When embarking on a culinary journey through Kashubia, it is worth heading to the north of the region, where tradition mixes with modernity in a unique way. In the picturesque village of Miszewko, located just a dozen kilometers from Gdansk, there is a real gem of regional gastronomy - Mùlk Checz Kashubska. It's a place whose very name alludes to Kashubian traditions - 'checz' in Kashubian means cottage, house, and 'mùlk' means milk, the basic ingredient of many local dishes.

Mùlk Checz Kashubska is not just a restaurant, but a true center of Kashubian culinary culture. The interior, decorated in a traditional style, with wooden furniture and distinctive blue accents alluding to Kashubian embroidery, creates a unique atmosphere. Here the history of the region is as important as the food served. The owners passionately talk about the old days, when every Kashubian family made their own cheese, butter and cream, and recipes were passed down from generation to generation.

The menu at Mùlk Checz Kashubskaya features real treasures of local cuisine. Especially worth trying are 'ruchanki' - traditional Kashubian yeast pancakes served with homemade jam made from strawberries, which are harvested from the surrounding fields in the summer season. Legend has it that Kashubian ruchanki have magical powers - whoever eats them on Midsummer's night, good luck will be in his favor all year round. Another delicacy is 'chernina' - a soup made of duck blood with dried fruit, which is said to have been served to a bachelor when he came to ask for a maiden's hand - the sweet and sour taste symbolized the uncertainty of the answer.

Prices at Mùlk Checz Kashubian are at an average level, which, combined with generous portions, makes this place attractive to families with children. The restaurant also offers the opportunity to purchase local products - cured meats, cheeses and liquors, which make excellent souvenirs of a culinary journey through Kashubia.

Heading further south, it's worth stopping in Ostrzyce, a picturesque village located on Ostrzyckie Lake, where the Kashubian Tavern is located. It's a place with an extraordinary view of Wieżyca - the highest hill in Pomerania, which according to local legends was the seat of Kashubian gods. The tavern is housed in a wooden building, which is an attraction in itself - it was built according to the traditional Kashubian art of carpentry, without the use of nails.

Kashubian Tavern specializes in fish dishes, which is not surprising given the proximity to the lake. Particularly recommendable is the 'fish soup', prepared according to a recipe that has been passed down in the owners' family for more than a century. Several species of freshwater fish are used for it, which gives it a unique, deep flavor. Another delicacy is 'kashubian herring' marinated in apple vinegar with local herbs. According to an old Kashubian tale, the recipe for this dish was given to fishermen by sea spirits, who, in return for saving a drowning child, revealed the secret of preparing fish so that they would never run out of Kashubian waters.

Continuing our culinary journey through Kashubia, we reach the very heart of the region, where culinary traditions are nurtured with exceptional care. In the picturesque town of Ręboszewo, located on the shores of Radunskie Lake, there is the MODRA SOBOTKA RESTAURANT - 'PERŁA KASZUBA'. The name of the restaurant alludes to the Kashubian legend of the Stolems - giants who, according to legends, lived in the area and created the Kashubian lakes, spreading water by handfuls over the area. 'Modra' in Kashubian means blue, which refers to the distinctive color of Kashubian embroidery, and 'Sobótka' is the name of an ancient holiday associated with the summer solstice.

RESTAURANT MODRA SOBOTKA is distinguished not only by its location with a beautiful view of the lake, but above all by the authenticity of the dishes served. The chef, who comes from a family with multi-generational culinary traditions, makes sure that each dish is prepared according to original recipes. Especially worth trying are the 'Kashubian noodles' - heavy, flour dumplings served with pork scratchings and onions. According to a local anecdote, these noodles were so filling that Kashubian fishermen took them on day-long trips and never returned hungry.

Another specialty is 'Kashubian sour soup' - a sourdough soup with white sausage and egg. It differs from the traditional Polish żurek by the addition of herbs harvested in the surrounding forests, which gives it a distinctive, slightly resinous aroma. An old Kashubian tale says that żurek has magical properties - whoever eats it on Easter will be blessed with good luck and health all year round.

Prices at MODRA SOBOTKA RESTAURANT are slightly higher than at other places in the area, but the quality of the food and the unique location fully compensate for this. The restaurant also offers a special tasting menu, which allows you to experience a cross-section of Kashubian cuisine in one meal.

Nearby, in the charming village of Vaglikowice, is Oaza Restaurant - a place that combines traditional Kashubian cuisine with modern culinary trends. The restaurant is housed in a restored former mill building, which adds to its unique character. According to local accounts, the mill was home to Kashubian patriots fighting to preserve the region's cultural identity in the 19th century.

The Oasis is famous for its 'Kashubian goose meat' - a dish that tastes best in autumn, when the geese are best reared. The meat is marinated in apple cider vinegar with juniper and then slowly roasted, which gives it a unique tenderness and aroma. Another delicacy is 'carrot kuch' - carrot cake prepared according to a recipe that is said to date back to Napoleonic times, when French soldiers stationed in Kashubia shared their culinary customs with the local population.

The Oaza Restaurant also offers cooking workshops where you can learn how to prepare traditional Kashubian dishes. This is a great opportunity to learn the secrets of local cuisine and take them home with you as the best souvenir of your trip. Prices at the Oasis are mid-range and portions are generous, making the place a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

As you reach the southern part of Kashubia, it's worth stopping in the picturesque village of Golubie, where you'll find Gościniec Malinówka. This is a place located in the heart of the Kashubian Landscape Park, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, where time passes more slowly and tradition is especially cherished. The name 'Malinówka' refers to the local raspberry tincture, which, according to Kashubian legends, has healing and warming properties - perfect for chilly Pomeranian evenings.

Gościniec Malinówka is housed in a wooden building erected in accordance with Kashubian architectural tradition. The interior is decorated with hand-made furniture and decorative elements referring to Kashubian embroidery and sculpture. Particularly noteworthy are the 'Kashubian notes' - distinctive musical symbols that, according to local beliefs, are supposed to bring luck and prosperity.

In the menu of Malinowka Guesthouse you will find real gems of Kashubian cuisine. Particularly noteworthy is 'chicken frikase' - a dish that found its way to Kashubian tables through German influences, but was adapted to local tastes by adding mushrooms from the surrounding forests. Another specialty is 'plince' - potato pancakes served with sour cream and crackling. According to an old Kashubian tale, the ability to prepare perfect plincy was one of the conditions a bride had to meet before marriage.

Gościniec Malinówka is also distinguished by its wide range of desserts. Especially worth trying is the 'Kashubian cheesecake' with cranberries, which grow in the surrounding peat bogs. Legend has it that this dessert was prepared for special occasions, and its recipe was closely guarded and passed down orally from generation to generation.

Prices at Gosciniec Malinówka are affordable, which, combined with the authenticity of the food served and the unique atmosphere, makes this place the perfect end to a culinary journey in Kashubia. The restaurant also offers the opportunity to purchase local products - honey, liquors and preserves, which make excellent souvenirs of the trip.

Summing up the culinary tour of Kashubia, it is worth noting the diversity and richness of the local cuisine. Each of the restaurants visited has its own unique character and specializes in slightly different dishes, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of Kashubian flavors.

Mùlk Checz Kashubian in Miszewko impresses with its authenticity and commitment to dairy traditions, offering delicious dairy products and dishes based on them. Kashubian Tavern in Ostrzyce specializes in fish dishes, drawing on the riches of the surrounding lakes. MODRA SOBOTKA RESTAURANT in Rêboszewo is distinguished by its unique location and attention to traditional recipes, especially in the field of flour dishes. The Oasis Restaurant in Wąglikowice combines tradition with modernity, offering classic dishes in a modern interpretation. Malinowka Guesthouse in Golub delights with its authenticity and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for enjoying local specialties.

Each of these places has its own unique history and legends, which add an extra dimension to the tasted dishes. Kashubian cuisine is not just about food - it is a story about the region, its history, culture and people who have shaped the local identity over the centuries. Embarking on a culinary journey through Kashubia, we discover not only new flavors, but also the fascinating world of traditions and legends that have survived to this day.

It is worth noting that the best time for a culinary journey in Kashubia is late summer and early autumn, when local products - fruits, mushrooms, fish - are the freshest and tastiest. This is also the period when the region hosts numerous culinary festivals, during which you can learn even more about local specialties and meet enthusiasts of Kashubian cuisine.