I've never
been a great fan of meat but a few months ago I stopped eating it
altogether. Unfortunately, most of the restaurants in Kraków serve a
rather limited set of vegetarian options - only pancakes, pierogi
(dumplings) and salads. That's why when I feel like eating something
unusual, I go to a vegetarian restaurant WieloPole 3.
It's
situated in 3 Wielopole Street, near the Main Post Office in Kraków.
Because the restaurant is in the basement and has dark walls, it is
always quite dim. The interior décor is ascetic: simple wooden
tables and chairs, scanty decorations and a kind of baking paper in
place of a tablecloth or table mats.
Fortunately,
the quality of food compensates for any décor shortcomings. The menu
is very short and changes seasonally, which is a big plus. It's
dominated by fresh vegetables and various groats, including bulgur,
which is very popular not only in its native Turkey but also,
apparently, in Scandinavia.
I also liked
buckwheat balls with horseradish and apricot sauce (PLN 10) but my
favourite dish is potato pancakes – served with poached egg or
fried mushrooms (around PLN 10). They have crunchy crust and big
chunks of potatoes – exactly how I like them.
The
restaurant's flagship drink is a mix of barley grass juice, apple
juice and lavender syrup (PLN 4.50). The drink is nutritious and
refreshing but if you don't like the taste of lavender, you should
try home-made lemonade with elderflower syrup. For dessert, you can
eat a small but quite tasty chocolate cake (PLN 7.50)
WieloPole 3
is a great place for an inexpensive, original lunch or dinner. I
highly recommend it especially to vegetarians, vegans, people on a
gluten-free diet, and everyone who wants to try healthy, wholesome
food that doesn't taste like cardboard.
Pros: tasty,
unusual vegetarian dishes, affordable prices, friendly staff
Cons: gloomy
interior, baking paper instead of tablecloths
Address:
Wielopole 3, Kraków (Old Town)
Website:
www.facebook.com/Wielopole3
PS. A new tab with a list
of autumn food festivals in Kraków is available at the top of the
page. :)
