Discovering Traditional Czech Food

When visiting Prague, indulging in traditional Czech cuisine is a must. The food here reflects the country's rich history and cultural influences, offering hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy your appetite. Here are four traditional Czech meals and four typical Czech pastries that you should know during your culinary adventure in the city.

Czech cuisine is hearty and comforting, often beginning with a warm polevka (soup), such as česnečka (garlic soup) or bramboračka (potato soup). Fried meat dishes dominate the culinary landscape, with favorites like smažený sýr (fried cheese) and smažený kuřecí řízek (fried chicken schnitzel) served alongside dumplings or potatoes.

Vegetables are rarely the star of the plate; instead, they often play a supporting role in soups or salads. Rich sauces, pickled vegetables, and a variety of hearty pastries complete the experience.

Overall, Czech cuisine reflects a rustic, filling approach to food, prioritising flavours and satisfying portions.

Four Traditional Czech Soups

  • Česnečka (Garlic Soup): Česnečka is a hearty garlic soup made with broth, potatoes, and plenty of garlic, often garnished with croutons and sometimes topped with a poached egg. Known for its warming properties, this dish is particularly popular during the colder months and is considered a remedy for colds.

  • Bramboračka (Potato Soup): This comforting potato soup is made with potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs, often enriched with mushrooms. Bramboračka is thick and filling, making it a perfect starter or light meal that showcases the flavours of seasonal ingredients.

  • Zelná polévka (Cabbage Soup): Zelná polévka is a tangy soup made from fermented or fresh cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes smoked meat or sausage. The soup’s rich flavour and hearty texture make it a favourite among locals, especially during winter months.

  • Houbová polévka (Mushroom Soup): This delicious soup highlights the abundance of wild mushrooms in Czech forests. Made with a variety of mushrooms, potatoes, and spices, houbová polévka is often creamy and comforting, reflecting the rustic charm of Czech cuisine.

Four Traditional Czech meals

Svíčková

Marinated Beef with Cream Sauce

This iconic dish features marinated beef served with a creamy vegetable sauce made from carrots, celery, and onions.

It’s typically accompanied by knedlíky (Czech dumplings) that soak up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and flavourful meal.

Guláš

Goulash

Czech goulash is a hearty stew made with beef, onions, and paprika, often served with bread or dumplings.

Unlike its Hungarian counterpart, the Czech version is thicker and typically contains less spice, focusing instead on the rich, deep flavours of the meat.

Pečené koleno

Roasted Pork knuckle

The dish is typically seasoned with spices, garlic, and sometimes beer, enhancing its flavour.

Pečené koleno is often served with sides like sauerkraut and bread or dumplings, making it a hearty and satisfying meal popular in Czech cuisine, especially in pubs and during festive occasions.

Smažený sýr

Fried Cheese

Smažený sýr, or fried cheese, is a popular Czech dish made from thick slices of cheese, typically Edam or Hermelín, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden.

Often served with tartar sauce and a fresh salad, this comforting snack is beloved by both locals and tourists, offering a warm, gooey centre and a crispy exterior that perfectly represents traditional Czech cuisine.

Four delicious pastries

Whether you’re visiting a charming café, a bustling bakery, or even a local supermarket, you’ll be delighted by the tempting array of sweet pastries that await you. From flaky croissants and rich chocolate buns to traditional koláče filled with fruit, there’s something to perfectly complement your coffee or elevate your breakfast experience. Indulging in these delightful treats is a wonderful way to embrace the local culture and satisfy your sweet cravings!

 

Here are four typical must try Czech pastries:

  • Koláče: These round pastries are filled with various sweet fillings, such as poppy seeds, fruit (like plum or apricot), or sweet cheese. Koláče are often served during celebrations and special occasions.

  • Bábovka: A traditional Czech bundt cake, bábovka is made with a rich batter that often includes cocoa or fruit. It’s typically served sliced and is a favorite for family gatherings and celebrations.

  • Perníčky: These gingerbread cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and other warm spices. Often decorated with icing, perníčky are especially popular during Christmas and other festive occasions.

  • Buchty: These sweet, yeast-based buns are often filled with fruit jam, sweet cheese, or poppy seeds, then baked until fluffy and golden. Buchty are commonly enjoyed as a dessert or snack, often served warm.

Koláče with poppyseed are a delicious treat

Four types of bread

Four types of bread you might run into:

Czech bread, or chléb, is an essential part of the nation’s culinary heritage, showcasing a delightful variety of flavours and textures. From the soft, slightly sweet houska rolls to hearty rye loaves, each type is crafted with care and tradition. Whether served alongside a warm bowl of soup or as a base for open-faced sandwiches, Czech bread is more than just food; it represents the warmth and hospitality of Czech culture.

  • Rohlíky: Rohlíky are cheap crescent-shaped rolls that are soft on the inside and have a slightly crispy crust. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, they can be eaten plain or filled with various spreads, meats, or cheeses.

  • Kvásek: Kvásek is a traditional sourdough bread made with a natural leavening agent. Its tangy flavour and dense texture make it a beloved staple in Czech households, often enjoyed with hearty meals or as part of a cheese platter.

  • Chlebíček: While technically open-faced sandwiches rather than bread itself, chlebíčky are made on slices of rye bread topped with a variety of ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, salads, and pickles. These delightful snacks are popular at parties and gatherings.

  • Veka: Veka is a soft, white bread resembling a long loaf or baguette. Its light texture and slightly sweet flavour make it a versatile option for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter and jam for breakfast.

 

Rohlíky, the cheapest bread you will find in the supermarket

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