Don’t expect a gastronomic experience here. Do expect a rare insight into Eastern-Bloc Poland. The first Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) popped up in Poland in 1896 in Warsaw, and sold basic dairy products. Later appropriated by the Communist system, they were subsidised by the state and often used as unofficial workplace canteens (where no catering was available within the work premises). Milk bars are great and this is simple hearty food made for the masses. With the fall of communism many of them found themselves forced out of business although a few of these canteens survived and, aside from offering an interesting diversion for amateur anthropologists, they make it possible to eat lots in return for a handful of coins. Value is value wherever you are. Queue up at the counter, peruse the choice of soups, meat and veg on offer before placing your order (don't expect any help from the often stern staff), then watch in awe as matronly ladies serve up everything from budget excellence to bowls of slime. One tip is to go early as the choice and quality in some tends to fall as the day progresses. In Warsaw keep an eye out for ones we list here.