Last updated: September 9th, 2022
Here are 5 Czech specialties worth trying during your visit in the Czech Republic.
Tip: If possible, order a beer to any of the below - Czech beer and Czech food really go together!
1. Svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in cream sauce)
It is arguably the most traditional Czech specialty. Beef sirloin served with bread dumplings, creamy vegetable sauce, cranberries and (often) whipped cream on top. The secret of the dish is the characteristic yellow sauce and delicate meat.
Expected price range: CZK 200-300 CZK (EUR 8-12)
Where you can find it: Café Louvre (New Town), U Parlamentu (Old Town), U Kroka (Vysehrad)
2.Vepřové výpečky aka Moravský vrabec (Roast Pork with dumplings aka Moravian sparrow)
The dish consists of small pieces of pork shoulder or belly, roasted with garlic and cumin, served with potato dumplings and pureed spinach or cooked sauerkraut.
Expected price range: CZK 200-250 (EUR 8-10)
Where you can find it: U Parlamentu (Old Town), Hostinec u Vodoucha (Zizkov), U Parašutistů (New Town)
3. Konfitované kachní stehno (roast duck with braised red cabbage and potato dumplings)
This is a Czech version of roast duck served with bread dumplings and braised red cabbage. In the past, duck or goose used to be very expensive, which made it a very special occasion meal. Nowadays, you can enjoy it at fair prices at almost every corner.
Expected price range: CZK 250-350 (EUR 10-14)
Where you can find it: Café Louvre (New Town), U Parlamentu (Old Town), Malostranská beseda (Lesser Town)
4. Smažený sýr (fried cheese)
We are always amazed how come this simple and tasty dish is not eaten in every country of the world. This is a vegetarian alternative to the Czech řízek (schnitzel), served traditionally with French fries and tartar sauce (make sure the sauce is included). We recommend adding some mixed vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber... it tastes even better with a salad.
Expected price range: CZK 200-250 (EUR 8-10)
Where you can find it: Lokál (Old Town), U houdku (Zizkov), Kravín (Vinohrady)
5. Hovězí guláš (Czech beef gulash)
Goulash is a dish consisting of large pieces of beef in a thick, mildly spicy sauce (sometimes almost black). It is usually served with raw sliced onion and horseradish. In some restaurants of Prague, you can also find Segedínský guláš (with pork and cooked cabbage), which we also recommend. Both varieties are eaten with bread or potato dumplings, sometimes also with potato pancakes.
Expected price range CZK 200-250 (EUR 8-10)
Café Louvre (New Town), U Parlamentu (Old Town), Malostranská beseda (Lesser Town)
Dobrou chuť!