Don‘t expect a gastronomic experience. Do expect a rare insight into Eastern-Bloc Poland. Subsidised by the state, this was food for the masses back in the day. With the fall of communism many bar mleczny found themselves forced out of business although a few of these canteens have 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. A Polish friend will know which are the best and it is interesting to see many younger Poles still making regular visits to their favourite. 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, then watch in awe as matronly ladies serve up everything from budget excellence to bowls of slime. We‘ve seen both ends of the scale being reached in the same place. One tip is to go earlier as the choice and quality in some tends to fall as the day progresses. In Gdańsk keep an eye for Bar Mleczny Neptun on the main street at ul. Długa 33/34, and Bar Mleczny Słoneczny on ul. Wladysława IV.