Czech Eats: Must-Try Foods in Prague
By Ashley Kunesh
Prior to studying abroad, I had no clue what to expect in terms of food in the Czech Republic. Located in Central Europe, I figured the Czech diet revolved around only three things: bread, beer, and meat. And while that assumption certainly wasn’t wrong, after numerous foodie outings over the past months I’ve discovered there’s more to Czech cuisine than meets the eye.
Of course, my list of lovely Czech meals and sweets could go on forever. However, if you travel to Prague during your time abroad, I’ve compiled the top 4 foods you must try, along with my favorite restaurants, to gain a sneak peek into Czech culture.
1. Dumplings (Knedlíky)
Arguably the most popular side dish in the Czech Republic, Czech dumplings come in all shapes and sizes. Savory dumplings can be found in two forms: bread and potato. Pictured above, bread dumplings are my personal preference due to their lighter, airier texture. Potato dumplings, on the other hand, are heavier and moister—but either make the perfect addition to stews and sauces.
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, sweet dumplings are also an option. Sweet dumplings are commonly filled with poppy seeds, curd cheese, or fruit jam.
To sample any kind of dumpling imaginable, I recommend visiting the restaurant Havelská Koruna. Havelská Koruna is set up cafeteria-style (so you can keep going up for more!) and offers a wide array of traditional Czech foods. It’s also cheap and super close to the NYU Prague campus. Plus, as you order dumplings individually, you can mix and match to your heart’s desire!
2. Goulash (Guláš)
Goulash is a Central European staple—you can’t travel through the region without seeing it served at every restaurant. However, each country has their own distinct form of the dish. Czech goulash is usually made with beef, seasoned with paprika, and served with (you guessed it!) bread dumplings. Moreover, Czech goulash is thicker and more stew-like than its neighboring countries’ counterparts. Goulash is a warming, soul-filling meal, making it my favorite Czech entrée as the weather gets colder.
Look for amazing goulash at Havelská Koruna (as previously mentioned). The restaurant regularly rotates its goulash selection, often featuring Hungarian and Mexican variations as well as the option to choose between pork and beef goulash.
3. Fried Cheese (Smažený sýr)
Unlike our beloved American mozzarella sticks, fried cheese is meant to be served as a meal in the Czech Republic! In fact, it’s likely the country’s most popular vegetarian dish. When listed as a main course, you’ll find fried cheese served with a tartar dipping sauce and vegetables or potatoes on the side. Edam and Hermelin are the most widely used cheeses—definitely try smažený sýr and give mozzarella sticks a run for their money!
For an amazing cheese experience, I suggest eating at Lokál—a restaurant chain with 6 locations across Prague. Again, they serve an array of Czech dishes, but they’re known for their fried cheese and adorable atmosphere.
4. Open Sandwiches (Chlebíčky)
Chlebíčky are essentially Czech tapas: small, open-faced sandwiches served as appetizers or snacks throughout the day. With a slice of white baguette bread at the base, chlebíčky can feature innumerable topping combinations. After the addition of a spread, garnishes range from cheeses and hard-boiled eggs to sliced meats and fish. Not only is there an option for anyone’s tastes, but the tiny sandwiches are just too cute to resist!
Another lunch spot close to NYU Prague is Paneria Paul. With tons of chlebíčky combinations at just over $1.20 a piece, you can purchase several without breaking the bank. Pictured above from left to right is their egg, “celebration” (assortment of meats and cheeses), and cheese varieties.
As Czech food is rarely talked about and hard to come by even in New York City, I’ve enjoyed trying traditional Czech meals previously unknown to me. I hope these dishes have inspired you to sample the tastes of a new country and visit Prague during your time abroad. After all, what better way is there to interact with a culture than through its food?