When visiting Prague, indulging in traditional Czech cuisine is an essential part of the experience. Czech food is hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in local culture, often characterized by meats, sauces, and dumplings. Here are must-try Czech dishes that you shouldn’t miss during your stay:
1. Svíčková na Smetaně (Marinated Beef Sirloin)
A Czech classic, Svíčková is marinated beef sirloin served with a rich, creamy vegetable sauce made from root vegetables, cream, and spices. The dish is typically accompanied by knedlíky (bread dumplings) and garnished with cranberry sauce and a slice of lemon with whipped cream. It’s a flavorful combination of savory and sweet.
Recipe: Svíčková Recipe (Cook Like Czechs)
2. Vepřo Knedlo Zelo (Roast Pork with Dumplings and Sauerkraut)
This is a quintessential Czech comfort food. Vepřo knedlo zelo consists of tender roasted pork, served with bramborové knedlíky (potato or bread dumplings) and zelí (braised sauerkraut). The mix of succulent pork, the tanginess of the sauerkraut, and the soft dumplings make this dish a must-try.
Recipe: Vepřo Knedlo Zelo Recipe (Wandering Wheatleys)
3. Guláš (Czech Goulash)
Unlike its Hungarian counterpart, Czech guláš is less spicy and more focused on meat and thick gravy. It’s a hearty stew made from slow-cooked beef (or pork) with onions, garlic, and paprika. Typically, it’s served with knedlíky or bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Recipe: Czech Beef Guláš (Cook Like Czechs)
4. Smažený Sýr (Fried Cheese)
A popular vegetarian-friendly option, Smažený sýr is deep-fried cheese, often Edam or Hermelín (a type of Czech cheese similar to Camembert). It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and typically served with tartar sauce and fries or a side salad.
Recipe: Smažený Sýr Recipe (Cook Like Czechs)
5. Koleno (Roast Pork Knuckle)
A must for meat lovers, Koleno is a slow-roasted pork knuckle, marinated in beer, garlic, and herbs, resulting in crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It’s served with mustard, horseradish, pickled vegetables, and bread, making for a feast-sized portion usually shared among friends.
Recipe: Vepřové Koleno Recipe (Wandering Wheatleys)
6. Řízek (Schnitzel)
Řízek is the Czech version of the schnitzel, typically made from pork, chicken, or veal, coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. It’s served with a side of potato salad or boiled potatoes. Simple but delicious, it’s a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Recipe: Řízek (Schnitzel)
7. Bramboráky (Potato Pancakes)
Bramboráky are crispy potato pancakes made with grated potatoes, garlic, marjoram, and flour, fried until golden brown. They are sometimes served as a side dish to meat dishes but can also be eaten on their own, especially at food stalls and markets.
Recipe: Bramboráky Recipe (Cook Like Czechs)
8. České Buchty (Sweet Filled Buns)
A traditional Czech dessert, buchty are sweet yeast buns filled with jam, poppy seeds, or sweet cheese. They are soft, fluffy, and make a perfect snack with coffee or tea.
Recipe: České Buchty (Sweet Filled Buns)
9. Trdelník (Chimney Cake)
Though not originally Czech (it’s from Hungary and Slovakia), Trdelník has become a popular street food in Prague. This sweet pastry is made from dough rolled around a spit, grilled, and then dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It’s often filled with whipped cream, ice cream, or chocolate. While it’s a tourist favorite, it’s not considered an authentic Czech dish, but still worth trying.
Recipe: Trdelník Recipe (Cook Like Czechs)
10. Knedlíky (Dumplings)
Knedlíky are a staple side dish in Czech cuisine. There are two main types: bread dumplings (made from flour, eggs, and stale bread) and potato dumplings. They accompany almost every main course, particularly dishes with rich gravies like Svíčková and guláš.
Recipe: Knedlíky (Dumplings)
11. Tatarák (Steak Tartare)
For the adventurous eater, tatarák is a raw minced beef dish, typically mixed with raw egg yolk, spices, garlic, and onions. It’s served with fried or toasted bread and garlic for rubbing. Although raw, this delicacy is beloved by many Czechs and served in many traditional pubs.
Recipe: Tatarák Recipe (Nomad Paradise)
12. Kuba (Barley with Mushrooms)
A traditional Czech dish, especially eaten during Christmas, Kuba is a barley casserole made with wild mushrooms, garlic, marjoram, and onions. It’s a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that highlights local ingredients.
Recipe: Kuba (Barley with Mushrooms)
13. Chlebíčky (Open-Faced Sandwiches)
These small, open-faced sandwiches are popular snacks or appetizers. Chlebíčky are slices of bread topped with a variety of ingredients such as ham, cheese, egg, pickles, or salad spreads. They’re found in delis and bakeries across Prague and make for a quick and tasty bite.
Recipe: Chlebíčky (Open-Faced Sandwiches)
14. Palačinky (Czech Pancakes)
Similar to crepes, palačinky are thin pancakes filled with sweet ingredients like fruit jam, whipped cream, or chocolate. They can also be made savory, with fillings such as ham, cheese, and vegetables. Either way, they’re a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Recipe: Palačinky (Czech Pancakes)
Drinks to Try:
- Pilsner Beer: The Czech Republic is famous for its beer, and Pilsner Urquell is the most iconic. Try it at any pub, as it’s considered one of the best beers in the world.
- Becherovka: A traditional Czech herbal liqueur with a bittersweet flavor. It’s often consumed as a digestif or mixed with tonic to create a refreshing cocktail called Beton.
- Slivovice: A plum brandy that’s very popular in the Czech Republic. It’s strong, so sip it carefully!
By trying these Czech dishes, you’ll not only experience the country’s rich culinary traditions but also deepen your connection with Prague’s vibrant culture.