The Best Things You Must Eat In Prague, an Insider Guide to Czech Cuisine

Prague‘s rich culinary heritage blends traditional Bohemian dishes with international flavours. From savoury roasted meats to sweet pastries, the Czech capital is a foodie’s paradise. You can’t leave Prague without trying some of its most famous dishes. Here are my favourite must-eat foods that will tantalize your taste buds! And give you a true taste of Prague’s culinary culture.

History of Czech Cuisine

Czech cuisine has a rich and diverse history, reflecting the country’s central location and influences from neighbouring countries such as Germany and Austria. Traditional dishes are hearty and often feature meat, potatoes, and bread dumplings. Over the centuries, Czech cuisine has evolved to incorporate elements from other cultures, including Hungarian, Slovak, and Jewish. Despite these influences, Czech cuisine has maintained its unique identity. Offering visitors a delicious taste of the country’s history and heritage.

#1 Pivo! Pivo! And More Pivo!

You can’t visit Prague without sampling their beer. It’s honestly such a HUGE part of their culture and cuisine. Every bar has its unique homebrew and hundreds of other local varieties. You can get a GIANT pint for as little as $2 USD that will rival the rest of the world’s best beers. The most popular Pivo, as beer is called in Prague, is their traditional “Plzeň” (Pilsener). But there are more than 80 different kinds of local brews, so if you don’t like one brand, there are plenty more to choose from!

#2 Chlebíčky

Open-faced sandwiches are a staple the world over. But in Prague, they are a historic part of Czech life. In the communist years, many traditional sandwich staples were unavailable in Prague. Instead, Czech chefs made do with what they could. From this, they created greatness from even the most meagre ingredients. Fat was necessary to survive in the cold winters, so Chlebíčky sandwiches are filled with mayonnaise, herring paste, oily ham, and red salami and usually contain few vegetables. You can find Chlebíčkys at most delis or small cafes. Order a few varieties to create a spectacular assortment and share with a friend!

#3 Koláč

Koláč was one of my favourite sweet treats. Koláč is a soft pastry filled with everything from poppy seeds to fruit, jams, nuts and even sugared cheese (basically cream cheese). They can be found in almost every bakery in Prague, and every family has their “secret” recipe, which makes their Koláč a little different from the one down the street. Poppy seed and sweet cheese was my personal preference.

#4 Knödel

Knödel is a traditional Czech dish made from boiled dumplings, typically served with various savoury sauces or stews. They are made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and salt, which is then shaped into balls and boiled until fully cooked. Knödel comes in various sizes and can be filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meats, or vegetables. This dish is a staple in Czech cuisine, offering a comforting and filling meal that has been enjoyed for centuries. Whether served as a side dish or as the main course, Knödel is a must-try for anyone visiting Prague and looking to experience the local cuisine.

#5 Koleno

Koleno, or roast pork knuckle, is another traditional German dish absorbed into Prague’s cuisine. The dish is made from an oversized piece of meat, cooked low and slow so the meat falls off the bone. The skin is crispy, and the meat is well seasoned with herbs. It is served alongside a tall, dark beer with mustard, horseradish, and sour cherries for dipping.

#6 Vepřo-knedlo-zelo

Vepřo-knedlo-zelo is another traditional pork dish. This slow-roasted pork is stewed with cabbage and served with sauerkraut and large bread dumplings to soak up all those well-flavoured juices.

#7 Palačinky

A sweet treat that can be found all over Prague is Palačinky. Palačinky is similar to French crepes, but the batter is slightly different. The thin pancakes are served with jam, fruit, cream or nuts. You can also find Palačinky with cheese, spinach, and pork if you’d prefer a savoury version.

#8 Sausages

Czechs eat sausages morning, noon and night. They are great as a side dish or entree. Czech sausages are always heavy on garlic and have a much coarser grind than other sausages found worldwide. They are dark red and have a snappy bite to them. The best way to eat Czech sausages is simply served with only bread and mustard.

#9 Pečená Kachna

Pečená Kachna, or roast duck, is something that Czech people often associate with holidays or special occasions. It is one of the more expensive meats in Prague, but for tourists, it is worth surging on no matter the occasion.

#10 Svickova

One of the most traditional dishes. Don’t judge a book (or a meal) by its cover! Svickova is a braised beef sirloin served in a creamy sauce with cranberry compote and bread dumplings. The meat is so tender you don’t need a knife. The fatty beef mixed with the cream makes it a very decadent meal but worth a try for an authentic taste of Prague.

A Note About Ttrdelník

Ok, now you might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned Ttrdelník.  Ttrdelník is a dessert found on the streets of Prague almost everywhere you go, and I’ve also seen it on many ‘top ten’ lists. But the truth is, this pastry, while sometimes delicious, isn’t traditionally Czech whatsoever! Even local guides will prompt it as a “traditional Czech dish.” But actually, a Hungarian recipe has been coopted by tourist trappers in busy areas around Prague. Touted as a “local specialty.” I had a chance to eat lots of these while in Budapest and can over achingly declare they are much more delicious. The ones in Prague tend to be overpriced, overcooked and overrated! So skip these desserts and head to a local Czech bakery instead! You’ll find you can get about three fresh desserts for just one Ttrdelník.

Czech cuisine offers a wealth of delicious and hearty dishes that should not be missed on your next trip to Prague. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or simply looking to try new things, give these top 10 Czech foods a try. Your taste buds will thank you! Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and try new dishes, as this is the best way to truly experience the local cuisine and culture.

Happy Eating, Adventurers!