, from plows to tractors, will amaze you and show you how Polish agriculture has evolved over the years. At the end of the tour, you can refresh yourself at the mini-brewery with a view of agricultural planes and helicopters.
Poznańskie Muzeum Pyry is a place that focuses in detail on potatoes, one of the most important and widespread crops in the world. The museum offers an interesting look at the history of potatoes, their origin in South America, their journey to Europe, and their gradual spread throughout the world. The guided tour is in Polish.
