Visiting a city means getting to know it in all its facets, culinary traditions included. The characteristic dishes of a given location tell us much more about the history of the place and local folklore. So to all tourists visiting Prague, we say to forget about pasta and pizza for a few days and savor the delicacies of Czech cuisine.

The 9 typical specialties of Prague

Prague cuisine, like Czech cuisine more generally, is certainly not light. In fact, as is often the case in very cold countries , the diet tends to be caloric to better withstand winter.

Here sauces and condiments rule the day, and between meat and fish the former is definitely preferred. That said, here is a selection of typical local dishes.

Goulash

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This is a typical dish borrowed, however, from Hungarian tradition. The Czech version is very similar to the one adopted in and around Budapest, but it is a little less spicy.

Usually beef is used, but pork, poultry or even venison can also be used. The dish assumes a long cooking time.

During this process the meat is marinated in paprika and vegetables are left to cook along with it. Goulash can be served together with typically Prague bread dumplings, knedikly.

The dish is generally not very expensive: with the equivalent of 4 euros or so you can taste a good portion.

Zelnacka

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Zelnacka is a vegetable soup, traditionally sauerkraut. Soups in Prague’s parts are very popular and appreciated, so much so that they often rise to the status of national dishes.

This dish is sometimes called zelna polevka.

Trdo

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Trdelnik or trdlo, also known as Bohemian sleeve, is an exquisite dessert typical of these latitudes. It is a special sugary dough rolled around a stick and baked over the fire.

On the market you will find the completely hollow version or, alternatively, one filled with ice cream, cream or Nutella. The outside is also enriched with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar and hazelnuts.

An alternative version of this dish calls for the trdelnik instead of sweet to be savory. In any case it should be consumed while still warm. This dish falls squarely within the realm of street food. Its cost is around 4 euros.

Pstruh

This is baked or, alternatively, broiled trout. What characterizes this dish is the use of butter and a skillful mix of spices. It is normally served on a bed of potatoes: fried or boiled you decide.

Smazeny syr

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Smazeny syr is a stick of cheese, preferably sweet, cooked in hot oil. Normally edam or emmental is preferred for this sort of Central European mozzarella in carrozza, but the more traditional Hermelin is also fine.

The smazeny syr is eaten dipped in mayonnaise or tartar sauce and accompanied by a plate of steaming French fries.

Pecena kachna

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A very interesting unique dish is pecena kachna. This is roast duck served together with a side dish, itself very tempting, consisting of smoked sausage dumplings and sauerkraut.

Svickova na smetane

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Svickova na smetane is a very tasty roast beef served together with a sweet-and-sour sauce consisting of cream and carrots. Before bringing the meat to the table, the chef takes care to brush it with blueberry jam and sour cream.

This is a slightly more premium dish than those described, which is enough to justify its somewhat higher cost(about 9 euros per serving). The suggestion is to pair it with excellent dark beer.

Beer

Local beer traditionally accompanies virtually any meal. Typical of these latitudes are the lightly fermented blondes, but rest assured that you can choose from several. In fact, there are many varieties of beers produced here, and, albeit in moderation, do not miss the opportunity to taste a little of them all.

Becherovka

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Also worth trying is Becherovka, which is a special herbal distillate capable of helping you get rid of the weight of the meals you have eaten. It is, in short, a good digestive aid.

Where to eat in Prague: typical restaurants of Czech cuisine

Prague is full of traditional restaurants and breweries where you can eat well and in abundance without spending too much.

One should avoid the purely touristy places, as they offer discrete dishes but at inflated prices.

If visiting the city at Christmas time, it is best to sample just a few treats or hot drinks at the markets: the foods are tempting, but the costs are often high.

Here are a number of restaurants in Prague that are not too touristy but very traditional:

• “U Pravdů” (in Nové Město) is an example of authentic Czech cuisine with generous portions and affordable prices;
• “Restaurace Mlejnice,” a short walk from Old Town Square, is tucked away in a small alley and does not accept cards, but offers tasty dishes in a quiet atmosphere;
• “U Fleků” Brewery is famous and very popular: prices are higher, but the festive atmosphere is worth it;
• “The Mad Rabbit – Macaron Bar,” for a different break from Czech food, offers colorful Alice-style pastries;
• “Gingerbread Museum,” on the other hand, is a mouth-watering stop for gingerbread lovers, where an irresistible cinnamon scent invites you to buy hand-decorated cookies.

How much does it cost to eat in Prague

Eating around here is not particularly expensive, at least by our standards. However, consider that a meal for two accompanied by the inevitable beer should not take you more than about fifteen euros.

On the other hand, about half a liter of beer in these parts costs one or two euros. Of course, places that are more in or those that are a bit more particular adopt different pricing and are usually more expensive.

Frequently asked questions