S ometimes, even the most adventurous eater craves the comfort of familiar spices.
While Highander cuisine (Kwaśnica, Moskol) is delicious, it can be heavy and lacks the heat of Middle Eastern food. Fortunately, Zakopane's culinary scene is diversifying.
Beyond the Kebab
Most "Turkish" places in Poland are simple kebab shops. However, a few gems offer more traditional dishes.
Expectations
- Hummus (often available)
- Baklava (rare, usually imported)
- Ayran (widely available)
- Lentil Soup (Mercimek) - rare
Polish Adaptations
Be aware that "Spicy" in Poland is usually "Mild" by Arab standards. Always ask for "Bardzo ostry" (Very spicy) if you want a kick.
Bifalo Steakhouse: The Halal King
While not strictly "Turkish", Bifalo is the closest experience to a high-end Middle Eastern grill. Their meat is Halal certified, and they serve lamb chops, grilled steaks, and burgers that rival any Dubai steakhouse.
Habibi Kebab: Authentic Arabic in Ząb
If you're looking for true Arabic flavors rather than the local "Turkish-style" kebab, head slightly uphill to Ząb. Habibi Kebab (known locally as Sheikh Al Jabal) offers authentic spices and hospitality that feels like a slice of the Middle East in the Polish Highlands. It's especially popular for its generous portions and incredible mountain views.
View Habibi Kebab Details →Making it Yourself
If you are self-catering, you can buy pita bread (chleb pita) in Biedronka or Lidl. Chickpeas (cieciorka) are available in jars or cans everywhere to make your own fresh hummus.
Your Full Restaurant Guide
Here is a curated breakdown of the best Turkish and Middle Eastern dining options currently available in the Zakopane area, updated for 2026:
Habibi Kebab (Sheikh Al Jabal), Ząb
This is the most authentic Arab-run kebab restaurant in the region. Located in the village of Ząb, about 5 minutes above Zakopane, it is beloved by Gulf tourists for its generous portions and familiar flavors. The lamb skewers and mixed grill platters are exceptional.
BIFALO Steakhouse, Zakopane Center
Not Turkish, but BIFALO is the premium choice for Arab visitors craving high-quality halal grilled meats. Think lamb chops, tenderloin steaks, and gourmet burgers in a stylish setting. It rivals restaurants in Dubai in terms of quality. Reservations are strongly recommended in July and August.
Craft Kebab, Krupówki Area
A popular, more casual kebab spot with a focus on quality ingredients. Great for a quick lunch between sightseeing. Their doner and falafel wraps are fresh and filling. Ideal when you're on the move and want something familiar.
What to Order: A Quick Menu Guide
Turkish restaurants in Poland sometimes have slightly adapted menus. Here is what to look for:
- Doner Kebab (Döner): The classic. Always ask "Czy mięso jest halal?" (Is the meat halal?) before ordering anywhere new.
- Adana Kebab: Spiced minced lamb on a skewer, much closer to what you'd find in Istanbul or a Gulf-Turkish restaurant.
- Falafel Wrap (Falafel w chlebie pita): A completely safe vegetarian option available in most kebab spots.
- Ayran: The cool, salted yogurt drink. Always available and a refreshing alternative to Polish beer.
- Baklava: Rarely made fresh on-site, usually imported from a Turkish producer. Ask if it was made with butter (masło) versus margarine.
Self-Catering: Middle Eastern Ingredients in Zakopane
If you are staying in a chalet with a kitchen, you can recreate many familiar dishes using items from local supermarkets:
| Ingredient | Polish Name | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Pita Bread | Chleb pita | Biedronka, Lidl |
| Chickpeas | Ciecierzyca | All supermarkets (canned) |
| Tahini | Tahini / pasta sezamowa | Kaufland, health stores |
| Cumin | Kumin / kmin | All supermarkets (spice aisle) |
| Lentils | Soczewica | Lidl, Kaufland |
| Eggplant | Bakłażan | Kaufland |
Ordering Phrases in Polish
"Czy to jest halal?"
"Bez wieprzowiny"
"Bardzo ostry proszę"
"Bez alkoholu"
The Future of Middle Eastern Food in Zakopane
The Arabic tourist community has grown significantly in Zakopane over the past decade, and the food scene is responding. Several entrepreneurs, many of them Polish residents with Gulf ties, are investing in new restaurant concepts targeted specifically at Arab visitors. Expect to see more dedicated Middle Eastern restaurants opening in the coming years, particularly in the area around Krupówki and Ząb village. For now, the existing options are solid, and combining a mix of Turkish kebab spots, the BIFALO grill, and self-catering covers all bases effectively. The key is knowing where to look, and this guide gives you everything you need. When in doubt, the golden rule remains: verify halal certification directly with the restaurant, and when no certification is available, stick to the trusted vegetarian and fish options that Polish cuisine provides in abundance. Your holiday in Zakopane will be both spiritually comfortable and gastronomically rewarding.
Delivery Options in Zakopane
Several halal restaurants in Zakopane now offer delivery via Pyszne.pl (Poland's main food delivery platform, similar to Deliveroo or Talabat). If you are staying in a chalet and prefer to eat in, search the Pyszne.pl app or website for your postcode and filter by "kebab" or "oriental" cuisine. Delivery times average 40-60 minutes. Note that not all restaurants on the platform have halal certification, only order from the verified halal restaurants listed in our directory to be certain. For larger family orders or catering for a private chalet gathering, calling Habibi Kebab directly and ordering in advance is the most reliable approach. They are experienced with large orders for Arab family groups and can provide a full meal spread for 10-20 people with advance notice of 2-3 hours.
Whether you prefer a quick street-food doner wrap, a sit-down Middle Eastern grill experience, or cooking familiar dishes in the privacy of your own chalet, Zakopane has you covered. The halal food scene here is impressive for a small mountain resort town, and it continues to improve each season as the Arab tourist community grows. Plan your meals in advance, use the guides and contacts provided here, and you will eat very well throughout your entire stay in the beautiful Tatra Mountains. The combination of familiar Middle Eastern flavours and stunning Polish highland scenery makes Zakopane a unique destination for Muslim travelers from the Gulf region.