TOAST/76
let me start with my absolute favourite place. i discovered the TOAST within the first few days after my arival. its located in new praga close to the zoo and right next to my appartment. i love the breakfast, especially the chilbir (a turkish meal, where a poached egg is served on garlic yoghurt and topped with crispy chilli oil) and their famous french toasts. in the evening it turns to a cozy bar, wich serves a great range of wines and cocktails. besides its great meals and drinks it certainly stands out because of their very friendly stuff and their great interior desing wich gives it its artsy and cool vibe and creates a contrast to the rough image that praga still has for alot of people in warsaw.
in side. pub
coming next, one of my favourite bars in warsaw ist the in side pub. its in the city center close to nowy swiat. but unlike most of the bars in that area, this place is still very cheap. as it is hidden in a back alley and looks a bit sketchy, not alot of tourists come here. that and its chevy chique style makes it to a great place. roumors are that they serve the cheapest beer in town (10 zl) wich makes it to a meetingpoint for alot of students. bonus points for the jukebox!
milk bars
milk bars, or “bar mleczny,” hold an important place in warsaw’s food culture. they offer a glimpse into poland’s past while serving delicious and affordable meals. entrepreneurs established these canteen-style eateries in the late 19th century. the communist era made them even more popular. they provide inexpensive, home-cooked meals for workers and students.
today, both locals and tourists visit milk bars to experience traditional polish cuisine. stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. simple and functional interiors create a cafeteria-style setup. customers order at the counter and pick up their meals from the kitchen window. the atmosphere remains unpretentious, focusing on food rather than decor.
menus offer a variety of hearty polish dishes. popular options include pierogi (dumplings stuffed with cheese, meat, or potatoes), schabowy (breaded pork cutlet), barszcz (beet soup), and naleśniki (thin polish pancakes). many dishes rely on dairy, honoring the original concept of vegetarian, dairy-rich meals. however, today’s milk bars also serve meat dishes and soups.
milk bars provide an excellent way to enjoy authentic polish cuisine on a budget. students, pensioners, and budget-conscious travelers appreciate the affordable meals. despite the low prices, the food remains homemade and comforting, just like a polish grandmother’s cooking.