Table of Contents
Introduction
The cuisine of the Czech Republic has a long and storied history, reflecting the country’s central European influences. While Czech food may not be as famous worldwide as the cuisines of Italy or France, it offers its own unique flavors and traditions that food lovers from around the globe should experience. From hearty meat dishes to sweet baked goods to the celebrated Czech beer, the culinary offerings of the Czech Republic showcase local ingredients and cooking styles passed down through generations. This article will provide an overview of can’t-miss Czech foods and where to sample them, tempting your taste buds to embark on a flavor journey to this underrated gastronomic destination.
Traditional Czech Dishes
To understand Czech cuisine, one must become acquainted with a few key dishes that form the backbone of the country’s culinary identity. These hearty, meat-focused dishes provide a taste of Czech cooking traditions.
Goulash
Originating in Hungary but embraced by Czechs, this beef stew seasoned with paprika and caraway is a beloved staple. The Czech version is often served with bread dumplings and pickled red cabbage. It makes for the ultimate comforting meal on a chilly day.
Svíčková
The national dish of the Czech Republic, svíčková features tender, braised sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, topped with cranberries and whipped cream. This decadent dish is served with bread dumplings, potato pancakes, or boiled potatoes.
Vepřo knedlo zelo
This classic combination of roast pork, bread dumplings, and sauerkraut balances hearty flavors and textures. A go-to menu item in many Czech restaurants, it encapsulates the rib-sticking qualities of traditional Czech cooking.
Bramboráky
These crisp potato pancakes made from grated potatoes, egg, and flour provide a delicious way to indulge in Czech spuds. Served as a side or snack, they can be topped with meat products or creamy sauces.
Czech Baking Traditions
From sweet yeast breads to fruit-filled dumplings, the Czech Republic has a storied baking tradition you’ll want to sample. Here are some highlights:
Kolaches
These brioche-like pastries are filled with sweet cheese, fruit jam, poppy seeds, or other fillings. Kolaches make an excellent breakfast treat with coffee.
Buchty
These sweet, yeasted buns are stuffed with fillings like apricot jam, tvaroh cheese, or plum butter. Powdered sugar or vanilla sauce are common toppings.
Ovocné knedlíky
Light yeast dough is combined with fruit fillings to create these sweet dumplings, which are often served warm with melted butter, sugar, and cream.
Czech Beer Culture
No visit to the Czech Republic would be complete without partaking in the nation’s beer culture. The Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other country, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sip this beloved beverage.
History of Czech Beer
Brewing traditions in Bohemia and Moravia date back centuries, with the first written reference to Czech beer appearing in 993 AD. Pilsner-style lager was invented here in 1842, revolutionizing global beer.
Popular Beer Styles
Crisp, golden pilsner reigns supreme, alongside brands like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and Staropramen. Don’t miss darker lagers and unfiltered yeast beers like Velkopopovický Kozel.
Beer Spas and Pubs
Beer spas allow you to soak in tubs of beer while drinking from taps. Atmospheric pubs like U Zlatého tygra in Prague evoke old-world beer halls.
Emerging Food Trends
While Czech cuisine maintains its heritage, exciting culinary changes are also occurring.
New Wave Czech Cuisine
Talented young chefs are putting modern spins on classic dishes through use of innovative cooking techniques, unique ingredient combinations, and artful presentation.
Farm-to-Table Movement
Passionate Czech chefs are sourcing from local farmers and food artisans to highlight quality, seasonal ingredients on their menus.
Craft Beer
Following global trends, small Czech microbreweries are brewing experimental and specialty craft beers with complex flavors.
Best Places to Sample Czech Cuisine
To fully immerse yourself in the tastes of the Czech Republic, head to these spots offering stellar Czech food and drink:
Prague
As the capital and most-visited city, Prague is home to high-end restaurants and charming cafés serving modern and classic Czech cuisine alongside amazing beer.
Český Krumlov
This fairy-tale medieval town features great restaurants like Krčma V Šatlavské for svíčková in an unforgettable setting.
Olomouc
With the country’s highest density of restaurants per capita, this charming university town excels in Moravian flavors and local beer.
Brno
Brno’s up-and-coming food scene includes trendy bistros and microbreweries alongside cafés serving perfect kolaches.
Plzeň
The birthplace of pilsner, Plzeň offers brewery tours and pubs focused on excellent beer and pub grub.
Conclusion
From hearty, meaty classics to elegant pastries and world-famous beer, the diverse culinary traditions of the Czech Republic offer an underrated food and drink scene waiting to be discovered. The Czechs have mastered flavor combinations that reflect the country’s unique history and culture at the crossroads of Europe. For an enjoyable, eye-opening food experience, look no further than the gastronomic wonders of the Czech Republic.
FAQs
What are some typical Czech breakfast foods?
Typical Czech breakfast foods include open-faced sandwiches topped with sausage or cheese, yogurt with fruit, oatmeal or cereal, kolaches and other pastries, and eggs prepared fried or scrambled.
What ingredients are commonly used in Czech cooking?
Commonly used Czech ingredients include pork, beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, mushrooms, cheese, eggs, flour, poppy seeds, fruit jams, beer, and herbs like caraway, parsley and thyme.
What is a typical Czech lunch?
A typical Czech lunch often consists of soup, such as garlic broth, beef broth or potato soup, served with bread. The main course features a meat like beef goulash, schnitzel or roast pork with potato or vegetable sides.
Where can I find good restaurants in Prague?
Top restaurant areas in Prague include Old Town Square, Malá Strana, Nové Město, Vinohrady and Dejvice. Look for spots focused on modern Czech cuisine.
What is the best Czech beer to try for someone new to Czech beer?
For someone new to Czech beer, it’s best to begin with a classic pilsner like Pilsner Urquell or Budvar. These crisp, golden lagers will showcase the Czech style that changed beer worldwide.