The country of the Czech Republic offers a lot in terms of culinary variety, which also makes the hearts of Germans beat faster. Especially when visiting the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, you should let yourself be tempted by the comforting dishes and particularly pay attention to the hearty meals.
Roast pork, served with dumplings and sauerkraut, is the most famous dish in the Czech Republic and is considered the national dish of the Czechs. The roast pork (Vepřová Pečeně) is prepared with garlic, which gives the meat a delicious flavor. In addition to the classic version with dumplings and sauerkraut, there are other variations. For example, the roast pork is also served with freshly cooked cabbage, bacon cubes, and caraway seeds. The color of the cabbage can vary, depending on the establishment—sometimes it’s red, other times it’s white. One thing is certain: in every traditional Czech kitchen, this dish is a popular classic.
The traditional recipe is based on beef tenderloin, but today it is often made with pork tenderloin. What remains constant, however, is the creamy sauce that defines this culinary dish! The delicious sauce is made from vegetables that have been braised with the meat. Carrots, celery, parsley roots, and onions are typically used for the sauce. The braised vegetables are then pureed and simmered with cream, resulting in the typical flavor and consistency of the dish—creamy and perfectly balanced with a sweet taste. The meat is sliced into thin pieces, and the dish is ready! Often, it’s served with whipped cream, lemon, and lingonberries. Also, Czech dumplings are usually a part of this traditional dish.
On menus in the Czech Republic, pork knuckle is referred to as "knee" (Koleno), and it consists of a large portion of meat and fat. What makes this dish particularly special is the incredibly crispy crust. 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 specialty. It may surprise us Germans that the pork knuckle is not only a traditional dish in Germany, especially during Oktoberfest and commonly in Munich, but also one of the traditional dishes in the Czech Republic.
The typical Czech dishes are very meat-heavy, which might leave little choice for vegetarians among you. Therefore, you shouldn’t overlook how delicious Czech dumplings are! These are made from boiled dough pieces and are served either as a savory or sweet side dish with a variety of main courses. Unlike the typical round dumplings, these are cut into pieces in the Czech Republic.
This dish is one of the few that can also be served as a vegetarian option! The breaded cheese is either stuffed or unstuffed with Prague ham and is served with tartar sauce (Czech remoulade).
This soup is usually prepared as a clear beef or pork broth and is enriched with boiled potatoes, which are generously marinated with garlic. Often, smoked meat and cheese are added. Additionally, roasted bread cubes are served with the soup, which are soaked in the broth just before serving.
The goulash is served without dumplings but with potatoes and other spices. What makes it special is the way it is served in a bread bowl, which, of course, can also be eaten. This goulash will feel more like a soup rather than a typical stew.
In addition to these two soups, Czech cuisine offers many other classics in the world of stews and soups. These include the classic goulash, which is more like a stew. There’s also Kulajda, a thick soup made from potatoes, sour or sweet cream, wild mushrooms, and poached eggs. Finally, there’s the clear semolina dumpling soup (Polévka s krupičkovými knedličky), which consists of beef broth, semolina dumplings, and chives.
But the Czech Republic is not only known for its delicious dishes. Let yourself be enchanted by Czech beer and the famous herbal bitters. Take a step into the nightlife and enjoy a pub crawl!
The Czech Republic is well-known for its beer. Brands like Budweiser or Pilsner Urquell may already be familiar to you. The Czechs have a long brewing tradition and take great pride in their beer. This is reflected in the country’s per capita beer consumption, which is the highest in the world at over 140 liters per year. This places the Czech Republic far ahead of second-place Austria, where the per capita consumption is “only” just under 100 liters. So don’t hesitate and visit one of the many pubs in the Czech Republic!
The Czech herbal bitters have been a staple for over 200 years and are the country’s traditional spirit, made from a secret blend of herbs and spices. It is typically consumed neat, chilled, or as part of a mixed drink. The most famous mixed drink is the “Beton,” which consists of Becherovka and tonic water.
If you visit the pubs, also try some delicious soft cheese (Nakládaný Hermelín). This popular appetizer is often eaten with beer and is marinated in oil, garlic, paprika, and other spices. It’s served with Czech bread, pepper, or onions.
