It's easy to eat on a budget in Poland. The national cuisine is hearty and ubiquitous, and you can eat your fill without emptying your wallet. Here's how to eat (well) on a budget in Poland.
Order Soup and Salad
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Even if you choose to dine at a restaurant, you can still usually get soup and a salad for less than an entree. Choose a hearty soup like bigos, or Polish hunter's stew. Salads come in all forms - from those topped with meats or fish, to leaf lettuce salads. Remember that you'll still have to order a drink (free water is rare in Poland). Sometimes beer is cheaper than water, so if you'd like to wash your meal down with Zywiec, check the menu for prices.
Skip the Hotel Breakfast
Marta Rostek © 2004
If not included in the reservation price, breakfasting at your hotel can be expensive. Find a coffee or tea shop instead, and order a roll or pastry to tide you over until lunch.
Visit the Local Grocery
istockphoto/David Aylieff-Sansom
Good quality cheese, bread, and produce can be gotten quite cheap at the local grocery. Take them back to your hotel or enjoy a picnic on a bench or in a park.
Look for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Stands
Kat V 2005
Open-air markets are notorious for offering great bargains on the freshest fruits and vegetables. Don't be afraid to point and use hand gestures (polite ones only, please!) if you don't know the name of what you want.
Visit a Milk Bar
istockphoto/Steve Mann
The famous Polish milk bars are quickly disappearing, but if you're in the vicinity of one of these holdovers from the past, your wallet will thank you. While the food may not be superb, the prices will be, and you will also have experienced a special facet of Polish culture.
