A Taste of Poland in Woonsocket: Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse
- Jen Vondenbrink
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
On the advice of a member of the Appetite for Life Facebook Group, I headed to Woonsocket for a special trip to Poland. I love stumbling upon those hidden gems that transport your tastebuds to another part of the world. And let me tell you, the Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is precisely that kind of place.
From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed to a fresh space full of a mix of smoked meats, fresh bread, baked goods, and a huge variety of Polish groceries, fresh foods, and yes, frozen homemade Pierogi. It’s clear this is a place where culinary traditions are alive and thriving.
What I loved about the space is that it is big and open. Even though it is full of intriguing specialties, you don’t feel cramped. You can even order food and take out or eat in at their large family-style tables. If you follow their Facebook Page, you will get updated on their specials. Â
Of course, I couldn't leave without bringing home some of their stars. Their pierogi are, in a word, amazing. Plump, tender, and bursting with savory fillings, they are everything a pierogi should be. And the kielbasa? Absolutely top-notch.Â
They have lots of frozen prepared foods along with the pierogi. I admit I was kind of lost, so I put together a bit of a dictionary you can refer to on your visit.
Pierogies - filled dumplings. They can be filled with potatoes, cheese, farmer's cheese, sauerkraut, cabbage, or meat. You can also have them with sweeter fillings and fruits such as blueberries.
Bigos - a hearty soup made with meats, sauerkraut, and mushrooms, often called a Hunter’s Stew
Golabki - cabbage rolls stuffed with meat, rice, and onions, often served with a very light tomato sauce.
Rosol - Polish chicken soup with a traditional broth with a twist of allspice, cloves, lovage, and served with very fine egg noodles
Zurek Sour Rye Soup - Soup made with a rye sourdough starter and served with kielbasa and hard-boiled eggs.
Grochówka - pea or lentil soup
Kapuśniak - cabbage/sauerkraut soup
Krupnik - barley soup made with chicken, beef, or vegetable stock
Kartoflanka - potato soup
Klopski - meatballs in a light tomato sauce
Pyzy - potato dumplings
Krokiety - crepes filled with mushrooms, meat, and onions rolled up, then dredged in breadcrumbs and fried.
And let's talk about the people! The staff at Krakow Deli are genuinely great and gracious. They were incredibly welcoming and happy to answer my questions, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. It’s clear they take immense pride in their offerings.
Here’s an example. I was checking out, and they asked if I’d had their pierogies before. I said no, and then they proceeded to give me tips on preparing them! Because they are already cooked, you can prepare them straight from frozen or thaw and cook them. Talk about getting tips from the experts!
I chose to pan-sear mine with some caramelized onions. Served with the kielbasa, they were perfection – a simple meal that felt incredibly gourmet thanks to the quality of the ingredients.
But Krakow Deli is so much more than just a place for fantastic take-home meats and dumplings. Their extensive Polish grocery section is a treasure trove for anyone looking to stock their pantry with authentic ingredients. From specialty fresh foods and condiments to imported sweets and spices, you could spend a good amount of time browsing and discovering new things.
Speaking of offerings, you absolutely cannot leave without exploring their homemade baked goods. Oh my goodness. I sampled their sourdough bread, and it was everything you want in a good loaf: a beautiful crust, a tender crumb, and that distinctive, delightful tang. Consider me a loyal customer; I'm definitely going back for more.
If you’re in the mood for an authentic taste of Poland or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, make the trip to Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse. You can find them in Woonsocket, and I highly recommend checking out their Facebook page for updates and specials: https://www.facebook.com/KrakowDeliBakerySmokehouse/
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020. Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook. Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking. Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.
