Must-try food in Prague: 12 yummy dishes to remember

Prepare to experience the rich culinary traditions of Bohemia and discover the best food in Prague. The city is celebrated for its complex, rich combinations of flavors and hearty portions. Creamy sauces and hearty soups are popular in Czech cuisine, often combining pickled flavors in interesting ways. For vegetarians, there are delicious variations on traditional meat dishes. Work up an appetite by seeing Prague landmarks, and then get ready to enjoy the must-eat foods the city has to offer. Whether you’re after a gourmet experience or simple yet delicious street food, find out what food is Prague known for.

1. Trdelník

This iconic street food is a food that you must eat on your trip to Prague. Watching trdelník (chimney cake) being prepared is almost as good as eating it. First, the dough is wrapped around a stick and heated over a flame, creating a chimney shape. It’s then rolled in cinnamon sugar, brushed with butter, and fillings are added.

How to eat the best trdelník in Prague?

You can find trdelník on practically every street corner in Prague’s old town, and it’s always freshly made and delicious. Stop for a tasty treat along the way!

2. Goulash

Goulash is a famous food enjoyed all over central Europe. The Czech version is hearty and served with dumplings. It’s one of the top foods to try on your Prague trip. This rich stew, made with tender beef, onions, and paprika, is a comforting dish that showcases the best of Czech cuisine.

How to eat the best goulash in Prague?

What better way to enjoy goulash than to learn how to cook it? An interactive cooking class is a fun activity to do in Prague: begin with a tour of Prague’s finest farmer’s market, where you’ll select ingredients. Then, learn to cook goulash and continue to enjoy the delicious tastes of Prague long after your vacation has ended.

3. Grilované klobása

This is a simple yet delicious snack served at food stalls and restaurants throughout Prague. Not unlike a hotdog, grilované klobása (grilled sausage) is served on bread with mustard. You can pick from a wide range of other toppings according to your tastes. This savory treat is a must-eat food in Prague, offering a quick and satisfying bite.

How to eat the best grilované klobása in Prague?

In addition to street kiosks, these are generally served in beer gardens and are excellent washed down with a glass of cold beer. Order the spicy, deep red Pražská klobása (Prague sausage), and ask for Czech brown bread.

4. Palačinky

Similar in appearance to crepes, palačinky (Czech pancakes) are prepared with a different recipe and cooking technique. They can be either savory or sweet and are typically served with toppings like jam, nuts, and cream, or meat and cheese. Palačinky have been enjoyed in Czech households for generations, making them a beloved treat.

How to eat the best palačinky in Prague?

Go to the Café Slavia and enjoy the experience of eating at a true Prague institution. This café has been a firm favorite in the city since the 19th century, and their palačinky are unrivaled.

5. Chlebíčky

Chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches) are a particularly popular food native to Prague. They were invented in 1919 and quickly became a staple of the city’s artistic elite, eaten by all the actors in the nearby National Theater. The food’s popularity spread, and today, it’s one of Prague’s most famous foods.

How to eat the best chlebíčky in Prague?

The birthplace of the chlebíčky is the Paukert Bistro, but you can find them all over the city. Find the best recommendations on a private food tour guided by locals.

6. Slivovitz

The only thing to drink in Prague is beer, right? Wrong. No trip to Prague is complete without tasting Slivovitz, Bohemia’s exquisite plum spirit. Delicately flavored and warming, this is one to savor. This traditional Czech liquor, made from plums, has a rich history and is a must-try for anyone exploring the local food and drink scene.

How to drink the best Slivovitz in Prague?

For a fun introduction to this authentic Czech drink, visit the Slivovitz Museum, where you can learn all about its history and enjoy a tasting of the different varieties.

7. Svíčková with knedlicky

Svíčková (braised beef) with boiled knedlicky (dumplings) takes hours to create, and despite its simple appearance, has a delicate combination of flavors. It consists of sirloin beef and vegetables served in a smooth sour cream sauce and is one of the most popular foods in Czech Republic.

How to eat the best svíčková in Prague?

You’ll find this served in restaurants all over town. To discover the best places to eat in the city, book a food tour that will take you to Prague’s most celebrated eateries. Try svíčková in the famous Café Louvre, a restaurant frequented by Kafka and Albert Einstein. Don’t worry; there are veggie options available, too.

8. Czech beer with pickled cheese

Czechia is world-famous for its beer, and the region has many microbreweries, creating delicious varieties. The best food to accompany these is nakládaný hermelín, a kind of pickled cheese often served with onions, peppers, and dark bread. This traditional pub snack features a soft cheese marinated in oil, garlic, and spices, creating a tangy and flavorful treat that complements the rich taste of Czech beer perfectly.

How to taste the best beer and hermelín in Prague?

For an in-depth discovery of the complex flavors, aromas, and body of beer, try a Czech beer tasting experience with pickled cheese snacks included.

9. Perníky

Who doesn’t love gingerbread, with its delicate flavors and fairytale associations? Perník, the Czech variation, is a soft, heavily spiced gingerbread, typically less sweet than other varieties but no less delicious. Perníky has a long history in Czech culture, with recipes passed down through generations, making it a beloved and traditional food in Prague.

How to eat the best perníky in Prague?

Perfect as a sweet snack or a charming souvenir to take home, try different varieties and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience. Perníčkův Sen is a small and utterly magical gingerbread shop in the city center: this is a food you must eat while exploring Prague.

10. Koleno

Koleno, or pork knuckle, is a must-eat dish when visiting Prague. This hearty and flavorful dish features a slow-roasted pork knuckle, often marinated in beer and spices, resulting in tender meat with crispy skin. Koleno is a beloved Czech specialty that showcases the rich and robust flavors of traditional Czech cuisine.

How to eat the best koleno in Prague?

Koleno is best enjoyed in a traditional Czech pub or restaurant. It is typically served with sides such as sauerkraut, pickles, and bread or potato dumplings. Pair it with a local Czech beer to complement the rich flavors.

11. Kyselica

Invented by Romanian shepherds in the 14th century, this delicious soup has endured the ages to become one of the most popular foods in modern Czech cuisine. If cabbage soup doesn’t sound appetizing, it’s because you haven’t tried kyselica yet. It’s a delicious blend of sauerkraut, sour cream, potatoes, smoked sausage, and often mushrooms.

How to eat the best kyselica in Prague?

Taste kyselica and a range of other famous foods on a guided food tour, which will take you to many local and authentic Czech eateries. Discover the best places to eat for the rest of your stay.

12. Czech wine

While Czech beer often steals the spotlight, Czech wine is a hidden gem in Prague. The country has a rich winemaking tradition, particularly in the Moravian region, producing high-quality white and red wines. Czech wine offers a unique and delightful experience for wine enthusiasts.

How to try the best wine in Prague?

To enjoy the best Czech wine, visit a local wine bar or take a wine-tasting tour. You can also explore wine festivals and events held throughout the year. Look for varieties like Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, and Blaufränkisch. Pair your wine with traditional Czech cheeses and charcuterie for a complete tasting experience.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional dishes in Prague?

In addition to the dishes on this list, try Czech roast duck, bramborak (a potato pancake), or smazeny syr (fried cheese). Another favorite dessert is babovka, a chocolate bundt cake with nuts.

What are the best food tours in Prague?

Prague has a wide range of food tours to enjoy and get an insider insight into the best eats in the city.

What are the top local food markets in Prague to visit?

Check out the Jiřák Farmer’s Market in the Vinohrady neighborhood: there’s a wide selection of fresh, local ingredients and tasty food to eat.

What is the best time of year to visit Prague for food lovers?

You’ll find delicious things to eat in Prague year-round. Visit the city in May to catch the annual Prague Food Festival, a treat for foodies and bon vivants.

How much should I budget for food in Prague?

While meal prices can vary according to your tastes, budgeting for $50-$70 per person per day will allow you to eat well in Prague.