Culinary Specialties

The Czech Republic has a lot of culinary diversity to offer, which makes the hearts of Germans beat faster too. Especially when visiting the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, you should let yourself be tempted by the comforting dishes and turn your heart particularly towards the hearty meals.

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) is treated with garlic in this dish, which gives the meat a lovely 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, bacon cubes and caraway seeds. The colour of the cabbage can also vary. Depending on the tavern, it may be red or white cabbage. One thing, however, is certain: in every traditional Czech kitchen, this dish is a popular classic.

Sirloin Roast in Cream Sauce (Svíčková na smetaně)

The traditional recipe is based on beef tenderloin, but nowadays this dish is mostly made with pork tenderloin. What always stays the same, however, is the cream sauce, which makes up this culinary delight! The delicious sauce consists of vegetables that were braised together with the meat. Among other things, carrots, celery, parsley root and onions are chosen for the sauce. The braised vegetables are then puréed and boiled together with cream. This gives the sauce its typical taste and consistency for the dish – creamy and with a perfectly balanced sweet flavour. The meat is cut into thin slices and the dish is ready! Often, this delicious meal is served with whipped cream, a lemon and cranberries. In addition, Bohemian dumplings are usually part of this traditional dish.

Pork Knuckle (Vepřové koleno)

On menus in the Czech Republic, the pork knuckle is referred to as "knee" (Koleno) and consists of a large portion of meat and fat. What makes this dish special is, of course, the particularly crispy crust. The meat used comes from between the knee and the foot of the pigs' hind legs. 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 widespread throughout Germany, and generally often found in Munich, during the Oktoberfest season, but is also one of the traditional dishes of the Czech Republic.

Dumplings (Knedlíky)

The traditional dishes of the Czech Republic are heavily meat-based and may leave little choice for the vegetarians among you. Therefore, you shouldn't underestimate how delicious Bohemian dumplings are! These are made from cooked pieces of dough and are served as a side dish, both savoury and sweet, with a wide variety of dishes. Unlike the typical round dumplings, these shaped balls are served cut into pieces 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 tartar sauce (Czech remoulade).

The Land of Many Soups and Stews

Garlic Soup (Česnečka)

This soup is usually made as a clear beef or pork broth and served with boiled potatoes. These are additionally marinated with a generous amount of garlic. Smoked meat and cheese are also often added. In addition, toasted bread cubes are served with it, which are drizzled 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 in bread, which can of course also be eaten entirely. This goulash will seem more like a soup to you 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 classic goulash, which resembles a stew in appearance. There is also Kulajda, a thick soup made from potatoes, sour or sweet cream, wild mushrooms and poached eggs. Finally, clear semolina dumpling soup (Polévka s krupičkovými knedličky) is also part of Czech cuisine, made from 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 well-known herbal bitter liqueur. 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. You may have already heard of brands such as Budweiser or Pilsner Urquell. The Czechs can 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 well ahead of second place, as Austria's per capita consumption is "only" just under 100 litres. So don't be shy and visit one of the Czech Republic's many pubs!

Herbal Bitter Liqueur (Becherovka)

This Czech liqueur has proven itself for over 200 years and is the Czech Republic's traditional spirit, made from a secret recipe of various herbs and spices. The liqueur is mainly consumed neat, chilled on ice, or as a mixed drink. The best-known mixed drink is considered to be the Beton, made from Becherovka and tonic water.

If you pay a visit to the pubs, be sure to try some delicious soft cheese (Nakládaný Hermelín) as well. This popular starter is often eaten together with beer and marinated in oil, garlic, paprika and other spices. The starter is served with Czech bread, pepper or onions.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic and lots of fun trying out the various national dishes. Don't forget to find out about the country's toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner as well, to better plan your trip and see the associated toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via our email.