A Beloved Family-Run Spot in Woonsocket Serves Traditional Polish Favorites with Heart
The determination to succeed in a new country sustained the Przybylko family when they came from then-Communist Poland in the 1980s. They established the Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse 29 years ago in nearby Massachusetts, according to Marta Przybylko Semek, and they moved the business to Woonsocket 15 years ago.
During that time, they’ve established a New England–wide fan base for their homemade pierogi, soups, sourdough rye breads and, most recently, gelato. Marta’s brother Krystian, once the meat smoker, is now the baker (he bakes a variety of fresh loaves daily) and gelato maker, and Marta and her mother, Zofia, are full-time cooks. Their specialties include bigos, or hunter’s stew (mushrooms, cabbage, sauerkraut, smoked meats); three kinds of borscht—one of them “Ukraine style”—and many other soups, including sour pickle.
The Przybylko family are especially known for their pierogi (they make a total of 20 different kinds, shifting seasonally), as well as golumpki, cabbage rolls with different fillings; potato latkes; potato croquettes packed with cabbage and either meat or mushrooms; and variations of crepes, with meat or without, accompanied by a rich mushroom gravy. Krakow desserts include a lemony Polish cheese-cake, more cake than cheese; Polish-style donuts; and crepes or pierogi with sweet fillings, such as blueberries, apples or hazelnut spread.
There are also several aisles filled with imported Polish and Eastern European products, curated by Marta: herbal teas, chocolates, cookies, bulk grains and beans, jars of mustards, pickles and sauerkraut. Plus, coolers and freezers chock-full of home-cooked foods; and a long deli case with several choices of kielbasa (authentically Polish) and deli meats (also authentically Polish). A terrific excursion for a freshly made lunch, for takeout and for stocking the larder!
Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse
855 Social St., Woonsocket
401.876.4600; facebook.com/KrakowDeliBakerySmokehouse
Johnette Rodriguez is a food, travel and arts writer published in Yankee, Saveur, The Boston Globe, SO Rhode Island and The Westerly Sun.
Join us on November 12 with the Przybylkos for a hands-on pierogi making class at Gil’s Appliances in Bristol! Find details on our homepage.
