Last Updated on February 7, 2023
Whenever I think about Prague, my eyes are full of tears. I can’t really say why. Maybe because of the architecture, churches, and castles; maybe because of the food, the people, the view from the bridges or the walks through the parks. In any case, Prague is one of those cities that will leave you with more questions than answers, and it will lure you to come back again and again.
The Czech Republic is bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland. Prague, its capital, is a hidden gem in the center of Europe that will give you more than you can imagine. My goal during my last visit was to try food that Czech people eat all the time. I wanted to eat like a king, and I surely have. Here is my list of the 5 must-try foods in Prague.
Hotel Buffet Breakfast
In order to appreciate everything that Prague has to offer, you need to start with breakfast, the most important meal of the day. When you book a hotel for your visit, make sure that you get a room with buffet breakfast. Nothing fancy, nothing special, just sit down and appreciate little things, enjoy the flavor. Take a glass of milk or tea and try everything from Czech bread, bacon, all sorts of cheeses, jams, and jellies. If you take a look at reviews on the Internet, you will see tons of people talking more about buffet breakfast than sites they visited.
Trdelnik (Chimney Cake)
While you stroll between amazing buildings and crossing bridges, you should take a minute and grab Trdelnik from a street vendor. Trdelnik is a pastry made from rolled dough, wrapped around a thick stick, roasted over an open flame and topped with a walnut or cinnamon sugar mix. Some vendors spread inside melted chocolate or Nutella. It’s a cheap and delicious dessert, so don’t skip on Trdelnik while you are in Prague. Moreover, if you have a sweet tooth and are touring through Europe, you could also taste these mouth-watering Belgian desserts.
Pork Ribs
Most pubs in Prague serve food. Of course, you will find many restaurants all over the place, but pubs are something special in the Czech Republic. They are vibrant places where you can taste amazing dishes. Since I was traveling with friends, we decided to order something that all of us could enjoy: pork ribs. We received a huge platter with more than 1 kg of crispy, slightly blackened and smoky pork ribs. I was starving, and accompanied by a beer those were most amazing pork ribs that I have tasted in my life! Together with pork ribs, we received 2 or 3 sauces, two different salads, and a bread basket. All that for less than 8 euros!
Nakládaný hermelín (Pickled Cheese)
A great way to take a break and relax for a minute is going to a pub for a beer. When you take a seat and ask for a pint of Kozel (dark Kozel is my recommendation), Krušovice or Budweiser, check their menu and order Nakládaný hermelín. Maybe pickled cheese may not sound appealing for most of you, but it is a classic Czech snack abundant in pubs. At first, I was not sure about trying it, but I must say that I was amazed. Basically, it’s a piece of cheese that has been pickled for a few days in oil, garlic, paprika, and spices. I recommend you try one with honey sauce and walnuts in the middle. It’s a delicious combination!
TAKEAWAY: The Czech Republic is best known for their beer, and total consumption in the country is more than 150 liters per year per person. Considering the total number of people that live there, this equals to half a liter of beer daily per every person living in the country!
Sausages from Street Vendors
In order to see everything that Prague has to offer, you will spend 8 to 12 hours walking for sure. Time flies as your eyes run across amazing architecture while the guide stuffs your brain with 1000 years of history. Once on Wenceslas Square, your nose will wake you up from a light dream and you will see one of the sausage vendors. You can try smoked sausages, skinny hot dog sausages, spicy sausages… anything you want.
Insider’s tip: Remember to pay in small notes and count your change.
The Czech Republic and Prague are famous for many things: Bohemian crystal, beer, Charles bridge, Astronomical clock, Hradčany, St. Vitus Cathedral, Vyšehrad, and Vltava. Nonetheless, you should never forget about the food, because the flavor of the local dishes might surprise you. You can start with these 5 must-try foods in Prague. And know that the day you decide to visit it and step out on Florenc or Hlavni nadrazi, you will be in its grasp forever.