Wondering what to eat in Prague? Here are 10 Czech dishes you should try.
When you think of Prague, your mind might first go to the cobblestone streets of the old town, narrow alleys, the fairy-tale castle, and the Gothic spires rising behind Charles Bridge, not to forget the famous astronomical clock in the charming square.
But what should you actually eat in Prague?
Czech cuisine might not be the most famous, but it includes many flavorful dishes. Many traditional dishes are typical comfort food, such as stews and large amounts of meat served with sauce, cabbage, and knedliky (dumplings).
Here, we have focused mainly on traditional Czech food and drink, but you’ll also find a vast selection of top-notch international restaurants in Prague.
So, where should you start? Here are our 10 suggestions for Czech food and drink to try in Prague.
What to Eat in Prague
1. Czech Goulash
Goulash is most commonly known as a Hungarian specialty but is also a very popular dish in the Czech Republic. In the Czech version, there is more meat and fewer vegetables. Hungarian paprika is less prominent, and sometimes beer is added to the sauce. Czech goulash is served either as a soup or a stew.
2. Knedliky (Dumplings)
Knedliky is to Czechs what potatoes are to Norwegians – a loyal companion on the plate. Knedliky is often translated as dumplings but looks more like slices of bread.
They are usually made from flour, egg, salt, and yeast and don’t have much flavor on their own. However, when dipped in sauce or soup, they become like sponges absorbing all the delicious flavors. Knedliky is served with most stews, soups, and meat-based dishes.
3. Svíčková na smetaně (Tenderloin in Cream)
This dish consists of thinly sliced tenderloin of marinated beef with herbs, served in a creamy thick sauce. It is a very popular dish in the Czech Republic and is considered a festive meal.
4. Koleno (Pork Knuckle)
Koleno is a whole pork knuckle slow-cooked for many hours. It should have crispy skin on the outside and meat so tender it melts in the mouth. This is a very tasty dish that you should definitely try in Prague, but it’s also a very heavy meal, so it might be wise to save this dish for when you are really hungry or share a portion for two people.
5. Game meat
Hunting is popular in the Czech Republic, and you’ll find both wild boar and other types of game meat on the menu. Restaurants serve game meat year-round, but since the hunting season starts in August, there is the greatest variety of game meat in autumn and winter.
Game meat and sides
6. Smazeny syr (Fried Cheese)
Smazeny syr is a Czech specialty served in various ways in restaurants, as a bar snack, or from street vendors.
It is a fried slice of Edam cheese or another local cheese, often breaded in breadcrumbs. It is served with salad, French fries, bread, tartar sauce, or pickled chili.
7. Schnitzel
The schnitzel originally comes from Austria but is also very popular in the Czech Republic. The Czech schnitzel is often made from pork, has a mild and delicious taste, and is popular among both adults and children.
8. Sausages
Traveling with kids and wondering what to eat in Prague? Most kids love sausages, and in the Czech Republic, you can get both artisanal sausages with lots of meat and flavor, and milder, more child-friendly varieties. If you buy from a sausage stand, they are usually served in bread with optional toppings. In restaurants, you often get several types of traditional sausages with accompaniments like horseradish, chili, bread, and dressing.
Some types of Czech sausages:
Klobasa – full-flavored, thick skin, and coarse texture, flavored with garlic or paprika
Bavorska – grayer color, milder texture and flavor, flavored with herbs
Parek – similar to a frankfurter, mild taste, child-friendly
9. Czech Beer
Czechs have the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.
The Czech city of Pilsen is, in fact, the birthplace of Pilsner, a type of beer that Norwegians love.
There are several internationally known Czech beer brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, and Budweiser Budvar.
Additionally, there is a lot of craft beer from microbreweries.
In Prague, and of course, in other cities like Pilsen, many breweries offer beer tastings and tours if you want to delve deeper into the history of Czech beer.
10. Trdelnik
When the scent of sweet pastries tickles your nose as you stroll through the streets of Prague, you are probably near a street vendor selling Trdelnik. If you have a sweet tooth, this is something you definitely should eat in Prague.
This is a cylindrical traditional Czech pastry, baked and rolled in sugar.
It is very popular at Christmas markets but is sold year-round.
Eat it as it is, topped with cream and berries, dipped in hot chocolate in autumn and winter, or filled with ice cream during the summer.
Dobrou chuť! (Bon appétit)
