Eating authentic food in foreign countries is one thing that some people are very interested in or passionate about. I am definitely one of those people who enjoys trying new food. I consider myself a “foodie” traveler and I would like to share my top 10 food items you must try when you are in the Czech Republic.
When I was in the Czech Republic, I visited 5 cites including Prague, Karlovy Vary, Terezin, Kutna Hora and Cesky Krumlov. So, I did eat plenty local food in the Czech Republic.
Here are the top 10 dishes that I recommend you to try when you are in the Czech Republic.
10.Halušky
Halušky
Well, I know that this dish originated from Slovakia’s traditional food. A lot of European traditional foods are very similar to each other because of how the European countries were formed. It is very interesting to know how each traditional meal became their local food, but let’s focus on this dish for now.
Halušky is a potato-dough gnocchi with sauerkraut, sausage and/or bacon. I tried this dish at a food stand in the famous Prague castle during the cities Easter festival.
They sell this dish as a quick, grab and go type food like a poutine. (Poutine is a Canadian dish which contains french fries, cheese curds and gravy. It’s the best food to eat when you are drunk.) It is very filling,so be hungry when you try it. It is a heavy meal for sure.
9.Makový Závin
Makový Závin
Makový Závin is a poppy seed pastry. The poppy seed pastry can be found in several European countries like Mohntorte in Germany and Makowiec in Poland. Poppy seed deserts are quite popular in central Europe. Czech people are also the lovers of this poppy seed type of pastry.
Europeans refer to these sweets as a pastry, but there is not much of a “pie part”, it’s all about enjoying the poppy seed filling. Also, it is not super sweet and will make you very thirsty so have a cup of tea or coffee when you try these sweets.
8.Knedlík
This is a well known Czech traditional side that is served with a meat or soup dish. Knedlík, is a boiled dumpling made with flower, yeast, egg, salt, and milk. There are a few different types of Knedlík which have different names depending on what they’re made of. Houskový is soaked bread inside plain Knedlík. Bramborové is made with mashed potatoes. Ovocné kynuté has jam like syrup and fruits inside.
Knedlík
Knedlík is similar to bread or rice for them. The elderly Czech women told me that if you can make a good Knedlík, you’ll be a great house wife in the Czech Republic.
7.Kuřecí Špíz
Kuřecí Špíz
Hot dog in Czech Republic
ハーブソーセージのホットドッグ
I bought this sausage/hot dog at the same food stand where I got the chicken skewer from. I just loved the flavour of this sausage. Czech Republic is a inland country, so they eat more meat than seafood. Of course meat dishes from this country would be delicious! If you see the harved sausage, you should get it and enjoy it with beer of course.
6.Trdelník
Trdelník
This sweet is very well known because of social media. A lot of people think that this is a traditional Czech sweet but IT IS NOT. The Trdelnik origin is controversial, many European countries claim it’s their traditional food. But the most believable origin is Lumania.
Trdelník with ice cream
Despite the origin of this food, it is absolutely tasty and irresistible. There are specialty stores around the Prague city center and they sell crazy versions of a Trdelník. Some with ice cream or even chocolate inside the Trdelník. You must try this treat, not only do the people of Prague love it. But travelers from all over the world enjoy them just as much.
5.Vepřový řízek
Vepřový řízek
This is also known as “Schnitzel”, a traditional German food. Thinly sliced meat with bread crumbs, deep fried until golden brown. You can enjoy with it squeezed lemon juice or your favorite sauce.
Once again, there are a lot of similarities in European cuisine. But if you try the same dish in different countries, it will be slightly different from each other and fun to taste the difference.
4.Vepřový Koleno
Vepřový Koleno (Pork Knee)
Czech people’s go to dish in a pub restaurant. This dish is also well known in Germany as “Haxen” and is their traditional food.
This dish usually comes with a few types of mustard, pickled vegetables and j’us (gravy) from cooking the pork. The skin of the pork knee gets nice and crunchy like “Peking duck”. I’d say that the crunchy skin was my favorite part of this dish. It is quite oily and heavy in taste, so the pickled vegetables do a great job offsetting the fat in your mouth. And of course the beer!!
Pork Knee
Depending on the restaurant where you order, it is typically a big portion as you can see from the picture. So please be aware of the amount you’ll receive when ordering this meal. Don’t waste food and take it to go if you can’t finish it!
3.Gulášovka
Gulášovka
Gulášovka (Goulash) is a soup/stew dish, also known in Germany and Austria since they are neighboring courtiers. Even though it tastes just like a beef stew, don’t under estimate its popularity. Its one thing that Czech’s make exceptionally well and might be better than your own Grandmas recipe.
Some restaurants serve Gulášovka in a bread bowl like the picture above. But it is usually served with Knedlík (Czech traditional sides dish). If you visit the Czech Republic in the winter, this is a must try meal since their winter is quite harsh. The soup/stew will warm you up and make you feel like you’re at home.
2.Česneková polévka
Česneková polévka (Garlic Soup)
Česneková polévka is a soup dish in the Czech Republic and in similar Slovakian countries. Made with a lot of garlic and vegetables. Depending on the restaurant you order it at, you will see croutons or a type of Knedlík in the soup. Czech people call this soup the “hangover cure” soup.
It is a very simple soup dish, yet super delicious and perfect for tourists. After a long walk from sightseeing, your body will appreciate the power of garlic. When you hear the word garlic, you might want to avoid it because of the garlic breath after you eat it. But the one I tried wasn’t over powered with garlic at all. It might be different from place to place but I highly recommend you try it out.
1.Svíčková na smetaně
Svíčková na smetaně
The number one dish that you must try in the Czech Republic is Svíčková na smetaně. This dish has it all… Salty, sweet, creamy and it’s rather filling. It truly is a Czech traditional dish all its own.
Eating out in Czech Republic
Ready to try any of the dishes in Czech Republic? The best part about eating out in the Czech Republic is that it’s very cost friendly. Fair prices and generous portions. If you eat out in big cities like New York, Paris or Rome, the minimum you would spend for a main dish and a pint of beer in a decent restaurant is well over $50 including tax and tips.
But in the Czech Republic, it will be under $20! I live in Toronto and this price was too good to be true. So don’t be afraid to eat out in the Czech Republic. I know a trip can be very expensive but this is one country you can eat and drink like a King or Queen. So indulge and enjoy the delicious tastes of traditional Czech cuisine without over spending and staying on your budget.
