Czech Cuisine - Re-defining Travel Through Czech Food (2025)

What better way to experience the culture than to feast on local meals in some of the best-hidden restaurants in the region? So, here are some of the best Czech foods and places to eat authentic Czech cuisine.

During my visit to Czechia, I couldn’t help but marvel at the variety and taste of Czech cuisine.

You can try most of the things that are a part of Czech cuisine anywhere in Europe, but it just won’t be the same without that local touch, would it?

This brings me to the importance of local ingredients, local fare, and recipes passed on over the generations, and what better way to experience the same than to feast on local meals in some of the best-hidden restaurants in the region?

So, here I have curated a list of traditional Czech foods that you must try on your visit to Prague! As a cherry on top, I have also provided restaurant recommendations where you can try each dish in detail for your benefit.

I also loved the unique Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks in Prague as it was full of dance, music, and of course, food.

Let’s jump into the world of Czech culinary delights!

The best of Czech Cuisine

Traditional foods which you should eat in the Czech Republic

My short stay in Prague convinced me of one thing: from rustic countryside villages to bustling city squares, the Czech Republic offers a gastronomic journey like no other.

Prepare to embark on a culinary odyssey through a land where centuries of history and culture have shaped the very essence of its cuisine!

Czech cuisine involves everything: soups, main courses, desserts, and sides. Who would not want to indulge in street food?

Soups

In the flavourful world of Czech cuisine, soups play a prominent role and are usually the first dishes of any meal in Czechia. So grab a spoon, and get ready to dive into the delightful realm of Czech soups!

Kulajda

If you are someone who likes mushrooms, Kulajda is a traditional Czech soup made from mushrooms, potatoes, cream, and a poached egg, which gives the entire dish a creamy and tangy flavour. But mind you, even though it is usually a starter, Kulajda can get extremely filling!

Kulajda is a common food in all Czech restaurants, and you just can’t get it wrong, no matter where you try it, as it is rooted in Czech cuisine.

But, if you are hoping to taste the absolute best of the best Kulajda soup, I recommend heading to Cafe Imperial in Prague, where the soup is ultra-creamy and a meal in itself!

Cesnečka

Another comforting and flavourful soup for the freezing winters of Czechia is Česnečka, also known as garlic soup, which is considered to be a one-stop solution for all problems, from ordinary cold to a hangover!

Garlic is a big part of Czech cuisine overall, so it is not a surprise that they have a soup based on garlic as it not only imparts a comforting warmth but also provides potential health benefits.

As one of the basic dishes of Czech national cuisine, Česnečka can be found at any restaurant.

Zelňačka

Zelňačka is a soup that is known for its rich flavours and hearty ingredients, which perfectly contrast each other in terms of taste and are also very nutritious! Sauerkraut, which is a type of fermented cabbage, is the main ingredient that gives it a tangy and distinctive taste.

To enhance the flavours, Zelňačka commonly includes other ingredients such as smoked meat, typically pork or sausage, which adds a smoky and savory element, a delight and relief during the winters!

U Kroka is a small family restaurant in Prague that prides itself on its various Czech specialties and soups. The cozy atmosphere attracts many visitors every night.

Main Course

The hearty and delicious main courses of Czechia take center stage! Czechia is a destination where culinary traditions and flavours come together to create memorable dining experiences and foods that are relishing and will leave you smitten! Here are some of the traditional foods of Czechia:

Svíčková

Svíčková is the proud National Dish of the Czech Republic! It is a spiced sirloin steak, slow-roasted and prepared with root veggies and boiled with double cream.

The dish is garnished with cream sauce and a topping of cranberry sauce, giving it a slight tang. Svíčková is a dish that requires a lot of time and labor, but the efforts are worth the wait! The accompanying Houskové knedlíky – bread dumplings and the softly whipped cream with cranberries complemented the dish well.

Svíčková is the true essence of traditional Czech cuisine and forms an important part of Czech weddings. It is a common belief that when a girl can cook a good Svíčková, she is ready to get married!

I had Svíčková at the Lokál Dlouhááá, a famous restaurant in Prague. There is a history behind the growth of ‘hip’ restaurants in Czechia.

The country saw a massive transformation, especially when it came to food, after the gradual decline of communism, leading to a wave of fast food chains opening stores here.

It has taken constant effort from millennials to make local meals ‘hip’ again, and the name of this eatery fits well in the scenario ‘Lokal’!

Houskové Knedliky

Knedliky is a staple in Czech cuisine and is made by combining stale bread or rolls with milk, eggs, and flour to form a dough, which is then shaped into small, round dumplings cooked by boiling or steaming.

As a rule of thumb, never spread butter on Knedliky or you are sure to get some snarky looks from fellow Czechs!

When served alongside dishes like svíčková or roasted meats, knedilky acts as a sponge, soaking up the savory juices and flavours, creating a delectable combination!

Since Knedliky is more of a side dish, you will get a chance to taste it when you order Svíčková, as Czech cuisine is just incomplete without these soft dumplings!

Vepřo knedlo zelo

Another one of Czechia’s national dishes, it is essentially a combination of roasted pork (vepřové), bread dumplings (knedlíky), and sauerkraut (zelí) or red cabbage.

It is a classic and popular Czech meal and there are multiple combinations such as sour and sweet varieties, beef or chicken meats but if you are looking for the traditional version, the above original combination is the best!

If you want to try out this Czech delight, U Pinkasů is a traditional Czech restaurant located near the Charles Bridge in Prague.

They offer a range of Czech specialties, and their Vepřo knedlo zelo is considered one of the best in the city.

Guláš

Guláš or, as you might popularly know it, Goulash, is a Hungarian dish that has become an inseparable part of Czech cuisine.

The Czech version is a thick, hearty meat stew usually made with beef, onions, and paprika and served with bread or bread dumplings (Knedliky). Goulash is a popular winter meal in Czechia and is also one of the cheapest meals you can find.

If you want to try out Goulash, Restaurant Mlejnice is a go-to spot known for its rustic and authentic Czech cuisine, including delicious beefy goulash, which is often praised for its tender meat and flavourful sauce!

Kuřecí Kapsa

On the list of flavourful Czech dishes, you will spot Kuřecí Kapsa or Chicken Pocket!

The dish features a tender chicken breast stuffed with various fillings such as ham, grilled cheese, mushrooms, and parsley. A bite of Kuřecí is nothing less than an explosion of flavours as the combination of grilled chicken perfectly fits with the gooey cheese and parsley.

Kuřecí Kapsa is again a common Czech dish, but the one served at the restaurant Kamparium in Prague is renowned for its authenticity and flavourful finish.

Marinovaný bůček

Czech cuisine is a delight for meat lovers, offering a rich array of succulent and flavourful dishes, such as Marinovaný bůček, sliced pork belly marinated with honey and thyme.

See how flavourful this dish is going to be: the pork belly is marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, oil, and other ingredients.

After marinating, the pork belly is usually cooked by roasting it in the oven or grilling it until it develops a crispy and caramelized exterior while remaining juicy on the inside!

I would recommend trying out Marinovaný bůček at the Prouti Proudu, a restaurant in France known for its modern Czech cuisine and innovative dishes. The pork was particularly juicy!

 Vajíčková pomazánka

Another relishing dish that I tried at Prouti Proudu was Vajíčková pomazánka, which is egg spread with gherkins, cucumber, mayo, and mustard, placed over bread.

This is a common breakfast or lunch option in Czechia and is loved for its simplicity, versatility, and comforting flavours.

Its creamy texture and the combination of eggs, mayonnaise, and seasonings make it a satisfying and tasty choice for those who appreciate classic and straightforward Czech cuisine.

Pečená kachna se zelím

This dish is a delicacy with strong Bohemian influences and is considered a festive dish in Czechia. Pečená kachna se zelím is a savory combination of tender roasted duck and tangy sauerkraut served with a side of bread, red cabbage, and potato dumplings.

If you want to try out this mouth-watering dish, visit Cafe Imperial in Prague, whose roasted duck has been described as simply luxurious!

Vepřové koleno

This dish is, again, a part of authentic Czech cuisine that can be savored anywhere in Prague or Czechia and known as ‘roasted pork knuckle’ which is marinated in beer.

It is a hearty and indulgent meal that is often enjoyed in traditional Czech restaurants and beer gardens.

Klášterní šenk is a cozy restaurant in Prague with an ancient vibe that serves delicious Koleno with lots of beer options to wash it down.

Tatarák

Tatarák is not a traditional Czech food and has been influenced by the traditional Steak Tartare, which has its origins in France. Nevertheless, it has become a big part of Czech cuisine.

A Tatarák plate consists of finely minced or chopped raw beef, typically from high-quality cuts such as tenderloin or sirloin. The meat is seasoned with various ingredients and served raw, usually with bread or toast, and topped with a raw egg yolk to finish the dish.

Mind you, eating raw beef is accompanied by the risk of bacterial infection, but as long as the meat is fresh, this problem should not arise. So, have Tatarák only at trusted locations such as Restaurant Kabinet in Prague, where the Tatarák is highly sought after.

Sides / Street eats

When it comes to Czech cuisine, you might think that the main courses often steal the spotlight, but let’s not forget about the delicious side dishes and mouthwatering street foods that add a unique flavour to the culinary experience in Czechia.

From comforting and hearty sides to delectable snacks enjoyed on the go, here’s a taste of what you can expect:

Bramboráky

These are the delightful Czech version of potato pancakes and are made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and various seasonings.

The dough is then added into a hot pan and fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown on the outside and creamy soft on the inside! Common side dishes include sour cream, garlic sauce, or a hearty Guláš.

Bramboráky is a common Czech street food, so rather than eating it in a restaurant, I would recommend trying it at some of the local street vendors. Or, if you are someone who thinks before eating on the street, the dish is commonly available in any restaurant.

Smažený sýr

Almost everyone has a ‘one true love’ equation with Cheese! But the Czech have taken cheese to a whole new level altogether with the Smažený sýr,  a gooey fried cheese that melts in your mouth as you bite into it!

Smažený is a very popular Czech street food and is just deep-fried cheese coated in breadcrumbs served alongside tartare sauce or ketchup and a huge portion of French fries.

I know what you might be thinking: so unhealthy, but how can we resist this!?

Smažený is a common side street food, and you can find it all around Prague. But, if you want a more refined experience, restaurant Doba is quite famous as it is fried in butter, giving it that little edge.

Chlebíčky

Chlebíčky or ‘open-faced sandwiches’ is a common sight in deli shops and bakeries and is also a popular breakfast option in Czechia.

Chlebíčky is made with a variety of toppings, such as ham, cheese, salami, pickles, and eggs, arranged on a slice of bread. They are perfect for a quick and tasty bite to eat while on the move.

The Sisters Bistro in Prague is very famous for its Chlebíčky!

Utopenci

Want to eat a ‘drowned man’?

This wasn’t a joke; Utopenci is also known by this name! Utopenci is a popular Czech appetizer typically enjoyed with a cold beer.

It is a pickled sausage that has been preserved in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and various spices, giving it a tangy and savory flavour. You can save this ‘men from drowning’ with a fresh slice of bread served on the side!

Czech folks usually order Utopenci while they sip on beers, so it is a common dish served at all pubs.

Desserts

No matter how full we are, there is always room for dessert! Czech cuisine offers a variety of delicious desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Trdelník

Trdelník is a sweet pastry made from rolled dough wrapped around a cylinder and grilled until golden brown.

Coated in sugar, and often served with a dusting of cinnamon or filled with ice cream, fruit, or whipped cream, this dessert is not traditionally Czech, but it is still wildly popular among the locals and can be found on every corner.

If you want to gorge on some Trdelník while in Prague, I recommend visiting Trdelník & Coffee, an eatery whose Trdelník has been consistently ranked amongst the best in Prague!

Štrůdl

When we hear about Štrůdl, we typically associate it with Austria, where it originated. But it has become a beloved dessert in Czechia!

It consists of a thin and flaky pastry dough rolled around a sweet filling, usually made with apples, nuts, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs. Štrůdl can be served warm or cold and is often dusted with powdered sugar.

Apple Štrůdl is particularly famous amongst the locals and the one served at Cafe Imperial is highly recommended.

Kolache

Coming to traditional Czech desserts, Kolache is a pastry that comes in various forms and consists of a sweet yeast dough filled with fruit jam, poppy seeds, sweet cheese, or a combination of these fillings.

The pastry is usually shaped into a round or square shape and can be topped with streusel or glazed with sweet syrup.

While Kolache can be found everywhere in Czechia, from your hotel buffet to almost any bakery around Prague, not all of them are created equal! The kolache served at Pekárna Kabát is cheap and deeply satisfying!

Buchty

Every Czech kid knows about Buchty, as it is part of a famous tale about a hero called Honza, a popular village boy who sets out on adventures. His mother or grandmother gives him some Buchty for energy for all the heroic deeds he does!

Buchty is a sweet yeast bun or roll filled with various fillings such as fruit preserves, poppy seeds, sweet cheese, or a mixture of nuts and sugar and is often sprinkled with powdered sugar and can be served as a dessert or enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

You can taste the best Buchty in Prague at EMA Espresso Bar, which has multiple locations around Prague and also serves good coffee to pair with the Buchty.

Palačinky

Palačinky is another dessert that is extremely popular and is similar to French crepes or Swedish pancakes, enjoyed as a sweet treat topped with nuts, jams, chocolate sauce, fruits, ice cream, and cheese or even as a savory main dish served with spinach, beef or other meats.

One of Prague’s lavish historic cafes, Cafe Louvre, serves mouth-watering Palačinky that you can try.

Drinks

Pivo

The best and most famous part of Czech cuisine! ‘Pivo’ is the Czech word for ‘beer’ and while it is not technically a ‘food’, you just cannot imagine the influence it has had on Czech cuisine!

Czechia proudly holds the title of being the highest beer-consuming nation in the world!

While strolling through Prague and sipping on varieties of beer, I understood one thing: beer is not just a beverage here; it’s an essential part of the culture, a symbol of Czech pride, and a source of endless enjoyment.

Never mess around on this topic because the Czechs take their beer seriously, and the quality and craftsmanship of their brews are revered both locally and internationally!

Czechia is home to numerous breweries, each with its unique recipes and techniques passed down through generations. There are just so many varieties, but I’ll just list down some that are very famous:

•       The country is famous for its exceptional lagers, known for their unparalleled taste, rich flavours, and smoothness.
•       The most iconic and popular style is undoubtedly the Pilsner. Pilsner beers originated in the city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic, and they have become a benchmark for quality beer worldwide.
•       You can explore the world of Czech dark lagers, known as “tmavé pivo,” which exhibit rich flavours of caramel and chocolate.
•       Wheat beers, known as “pšeničné pivo,” are also popular, offering a refreshing and slightly fruity taste.
•       And for those who prefer a more hop-forward experience, Czech India Pale Ales (IPAs) have gained popularity in recent years, showcasing the Czech talent for brewing diverse and innovative beer styles.

However, the highlight at Lokal, where we ate, was layered beer…yes, layered! A Black and Tan. We had the ‘Snyt’ with lots of foam. The last stop on my itinerary was the Letná beer garden.

Beer gardens are synonymous with Prague, just like the ruin bars are with Budapest. The one in Letná had lots of trees and one of the best views of Prague and of course, the finest Czech beer!

As you explore the enchanting land of Czechia, a true culinary adventure awaits you, with a vibrant and diverse cuisine that captivates both the heart and the palate.

With so many varieties, from succulent main courses to delightful desserts, Czech cuisine is a tapestry of flavours reflecting the rich history and heritage of Czechia!

FAQ’s – Czech cuisine

• What is traditional Czech cuisine?

Traditional Czech cuisine is typically rotted in Central European flavours and ingredients and at its heart are meat-based dishes, such as pork, beef, and gamey meats such as duck. This is evident in its national dishes such as svíčková (marinated beef with a creamy sauce), guláš (thick meat stew), and pečená kachna (roast duck).

• What food is Czech famous for?

Czechia is famous for its meat-based dishes such as svíčková and Vepřo Knedlo Zelo. Desserts are also a great delight in Czech cuisine, including Trdelník, Kolache, and Buchty.

• What is the Czech’s favorite dish?

Svíčková is the most famous dish in Czech cuisine and it is also a national treasure!

• What is Czech for breakfast?

There are many tasty breakfast options in Czechia. Typically, a Czech breakfast will include tea or coffee, a kolace, or cereal such as oatmeal. Scrambled eggs and sausages or Chlebíčky sandwiches are also popular quick options.