Culinary Specialties in the Czech Republic: Hearty Dishes, Soups and Drinks

The Czech Republic offers a wide range of culinary delights that are especially popular with visitors from Germany. When visiting the Czech capital Prague in particular, you should let yourself be tempted by the comforting dishes and focus especially on the hearty traditional cuisine.

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 famous dish in the Czech Republic and is considered the national dish. The roast pork (Vepřová Pečeně) is seasoned with garlic, which gives the meat its distinctive flavor. In addition to the classic version with dumplings and sauerkraut, there are many variations. For example, it may also be served with freshly cooked cabbage, bacon cubes and caraway seeds. The cabbage can be red or white, depending on the restaurant. One thing is certain: this dish is a beloved classic in every traditional Czech kitchen.

Marinated Sirloin in Cream Sauce (Svíčková na smetaně)

The traditional recipe is based on beef sirloin, although today pork tenderloin is often used instead. What always remains the same is the creamy sauce that defines this dish. The sauce is made from vegetables that are braised together with the meat, including carrots, celery, parsley root and onions. The vegetables are then puréed and cooked with cream, resulting in a smooth, mildly sweet and perfectly balanced sauce. The meat is sliced thin and typically served with bread dumplings, whipped cream, lemon and cranberries.

Pork Knuckle (Vepřové koleno)

On Czech menus, pork knuckle is often referred to simply as “koleno” (knee) and consists of a generous portion of meat and fat with a crispy crust. The meat comes from between the knee and the foot of the pig’s hind leg. Tourists from all over the world come to try this Czech specialty. It may be surprising for some Germans, as pork knuckle is often associated with Oktoberfest in Munich, but it is also a traditional Czech dish.

Dumplings (Knedlíky)

Traditional Czech cuisine is heavily meat-based and may offer limited options for vegetarians. However, Czech dumplings are a delicious highlight on their own. They are made from cooked dough and can be served both savory and sweet as a side dish. Unlike the round dumplings commonly found elsewhere, Czech dumplings are typically sliced before serving.

Fried Cheese (Smažený sýr) – the Czech Cheese Schnitzel

This dish is one of the few traditional Czech meals that can be served vegetarian. The breaded cheese is either filled or unfilled with Prague ham and is served with tartar sauce (the Czech version of remoulade).

A Country of Soups and Stews

Garlic Soup (Česnečka)

This soup is usually prepared as a clear beef or pork broth with boiled potatoes and plenty of garlic. Smoked meat and cheese are often added as well. Toasted bread cubes are served with the soup and briefly soaked in the broth just before serving.

Goulash Served in Bread (Karlovarský guláš v chlebu)

This goulash is served without dumplings but with potatoes and spices. The highlight is its presentation inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread, which can also be eaten. The dish resembles a soup more than a traditional stew.

In addition to these soups, Czech cuisine offers many other classics, including traditional goulash, Kulajda (a creamy soup made with potatoes, sour or sweet cream, wild mushrooms and poached eggs), and semolina dumpling soup (Polévka s krupičkovými knedlíčky), made from beef broth, semolina dumplings and chives.

But Czech cuisine is not only about food. Let yourself be enchanted by Czech beer and the famous herbal liqueur. Explore the nightlife and enjoy a pub crawl!

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer (Pivo)

The Czech Republic is world-famous for its beer. Brands such as Budweiser and Pilsner Urquell may already be familiar to you. Czechs are proud of their long brewing tradition, which is reflected in their beer consumption: with over 140 liters per capita per year, the Czech Republic ranks first worldwide. For comparison, Austria consumes around 100 liters per capita. So don’t hesitate visit one of the many Czech pubs!

Herbal Liqueur (Becherovka)

Becherovka has been produced for over 200 years and is the traditional Czech herbal liqueur, made according to a secret recipe of herbs and spices. It is typically enjoyed neat, ice-cold, or as a mixed drink. The most famous cocktail is the “Beton,” made with Becherovka and tonic water.

When visiting Czech pubs, be sure to try marinated soft cheese (Nakládaný Hermelín). This popular appetizer is often enjoyed with beer and is marinated in oil, garlic, paprika and spices. It is served with Czech bread, pepper or onions.

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a wonderful trip to the Czech Republic and lots of fun tasting the various national dishes. Please remember to inform yourself about the toll regulations of the country in advance. You can find more information about tolls in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip and view suitable toll products. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via email.