Dobrý den! Whether you are heading to Praha for one day or three days, you will need to fuel up at some point and there is no easier (and enjoyable) way to know about a country’s culture than through its food. Here are the six best foods which you have to try while in Prague!
1. Trdelník (chimney cake)
One of the most controversial but popular desserts in Prague is the Trdelnik. Many have argued that this coned shaped pastry made of dough and sprinkled with cinnamon powder or sugar is not a traditional Czech food. In fact, it is just as easily available elsewhere in eastern europe and some parts of asia.
But, I would still recommend having it as you wander the streets of Prague, especially in the summer (with ice cream). It’s a great way to cool down from the heat and it is popular for good reason — when served fresh, the dough is soft to chew on and hits the sweet taste spots perfectly.
You can find this delectable treat at:
Good Food, Coffee and Bakery
Address: Karlova 160/8, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Phone: +420 727 857 434
MLS Waffle point U Kajetana
Address: Nerudova 248/17, Mala Strana, Prague 11000, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 773 011 031
Trdelník
Address: Karlova 187/6, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Phone: +420 603 804 126
2. Palačinky (Czech pancakes)
Raise your hands if you love stuffing your face with pancakes soaked in maple syrup. If you are a fan like me, you certainly won’t hesitate to have Prague’s pancakes for breakfast. Served with ice cream, whipped cream, jam, fruit, and sweet cheese, Palačinky, unlike the dry, french crepes, has a way of melting in your mouth. Traditionally served in long thin rolls, they now come in all sorts of shapes and plating designs that you can capture for the gram!
Wondering where you can find this hearty breakfast? Look no further than these local favorite haunts below.
Kavárna Slavia
Address: Smetanovo nábřeží 1012/2, Prague 1
Phone: +420 224 218 493
Marthy’s Kitchen
Address: Francouzská 13, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady, Czechia
Phone: +420 608 313 436
3. Svíčková (braised beef) with dumplings
At a restaurant once, I asked the waiter for their best dish and the food that they served me didn’t disappoint. It was none other than Svickova with dumplings. Initially, I was skeptical as I studied the big plate which had slices of bread and a sauce that looked like Japanese curry. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it didn’t taste like I was expecting at all!
The braised beef and sauce was a smooth, creamy gravy which I couldn’t get enough of. To top it off, the bread dumplings had the texture of soft potatoes while tasting like sweet, white bread. Ahh heaven...
Get this dish which will send your taste buds singing at:
Cafe Imperial
Address: Na Porici 15, Prague 11000, Czech Republic
Phone: +420 246 011 440
U Medvídků
Address: Na Perštýně 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Phone: +420 224 211 916
Café Louvre
Address: Národní 22, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Phone: +420 224 930 949
4. Pork Knuckle
A traditional feast of the “koleno”, knee joint would be best eaten on a starving stomach as portions are served in huge amounts. The meat slides off from the bone easily and you have to order roasted potatoes to go with it. Many patrons have Czech Beer that perfectly compliments the dish as the knuckle is usually marinated in dark beer to give its crispy skin a slightly sweet flavor.
My mouth waters thinking of all these great restaurants you can head to below.
Pork's
Address: Mostecká 16, 110 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
Phone: +420 725 181 828
Mlejnice
Address: Žatecká 17, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia
Phone: +420 222 316 604
U Kroka
Address: Vratislavova 28/12, 128 00 Praha 2, Czechia
Phone: +420 775 905 022
5. Kulajda
Once you have had a taste of Kulajda, you will never want to drink Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom and Potatoes Soup again. This dish is traditionally served piping hot with mushrooms, potatoes and Czech’s specialty: Dill sauce.
Don’t be mistaken into thinking that it’s light on the stomach as it is soup based! On a chilly day, it is the perfect dish to fill you up with warmth and send you into a food coma.
For a taste of this soupy delicacy, head to:
Terasa U Zlaté studně
Address: U Zlaté studně 166, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
Phone: +420 257 533 322
V Zátiší
Address: 1, Liliová 216, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia
Phone: +420 222 221 155
6. Kolache
After going through all the delicacies above, you may want a sweet dessert. Kolache are fluffy pastries made of yeast dough, filled with fruit or cheese and have flavors such as poppy seed, prune, apricot.
Made widely popular in the U.S. and now commonly found in donuts shops, this delicacy is often sold with chocolate and other fillings but you will be surprised at how the simple traditional Kolache can be just as addictive.
Perníčkův sen
Address: Haštalská 757, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Phone: +420 607 773 350
Cukrárna Alchymista
Address: Jana Zajíce 975/7, 170 00 Praha 7-Bubeneč, Czechia
Phone: +420 732 938 046
Bakeshop
Address: Kozí 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Phone: +420 222 316 823
From the sweet breakfast foods to savory meats and soup, you will not find yourself lacking for food in this beautiful city. With this list, you will be bound to have a good time regardless of how much sightseeing you do. As the wise words of George Bernard Shaw go, “there is no love sincerer than the love of food”.
