When embarking on a culinary journey through Podlasie, it is impossible to miss the Tastes of Podlasie restaurant in Hajnówka, a city that is the gateway to the famous Bialowieza Forest, listed on the UNESCO list in 1979. The restaurant, located at 21 Priest Ignacy Wierobiej Street, is a place where the region's history meets its flavors. The restaurant specializes in traditional Podlasie dishes, which are prepared according to recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Among the flagship menu items are kartacze - potato dumplings stuffed with meat, which are a culinary symbol of the region. Legend has it that the name comes from the Lithuanian word for cannonball, which perfectly reflects the shape and filling nature of this dish. Another delicacy worth trying is potato babka - a casserole of grated potatoes with bacon and onions, which warms up even on the coldest days. Prices at Tastes of Podlasie are affordable, making this place ideal for travelers on a tight budget.

Moving on to picturesque Suprasl, a charming town with a rich history of Orthodoxy, you will come across Bar Jarzębinka at 22 3 Maja St. This inconspicuous establishment hides real treasures of Podlasie cuisine. Jarzębinka is a place where time seems to have stopped - the decor refers to traditional Podlasie cottages, and the staff serves dishes as if they were grandma's. The specialty of the establishment is potato kiszka and potato pancakes served with cream and pork crackling.

Suprasl, which is part of the so-called Land of Open Shutters, impresses with its colorful wooden houses with richly decorated gables and traditional shutters, providing the perfect backdrop for a culinary experience. According to local stories, the designs on the shutters were not only aesthetically pleasing, but also magical - protecting the house from evil spirits. Bar Jarzębinka, like these traditional houses, guards the region's culinary heritage, offering it at prices that won't scare off even the most thrifty tourists.

What both establishments have in common is not only their commitment to tradition, but also their location near the natural treasures of Podlasie. Tastes of Podlasie is located just a dozen kilometers from the heart of the Bialowieza Forest, where you can admire bison in their natural habitat, while Bar Jarzębinka is a perfect stop after visiting the Knyszynska Forest Landscape Park. Thanks to this combination of nature and culinary culture, a visit to these places becomes a full experience of Podlasie hospitality.

Leaving the city trails, it is worth heading towards Dobromil, a small village near Bialystok, where you will find Dobromil Kitchen. This charming establishment, located at Dobromil 12, is a real gem for lovers of authentic country cuisine. The restaurant is housed in an adapted old cottage, which adds to its unique character and makes the meal a journey back in time to the Podlasie countryside of long ago.

Dobromil cuisine is famous for dishes prepared with products from local farmers and ranchers. The specialty of the establishment is soljanka - a thick, sour soup with various meats, pickled cucumbers and olives, which came to Podlasie with the influence of Russian and Lithuanian cuisine. Equally popular are dumplings with a variety of fillings, from the traditional with meat or cabbage and mushrooms, to the more elaborate with venison or fish from nearby lakes.

The history of the place is linked to the legend of a Dobromila witch, who, according to local stories, knew secret recipes for dishes that cured all kinds of ailments. Although today no one ascribes magical properties to the dishes of Dobromil Kitchen, they certainly have the power to restore strength after an intense tour of the area. Prices here are moderate, which, combined with generous portions, makes it an ideal choice for thrifty travelers.

Continuing on the culinary trail of Podlasie, it is worth stopping at the seasonal catering outlet 'Taste of Podlasie - Ostoja Szumiłówka', located along the provincial road DW658 in the village of Szumiłówka. This inconspicuous roadside establishment operates mainly during the summer and early autumn seasons, when the region is visited by crowds of tourists eager to discover the charms of Podlasie.

Ostoja Szumiłówka specializes in dishes made from the gifts of the forest and fields. The menu includes mushroom soups prepared from porcini collected in the surrounding forests, Lithuanian cooler ideal for hot days and a variety of game dishes. Particularly worth trying are the local salads made from regional vegetables and herbs, which, according to locals, have special health properties thanks to the clean environment in which they grew.

The place is associated with an interesting history - the name Shumilovka is said to have come from the hum of the surrounding forests, which was so prominent in the silence of the Podlasie countryside that the locals called their settlement 'the place where the forest hums'. Today, this hum is the perfect backdrop for enjoying regional delicacies. Prices at Ostoja Szumiłówka are very affordable, which, combined with authentic flavors and proximity to nature, makes this place a must-stop on the culinary map of Podlasie.

Both the Dobromil Kitchen and Ostoja Szumiłówka offer an opportunity for direct contact with the Podlasie countryside and its traditions. However, they differ in character - while Dobromil focuses on year-round operations in an atmospheric cottage, Ostoja Szumiłówka attracts seasonality and proximity to nature. What both places have in common, however, is a commitment to local products and traditional recipes that allow guests to taste the true flavor of Podlasie without straining their budgets.

A journey through culinary Podlasie would be incomplete without a visit to the Tatar Yurt in Kruszyniany - a place that is a living testimony to the region's multicultural heritage. Located at number 58 in the small village of Kruszyniany, Tatarska Jurta is not just a restaurant, but a true cultural institution where you can experience the traditions of the Tatar minority that settled in the area as early as the 17th century.

The restaurant is housed in a stylized yurt, which immediately introduces guests to the oriental atmosphere. The interior is decorated with traditional Tatar carpets, musical instruments and everyday objects, creating an authentic atmosphere. Tatar Jurta's menu is a fascinating fusion of Tatar, Polish and Podlasie cuisine, reflecting the historical cultural influences of the region.

Among the must-try specialties are pierekaczewnik - a multi-layered pastry layered with meat or cheese, traditional Tatar dumplings called chebureki, and kolduny - small dumplings stuffed with mutton. For dessert, order chak-chak, a sweet cake with honey, which according to Tatar tradition brings luck and prosperity. Prices at Tatar Yurt are moderate, making the place accessible to travelers on a tight budget.

The history of Tatar settlement in Kruszyniany dates back to 1679, when King John III Sobieski granted these lands to the Tatars as a reward for their military service. Along with them came new flavors and culinary traditions to Podlasie, which have survived to this day. Near the Tatar Jurta there is a historic mosque from the 18th century and a miziar (Tatar cemetery), which makes a visit to this place not only a culinary, but also a cultural journey.

Comparing all the described establishments, one can see that each offers a unique culinary experience, reflecting the diversity of Podlasie. Tastes of Podlasie and Bar Jarzębinka focus on traditional Podlasie cuisine with a dominance of potato dishes, while Dobromil Kitchen and Ostoja Szumiłówka focus on seasonality and products from the surrounding forests and fields. Tatarska Jurta stands out against this background with oriental influences that enrich the region's culinary map.

In terms of pricing, all establishments are affordable, making them ideal for frugal travelers. However, they differ in character - from urban restaurants to country cottages to oriental yurts. As a result, there is something for everyone, regardless of culinary preferences or budget.

It is also worth noting the location of the described places - scattered throughout Podlasie, they form a peculiar culinary itinerary that allows you to discover the diverse faces of the region. From the Bialowieza Forest, through picturesque Supraśl, to the Tatar Kruszyniany - each place offers not only a unique taste experience, but also the opportunity to learn about local history and culture.

Podlasie rarities are not only dishes, but also stories, traditions and the people who create them. By visiting the described establishments, you can experience the true hospitality of the region and see that good cuisine does not have to be expensive. Podlasie, with its culinary richness and affordable prices, is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to discover Poland through the stomach without straining their wallet.