What is the typical food of Prague?
Typical Prague Food You Must Try Like a Local
Must-Try Main Dishes in Prague
1. Koleno: The Czech Pork Knuckle
Koleno, or roasted pork knuckle, is a classic Czech dish. Typically shared, it has crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone. Served with horseradish, pickled vegetables, mustard, and fresh bread. For a deeper flavor, try the black beer version, which intensifies the taste.
2. Czech Goulash
Originally Hungarian, goulash in Prague is a thick beef stew cooked with onions, paprika, garlic, cumin, and marjoram. Served with traditional knedlíky (bread dumplings), ideal for soaking up the rich sauce. Often served inside a bread bowl in Prague for a unique presentation.
3. Schnitzel (Řízek)
The Czech schnitzel, usually pork, is breaded with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Served with fries, salad, or sauerkraut, and often a wedge of lemon for freshness.
4. Svíčková: Beef in Creamy Sauce
An elegant Czech dish of marinated beef roasted with root vegetables, served with a smooth, slightly sweet cream sauce, knedlíky, lingonberries, and a slice of lemon. A staple in celebrations and special occasions.
Recommended Restaurants: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial, U Pinkasů.
Traditional Czech Soups
Kulajda
A creamy soup from southern Bohemia with potatoes, mushrooms, sour cream, and a poached egg. Flavored with fresh dill and a touch of vinegar for a balanced taste.
Bramboračka
A hearty vegetable soup made with potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs like marjoram and cumin. Perfect for warming up during chilly Prague winters.
Zelnacka
Cabbage soup with smoked bacon, spiced with cumin, bay leaves, and paprika, finished with a touch of cream. A robust and traditional dish.
Gulášová
Czech-style goulash soup served inside a hollowed-out bread roll. Less spicy than Hungarian goulash but rich in beef, onions, and vegetables.
Czech Pub Snacks You Must Try
- Utopenec – Pickled sausages in a sweet-and-sour marinade with onions, a classic Czech pub snack.
- Klobása – Grilled sausage, often cooked with beer, served with mustard and dark bread.
- Chlebíčky – Open-faced sandwiches with various toppings like eggs, ham, cheese, and vegetables.
- Nakládaný Hermelín – Marinated Czech camembert-style cheese with garlic, onion, spices, and sunflower oil; perfect with a local beer.
Traditional Czech Sweets and Desserts
- Trdelník – Rolled pastry coated with sugar and cinnamon, often served with ice cream or chocolate.
- Palačinky – Czech crepes, sweet or savory, filled with jam, curd cheese, or poppy seeds.
- Perníky – Czech gingerbread cookies, especially popular at Christmas.
- Fruit Dumplings – Sweet dumplings filled with seasonal fruit, boiled, and topped with powdered sugar, butter, or gingerbread crumbs.
Local Drinks in Prague
- Czech Beer – Legendary in the world, including Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, Budvar, and Kozel.
- Slivovitz – Plum brandy, a traditional Czech digestif.
- Becherovka – Herbal liqueur, ideal as a cold drink or in a “Beton” cocktail (Becherovka with tonic).
Conclusion
Prague’s cuisine goes far beyond historical sights and cobblestone streets. From the hearty koleno to warming soups, local pubs, and sweet treats, every bite tells a story. Explore local taverns, taste goulash with knedlíky, sip a refreshing Czech beer, and discover the rich traditions that make Czech cuisine unforgettable.