During your trip to Prague or the Czech Republic, you’ll probably be tempted by a typical Czech dish. Of course, Czech food is totally different from what you might be used to.
Indeed, dishes in sauce are classics among our Central European neighbors, generally based on cabbage, meat (duck, beef), potatoes or dumplings (bread dumplings). Dishes that take a lot out of you, as you might have guessed…
But they’ll quickly win you over. Join us on a tour of Czech cuisine.
WHAT DO YOU EAT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC?
When it comes to visiting a country – or any country for that matter – it’s all about the culture.
From its landscapes, to its history, to its cuisine, it’s essential and very interesting to find out a little about everything that’s remotely related to our hosts.
Here, we’ll be concentrating solely on the question of what our neighbors eat. So come on board with us, for an unusual taste journey and discover the typical Czech dishes.
1. BRAMBOROVÝ SALÁT
Potato salad, or bramborový salát, is the Czech starter par excellence. With or without mayonnaise, it’s one of the must-haves of Czech cuisine.
In fact, it’s not uncommon to eat one on Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic, before turning to the traditional carp. Less tedious than in France, it’s true!
2. SMAŽENÝ SÝR
This is a dish generally reserved for children. But it’s not. In fact, breaded cheese is typical of the Czech Republic and is often one of the most popular dishes among expatriates, who sometimes find it hard to refuse a smažený sýr.
Gouda, eidam, all kinds of cheese are accepted, and local restaurants tend to offer plates made up of several kinds of breaded cheese, all accompanied, of course, by a plate of home fries.
And don’t forget the tartar sauce, which goes very well with the potatoes and your breaded cheese! A must-try dish from the Czech Republic.
3. SVÍČKOVÁ
Probably one of the most beloved dishes in the Czech Republic. Indeed, Svíčková consists of several pieces of thinly sliced beef, bathed in a simply exquisite carrot sauce.
On the meat? A little whipped cream, a slice of lemon and a spoonful of cranberry jam are not uncommon. Finally, to top it all off, add between four and five dumplings. If the dish seems strange at first, you won’t be able to resist it for long.
4. GULÁŠ
It’s hard to know exactly where goulash comes from, with many Central European countries fighting over authorship.
Experts tend to favor Hungary. However, every country has its own way of doing things, and the Czechs, like their neighbors, have their own way of doing things.
Czech goulash is often made with beef, onions, dumplings and potato pancakes! A typical Czech dish that’s part of the local culinary history.
You can find, on our blog, a selection of great restaurants in Prague, if you’re willing to try local cuisine.
WHAT DESSERTS ARE EATEN IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC?
After a good meal, it’s time for dessert! But here again, the question arises. What desserts are typical of the Czech Republic? An integral part of the local culinary culture, they are part of what the locals eat, not on a daily basis, but from time to time. In short, an opportunity for you to learn more about Czech cuisine.
1. MEDOVNIK
It’s impossible to discuss Czech desserts without mentioning Medovnik. A honey-based cake, Medovnik is light in its complexity. But as with all good things, it’s best not to overindulge, or you’ll find the next day a mixture of pain and satisfaction.
The only problem? It’s quite rare to find it in restaurants, so don’t hesitate to search and rummage around to find the menu that will satisfy your wildest cravings.
2. ŠTRŮDL
A Central European specialty, strudel is an apple-based dessert. For someone from Western Europe, strudel can thus be likened to a sort of mix between apple pie and apple turnover.
Flavored with cinnamon and buttered with a brush, strudel can be eaten as a dessert or around 4 p.m. when you’re feeling peckish. It’s one of the Czech Republic’s must-try desserts.
AFTER THE FOOD, THE DRINKS!
In the Czech Republic, people eat (yes), but they don’t just eat. They drink, too! In fact, we’ve prepared a full article about the typical drinks in the Czech Republic. This will give you a complete overview of what’s on the local table.