Obwarzanek krakowski

Around the main square of the Cracow’s Old Tow, you see interesting little carts selling braded ring-shaped breads sprinkled with salt, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds. The stands are a permanent fixture on Cracow’s streets, and the little breads are called obwarzanek Krakowski. The word “obwarzanek” comes from “obwarzać”, to parboil, as the process of making these breads is similar to making bagels (first boiled, then baked). “Krakowski” means “typical of, coming from Kraków”, and I would not buy it in any other city (I have tried, and they do not taste the same). They are moist, chewy, with a crunchy top, and seem to be also somewhat related to pretzels. To me, obwarzanki (plural of “obwarzanek”) are a quintessential part of the Cracow landscape. And they have been for centuries. The earliest mention of them is dated March of 1384! In the 15th century the king granted the bakers guild of Cracow a monopoly to bake white bread, including obwarzanki, and they could be made only during certain times, such as Lent. Later, all bakers were given the right to bake them, always under strict guidelines regarding the recipe. Indeed, no matter from which street cart you buy yours, the taste is consistent. Apparently, although I have not been there, Kraków has an interactive museum of obwarzanek, where you can learn more about the history and take part of a workshop. I will put it on my list for the next trip to Poland.