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Traditional Czech food: 9 must-try dishes
Weekend in the Czech capital? Not sure what to eat in Prague? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to go on a culinary journey through the heart of Czech cuisine and to find out the best way to eat and drink your way through this scrumptious city.
1. Goulash, the traditional Eastern European beef stew
If Prague had a signature dish, it’d have to be goulash. Most visitors wondering what to eat in Prague make a beeline for a bowl of this hearty stew on their first night in the Czech capital.
Some of our more culinary-minded readers might be thinking, “But, isn’t goulash Hungarian?” Well, unlike its spicier Hungarian counterpart, Czech goulash (gulasch) boasts a milder flavour and has more vegetables. So healthy eaters with sensitive palates will be happy.
And what does Czech goulash, or guláš in Czech, consist of? In the local lingo, it means “mishmash,” which makes sense as goulash can contain pretty much anything. It usually involves meat, vegetables and a thick gravy. Vegetarians can also enjoy meat-free options. Order Goulash for a thicker sauce and Goulash Soup for a thinner, more soupy consistency.
- Main Ingredients: Usually beef (Hovězi, or Hov), but can also be pork (Segedinsky, or Seg).
- Pronunciation: Goo-LASH
2. Vepřoknedlozelo, a heartwarming winter recipe
This one is, well, a bit of a mouthful. Let us break it down for you. Vepřo = pork, knedlo = dumpling, zelo = sauerkraut. No prizes, then, for guessing the main ingredients of this Czech classic!
A lip-smacking combination of roasted pork shoulder, fluffy bread dumplings and zippy sauerkraut, this is often referred to as the Czech national dish. Although it has stiff competition in the form of Svíčková (see number 5 on this list).
If you’re visiting Prague in winter, there’s nothing quite like a steaming plate of vepřoknedlozelo (but good luck in pronouncing it correctly when you order)! So, make sure this dish is near the top of your list of what to eat in Prague.
- Main Ingredients: pork shoulder, bread dumplings, sauerkraut
- Pronunciation: VE-pro K-NED-lo-zeLO (pronounce the k as a hard k)
3. Koleno, crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside
Czechs certainly love their pork dishes, and next on our list of what to eat in Prague is the mother of all pork dishes: koleno. The meal basically consists of pork knuckle. But we’re not talking about any old pork knuckle. This beast weighs up to 1 kg, so don’t even think about ordering this unless you are a) ravenous or b) sharing.
Often served with a basket of bread, a side of tangy Czech mustard, grated horseradish and pickles, this is a meal fit for a king, queen and the entire palace.
- Main Ingredients: pork knuckle, bread, mustard, grated horseradish, pickles
- Pronunciation: this one is easy! Kol-EH-no
4. Pecená kachna, Bohemian roast duck
And the first non-pork entry on our list of what to eat in Prague is Pecená kachna, otherwise known as Bohemian duck. This succulent, slow-roasted roast duck is seasoned with caraway seeds and dish has served with deliciously crispy skin. It often comes with a side of braised red cabbage and potato dumplings.
Duck dishes are served for special occasions in the Czech Republic as it was traditionally an expensive ingredient. Pecená kachna makes an appearance during the festive fall season called Hody or Posviceni, specifically on St. Václav’s Day (September 28) and on Christmas Day (December 25).
- Main Ingredients: duck, garlic, caraway seeds, cabbage, potato dumplings
- Pronunciation: Pe-CHE-na kach-NA. The ch is kach is pronounced like in the Scottish word loch.
5. Svícková, beef tenderloin with a sweet touch
If you’re looking to try authentic Czech food, look no further. Svícková is tender beef tenderloin in a creamy, slightly sweet, slightly savoury sauce.
Sounds pretty normal so far, right? Well, wait for this. At the end, a slice of lemon is added on the top, and then a dollop of whipped cream with some cranberries or cranberry jam on top for good measure. This odd-sounding concoction somehow…works! And if it gives you the ick, you can always remove the top layer!
Svícková is served with the traditional Czech bread dumplings to soak up the gourmet gravy and for that last satisfying wipe of the plate. And you can find not only vegetarian, but also vegan versions!
- Main Ingredients: beef, cream-based sauce, lemon, whipped cream, cranberries
- Pronunciation: Sveetch-kov-AH
6. Prague street food, eat on the go
As you wander the picturesque streets of Prague, keep your nostrils on high alert for the wafting aromas of Prague’s street food.
There is a scrumptious smorgasbord of tasty treats on offer. Notable options are:
- Bramboráky: a humble potato pancake with a Czech twist. The potato patties are fried with marjoram and garlic, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in a handful of sausage or salami. Pronunciation: Bram-bor-AH-kee
- Uzené Maso: this meaty treat can come in the form of pork, lamb or beef. But one common thread is that Uzené Maso is always smoked. Enjoy munching on a mini stick of meat as you walk the city’s streets. Pronunciation: Ooz-eh-NAY Ma-SOH
- Nakládaný Hermelín (marinated cheese): finally, a truly vegetarian option! Hermelín is a soft, mould-ripened cheese, not dissimilar to a Czech camembert. This creamy delight is marinated in herbs, spices, onions and oil, cut into chunks and devoured with rye bread and a frosty Czech beer. Pronunciation: Nahk-LA-dan-ee Her-mel-EEN
7. Smazený Sýr, fried cheese? Yes please!
Continuing the cheese theme, Smazený Sýr (smazak for short), are slabs of cheese, breaded and fried to perfection. YUM.
The crispy golden exterior and gooey cheese centre will melt your cheese-loving heart. It might sound cheesy, but we think they really are grate! So, relax and take it cheesy with a plate of Smazený Sýr.
- Main Ingredients: cheese (usually Edam, Gouda or Swiss), egg, breadcrumbs
- Pronunciation: Sma-zhen-EE Seer
8. Grilled sausages, the ultimate comfort food in Prague
An essential on any tourist’s checklist of what to eat in Prague has got to be a juicy grilled sausage in Wenceslas Square.
From the obligatory kielbasa (klobása in Czech) to the parek, Prague’s pickled answer to a hotdog, you’ll be impressed with the range on offer, the quality of the meat and the subtlety of the flavours.
- Main Ingredients: sausages!
- Pronunciation: Klo-Ba-SAH, PAH-rek
9. Trdelník, the treat you’ll find on every street
And finally, for all you sweet-toothed sightseers out there, meet trdelník! It’s made from dough, which is wrapped around a stick, baked, then coated in sugar, chopped nuts and cinnamon. Warning: these delightful bites are highly addictive: we dare you to stop at just one!
And ubiquitous trdelník are in plentiful supply on Prague’s streets, which might fool you into thinking it’s a native Czech dessert. Its origins are, in fact, unknown. Some say Trdelník originated in Hungary, some in Slovakia.
We’re lucky to have them at all, after they were abolished by the Nazis during the German occupation and then again by the Communists, deemed “too bourgeois.”
- Main Ingredients: pastry, sugar, nuts, cinnamon
- Pronunciation: Terd-DEL-Neek
Explore Prague and its enticing eats!
As you bid adieu to the enchanting city of Prague, you’re sure to leave with mouthwatering memories of delicious dinners and scrummy snacks!
So, it’s time to book your ticket to the Czech’s charming capital, plan the best way to get around the city and make sure you bring an appetite! So, bon appetit, down the hatch and, as they say in Prague, dobrou chut!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the prominence of meat in traditional Czech food, Prague is becoming an increasingly welcoming destination for vegetarians. The city boasts a growing vegetarian and vegan scene, with many restaurants now offering specific menus that cater to plant-based diets.
Absolutely! Prague is a melting pot of culinary diversity, offering a wide variety of international cuisine to cater to every palate. Whether you’re craving comforting Italian pasta, aromatic Indian curries, or flavourful Asian dishes, the city has a plethora of restaurants ready to transport your taste buds around the globe. From chic bistros to authentic eateries, Prague’s vibrant food scene ensures that you’ll never run out of international dining options to explore.
Yes, tipping is customary in restaurants in Prague. While it’s not mandatory, leaving a tip of around 10% is generally considered the norm as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
For those seeking the best Czech beer in Prague, look no further than the city’s bars and pubs that offer a tantalizing selection of local brews. From historic breweries to trendy craft beer bars, Prague is a beer lover’s paradise where you can sample traditional lagers and innovative craft beers. Be sure to check out iconic spots like U Medvidku or Lokal for an authentic Czech beer experience that will have you raising your glass in appreciation of Prague’s rich brewing heritage. Cheers!