Culinary Specialties

The country of Czech Republic has a great deal of culinary variety to offer, which also delights the hearts of German visitors. Especially when visiting the Czech capital, Prague, you should let yourself be tempted by the comforting dishes and give your heart to the hearty fare in particular.

Hearty Meat Dishes

The National Dish: Roast Pork with Dumplings and Sauerkraut (Vepřo-knedlo-zelo)

Roast pork served with dumplings and sauerkraut is the most well-known dish in the Czech Republic and is considered the national dish of the Czechs. The roast pork (Vepřová Pečeně) in this dish is seasoned with garlic, which gives the meat a wonderful flavour. In addition to the classic version with dumplings and sauerkraut, there are also other variations. For example, the roast pork is also served with freshly cooked cabbage, diced bacon, and caraway seeds. The colour of the cabbage can also vary. Depending on the restaurant, it may be red or white cabbage. One thing is certain, however: in every traditional Czech kitchen, this dish is a beloved classic.

Sirloin in Cream Sauce (Svíčková na smetaně)

The traditional recipe is based on beef fillet, but today this dish is most commonly made with pork fillet. What always remains the same, however, is the cream sauce that defines this culinary dish! The delicious sauce is made from vegetables that were braised together with the meat. Among the vegetables chosen for the sauce are carrots, celeriac, parsley roots, and onions. The braised vegetables are then puréed and simmered together with cream. This gives the sauce its characteristic flavour and consistency — creamy and with a perfectly balanced sweetness. The meat is sliced thin and the dish is ready! The delicious meal is often served with whipped cream, a slice of lemon, and cranberries. Bohemian dumplings are also usually part of this traditional dish.

Pork Knuckle (Vepřové koleno)

On menus in the Czech Republic, the pork knuckle is referred to as the knee (Koleno) and consists of a large portion of meat and fat. What makes this dish special is, of course, its particularly crispy crackling. The meat used comes from between the knee and the foot of the hind legs of pigs. Tourists from all over the world come to try this culinary speciality. It may come as a surprise to us Germans that pork knuckle is not only widely found throughout Germany during Oktoberfest season and generally in Munich, but is also one of the traditional dishes of the Czech Republic.

Dumplings (Knedlíky)

The traditional dishes of the Czech Republic are very much dominated by meat and may leave little choice for the vegetarians among you. That is why you should not underestimate how delicious Bohemian dumplings are! These consist of cooked pieces of dough and are served both savoury and sweet as a side dish alongside a wide variety of dishes. Unlike the typical round dumplings, these shaped rolls are served sliced in the Czech Republic.

Fried Cheese (Smažený sýr)

The Czech cheese schnitzel. This dish is one of the few dishes that can also be served vegetarian! The breaded cheese is prepared either filled or unfilled with Prague ham and served together with tartare sauce (Czech remoulade).

The Land of Many Soups and Stews

Garlic Soup (Česnečka)

This soup is most commonly prepared as a clear beef or pork broth and enriched with boiled potatoes. These are additionally marinated with a generous amount of garlic. Smoked meat and cheese are often added as well. Toasted bread cubes are also served alongside, which are briefly doused with broth just before serving.

Goulash in a Bread Bowl (Karlovarský guláš v chlebu)

The goulash is served without dumplings, but with potatoes and other spices. What makes it special is the way it is served inside a bread roll, which can of course be eaten in its entirety as well. This goulash will appear to you more like a soup than a typical stew.

In addition to these two soups, Czech cuisine offers many more classics in the world of stews and soups. These include the classic goulash, which resembles a stew. Furthermore, there is Kulajda, a thick soup made from potatoes, sour or sweet cream, wild mushrooms, and poached eggs. Last but not least, the clear semolina dumpling soup (Polévka s krupičkovými knedličky) is also part of Czech cuisine, consisting of beef broth, semolina dumplings, and chives.

But the Czech Republic is not only known for these delicious dishes. Let yourself be enchanted by Czech beer and the famous herbal bitter schnapps. Take a step into the nightlife and enjoy a pub crawl!

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer (Pivo)

The Czech Republic is known, among other things, for its beer. Brands such as Budweiser or Pilsner Urquell may already have come to your attention. The Czechs thus look back on a long brewing tradition and are proud of their beer. This is also reflected in the Czech Republic's per capita consumption, which at over 140 litres per year is the highest in the world. This puts them far ahead of second place, as Austria's per capita consumption is "only" just under 100 litres. So do not hesitate and visit one of the many pubs in the Czech Republic!

Herbal Bitter Schnapps (Becherovka)

The Czech schnapps has been proven for over 200 years and is the Czech Republic's traditional schnapps with a secret recipe made from various herbs and spices. The schnapps is consumed primarily neat, chilled, or as a mixed drink. The best-known mixed drink is considered to be the Beton, consisting of Becherovka and tonic water.

When you visit the pubs, also feel free to try a delicious soft cheese (Nakládaný Hermelín). The popular starter is often eaten together with beer and is marinated in oil, garlic, paprika, and other spices. The starter is served with Czech bread, pepper, or onions.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Wonderful Trip!

We wish you a wonderful trip to the Czech Republic and lots of fun trying the various national dishes. Don't forget to inform yourself about the toll regulations of the country. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and to have the associated toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via our email.