Where to Eat in Prague
The most famous national dish in the Czech Republic is goulash (a stew of meat and vegetables) and its many variants.
Traditional Czech food is based mainly on pork and, to a lesser extent, on chicken and beef. You can also find typical fish dishes, although the Czech Republic is mostly known for its meat recipes.
Traditional Czech dishes
These are some of the most famous traditional dishes that can be ordered in most Czech restaurants in Prague:
- Kulajda: Herb and cream soup prepared with potatoes, mushrooms and sour cream.
- Bramborak: Potato pancakes mixed with egg and flour and then fried.
- Knedlíky: Dumplings made out of flour or breadcrumbs.
- Chlebicky: Small canapés made out of different ingredients.
- Utopenec: Sausage with pepper and onion
- Šopský salát: Tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion and white cheese salad.
- Tlačenka: Head cheese with onion and bread.
- Pražská šunka: Prague ham
- Chocroute: Sauerkraut
- Kolache: Type of pastry with fruit inside
- Vánočka: Braided bread similar to a brioche. It is usually prepared for Christmas.
- Goulash: Stew or soup with herbs, beef, onions, peppers and paprika.
- Slivovice: Plum brandy
- Palačinky: Pancake which is eaten with ice-cream, fruit or marmalade.
If you're feeling brave and want to practise a bit of Czech when ordering a meal in Prague, why not check out our list of useful Czech expressions specifically for this purpose?
Beer in the Czech Republic
Beer enthusiasts will feel right at home in Prague, where a pint of excellent Czech beer costs between 25 and Kč 40 (US$ 1.70) in almost every bar and restaurant.
The most common beer in the Czech Republic is the Pilsner Urquell. Nevertheless, one of the things that make Prague so special is that many restaurants and bars brew their own beer; therefore, you will be able to taste countless types of ale.
Overcharging at certain tourist restaurants
Certain touristy restaurants will try and scam visitors by either charging them too much, not giving them the right change or not handing the change back at all.
To avoid being swindled by the waiters, we suggest counting the change before leaving the restaurant, asking for a menu where you can see the price of the dishes, refuse to pay the bill if you see the total amount is incorrect or ask for an official invoice.
Street food
Eating from street food stalls is extremely cheap in Prague and is frequently done. Tourists will be able to taste traditional Czech sausages or have a hamburger or any other fast food in these type of stands.
A meal at a food stall will cost you between 10 and Kč 50 (US$ 2.10), which means that for just €1 you’ll be able to savour a tasty lunch or afternoon snack.
