Czech cuisine

tips on Czech
food & beverages
 

Why
Czech Cuisine
is special

The traditional Czech fare is firmly rooted in peasant cooking. Though not as refined as, say, French or Italian cuisine, Czech Cuisine is to be enjoyed for its vim, vigor and honest heartiness.

Famous
Czech specialties

Roast Pork with
dumplings and sauerkraut

Vepřová knedlíky zelí) is the national dish of the Czech Republic.

Baked sliced sirloin (svickova)

Served with cream sauce and dumplings.

Goulash (gulaš)

Similar to the famous Hungarian variety, but more oniony and less spicy.

Roasted goose (husa)

Roasted duck (kachna) is also popular.

Breaded veal cutlet (řízek)

Similar to Germany's wiener schnitzel.

Smoked pork pancake
(bramborak or, somplaces, cmunda)

Oversized potato pancake layered with smoked pork mixture.

Fried cheese (smažený sýr)

Breaded and fried like the just mentioned veal specialty.

Bread dumplings

Houskové knedlíky (the Czech name) is used to soak up the meat juices on the plate. Potato dumplings are also popular, but bread dumplings are closer to the Czech's heart.

Potatoes (brambory)

The Czech starch staple. They typically come roasted, boiled or fried.

Sauerkraut (zelí)

Like the German specialty, but sweeter.

Soup (polévka)

Potato, garlic and sauerkraut versions are popular.

Dessert (moučník)

Crepes, strudel and fruit filled dumplings are mainstays. They are often topped or filled with whip cream.

Famous
Czech beverages

Beer (pivo)

The national beverage. The finest is brewed in the Bohemia (western part of the Czech Republic). Pilsner Urquell is the best brand.

Wine (víno)

Produced in Moravia (eastern part of the country).

Plum brandy (slivovice)

Celebrated fruit brandy produced in Moravia.

Becherouka

A herby-spicy liqueur. Used as a digestive.

Insights on
Czech cuisine

Influences

Germany, Austria and Hungary have noticeably influenced Czech Cuisine, but its style remains Czech.

Fat diet

For centuries the Czechs have been known for their high fat diet. However, the cooking is becoming lighter and healthier, particularly in the big cities.

Sweet tooth

Czechs have an undeniable sweet tooth, especially when it comes to desserts.

Beer

The Czechs are the highest per capita beer drinkers in the world. (Germany and Ireland are the runners-up).

Fish

Seafood is served infrequently, mainly because the country is landlocked. However, pond raised fresh water fish is widely available. Fresh water carp is the traditional Christmas Eve dish.

Seasonings

Caraway seeds, marjoram and garlic are prevalent seasonings in Czech Cuisine.

Meals

Most Czechs eat their main meal at midday, followed by a light supper in the early evening.

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