Dumplings, Pancakes, and Compote – The Hits of a Milk Bar
These are the staples of a milk bar menu. Generally, aside from dairy-based products, there are no other dishes, although some milk bars offer more elaborate and varied meals, including meat-based options. However, in its traditional form, the focus remains on vegetarian Polish cuisine based on classic recipes.
Milk bars are popular among students, retirees, and pensioners due to their affordable prices, but they attract people from all walks of life – these places are exceptionally egalitarian. Who doesn’t enjoy classic lazy dumplings or blueberry pancakes washed down with fruit compote or kefir? It’s a part of our culinary tradition!
Planning and Essential Investments for a Milk Bar
When planning to open a milk bar, it’s important to consider current sanitary and construction requirements and analyze several key factors. First and foremost: location. The bar should not be far from the city center, busy streets, or a large student campus. Once a suitable location is found, costs associated with adapting the premises for the business should be estimated. The milk bar cannot be too small, as it must accommodate a kitchen, a customer restroom, and staff facilities, including their restroom.
The milk bar kitchen must be equipped with devices, accessories, and furniture that ensure good functionality and maintain the highest hygiene standards. The minimum equipment includes:
- Convection-steam oven,
- Gas or electric stove,
- Dishwasher with a sanitizing function,
- Crepe maker,
- Bain-maries (optional but useful),
- Microwave oven,
- Single- or double-chamber fryer,
- Rice cooker,
- Multi-frying pans,
- Mixer,
- Cooking accessories,
- A set of pots and pans,
- Several sets of plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and cutlery,
- Chopping boards and trays.
Furniture, countertops, and shelves in the kitchen should be made of stainless steel. They are not only durable and resistant to mechanical damage and deformation but are also crucial for maintaining impeccable hygiene.
Tables and chairs in the dining area can be simple and inexpensive. What matters most is that they are easy to clean. If you opt for a design reminiscent of the communist era, tables can be covered with patterned oilcloth – it’s very cheap and can be purchased by the meter.
It’s worth knowing that when opening a milk bar, you can apply for financial support. The amount of funding and the conditions that must be met are specified in the regulation of the Minister of Finance dated March 30, 2015.
Failures and Spare Parts for Milk Bar Equipment
Every heavily used appliance can break down and require a part replacement. In a milk bar kitchen, failures can affect not only frequently used dishwashers but also equipment for preparing specific dishes. In such cases, it’s necessary to rely on a trusted supplier of spare parts.
