Czechia may be small, but it holds big flavors that every foodie should experience. The country’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and beautiful landscape, filled with hearty and comforting dishes. Whether you’re in Prague, Brno, or a tiny village, you’ll find lots of traditional food to try.
Czech cuisine blends meat, potatoes, and dumplings with rich sauces. But it’s also made lively by delicious soups, pastries, and street foods. Let’s dive into the must-try local foods and the best places to eat them!
Traditional Dishes to Try in Czechia
Svíčková
One of the country’s most beloved dishes, Svíčková is comforting and flavorful. It’s a beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce made from root vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. It’s usually served with freshly whipped cream, cranberry sauce, and Czech dumplings (knedlíky).
For a truly authentic experience, head to Kodó Restaurant in Prague. They cook traditional Svíčková, offering rich flavors in generous portions.
Vepřo Knedlo Zelo
This dish features roasted pork (vepřo), sauerkraut (zelo), and Czech dumplings (knedlo). The tender pork and sauerkraut give the dish a nice balance of savory and sour.
You can enjoy Vepřo Knedlo Zelo at U Fleků, one of Prague’s oldest breweries and restaurants. Combine the meal with their house-made beer for a full Czech experience.
Guláš

Czech Goulash (Guláš) is different from the Hungarian version. This dish is thicker and served with knedlíky (dumplings). The hearty beef stew offers deep, earthy flavors thanks to slow-cooked meat in a paprika and garlic sauce.
Don’t miss out on trying Guláš at Lokál, which has multiple locations across Prague. Their interpretation stays true to tradition.
Street Foods You Can’t Miss
Trdelník
Although it’s not originally from Czechia, Trdelník is a must-try when walking around Prague’s Old Town Square. It’s a sweet chimney-shaped pastry covered in sugar and cinnamon, usually stuffed with chocolate or ice cream.
You’ll find plenty of pop-up stands selling Trdelník in the tourist-heavy areas of Prague, but Good Food: Coffee and Bakery is known for offering creative and delicious fillings like fresh fruit, Nutella, and more.
Smažený Sýr (Fried Cheese)
Craving some street food with a quick burst of flavor? Try Smažený Sýr. This fried cheese is crispy on the outside with a gooey center, commonly served between slices of bread like a sandwich and topped with tartar sauce.
For the best of the best, grab some from Bageterie Boulevard. Though a chain, they manage to make this traditional snack incredibly tasty and convenient.
Klobása (Sausage)
You’ll find grilled sausages (Klobása) being sold at every Czech market. These juicy sausages are perfect for eating on the go and are ideally accompanied by a fresh slice of bread and mustard.

One great spot to try Klobása is at Wenceslas Square vendors in Prague or any Czech farmer’s market on the weekend. It’s a simple but incredibly satisfying snack.

Regional Specialties
Bramboráky (Potato Pancakes)
While bramboráky resemble latkes, Czech potato pancakes are often jazzed up with garlic, marjoram, and sometimes a bit of meat. They’re crispy and full of flavor!
Want to taste the best bramboráky? Head to Krčma U Pavouka in Prague. They fry them just right: golden brown and served fresh.
Moravský Vrabec (Moravian Sparrow)
Don’t be thrown off by the name! This doesn’t feature any bird. The “sparrow” refers to the tender pork belly, seasoned and baked until it’s crispy on the outside.

It’s typically served with sauerkraut and potato dumplings. For a proper taste of Moravian Sparrow, check out Stodola House in the town of Blansko.
Some Famous Restaurants to Check Out
Eska (Prague)
If you’re looking for a contemporary take on Czech cuisine, Eska should be at the top of your list. Focused on farm-to-table meals, Eska blends Czech tradition with modern cooking techniques.
Signature dishes like roasted cabbage and rye bread baked on-site are worth the visit.

La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (Prague)
Czechia even boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, and La Degustation is one of them. This fine-dining establishment offers traditional Czech dishes in innovative, bite-sized portions.
The tasting menu highlights seasonal produce and locally-sourced ingredients, giving you a high-end experience of the country’s culinary offerings.
Švejk Restaurant (Various Locations)
For a slice of tradition with character, visit any Švejk Restaurant. Based on the popular Czech character, the restaurants combine traditional Czech food with a laid-back pub atmosphere.
Order some Guláš or Svíčková, sip some Pilsner, and soak in the Czech pub culture.
What You Should Drink in Czechia
Pilsner Beer
Czechia is known as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, and trying it here is an absolute must. You can’t walk a block without passing a pub serving Pilsner Urquell or Gambrinus, some of the most famous brands.
For a taste of one of the original Pilsners, visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzeň, where you can enjoy fresh brew straight from the source.
Becherovka
Becherovka is a traditional Czech herbal liquor, usually sipped as a digestive after meals. It has a cinnamon-like flavor with a hint of herbs, making it pretty unique.
One insider tip is to visit a bar like Becher’s Bar in Karlovy Vary, the town where Becherovka originated. They have a long list of creative cocktails made with this famous liquor.
Moravian Wine
While Czechia is famous for beer, you might be surprised that the eastern part of the country, Moravia, produces excellent wine. The local white wine, especially made from grape varieties like Müller-Thurgau, thrives in the region’s climate.
You can make a wine-tasting trip through towns like Mikulov or Znojmo, or simply order a glass at any nice restaurant. For a wide range of Moravian wines in Prague, head to Vinograf Wine Bar.
Final Tips for Eating Like a Local
Don’t shy away from Czech food’s focus on hearty dishes. It may seem a bit heavy, but after a long day of exploring, nothing feels better than a plate of warm dumplings with rich sauces.
And remember, Czech cuisine is best paired with great local beers. Whether you’re enjoying fine dining or sitting in a local pub, you’ll feel the warm, welcoming culture through both the dishes and the drinks.
Be sure to visit some local festivals or markets if you can. These often offer the most authentic versions of traditional foods at great prices!
Enjoy your culinary trip to Czechia!
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