25+ Flavorful Czech Foods To Eat Like A Bohemian In 2022

Czech foods are more contemplatable than ever if you dare to dive in. Laying in the center of Europe, this country shares countless dishes with its neighboring regions. There are more Czech-origin culinary delicacies than you ever expect.

“Dobrou chut!” is what you can always hear when traveling to this beautiful hill region, and you can straightforwardly translate it as “Bon appétit”. But if you’re curious about what the Czechs are cheering while saying those words, keep on scrolling!

Precious Czech Starters You’ll Regret Not To Try

During the 19th century, when the Czech met the world-famous French cuisine, their way of serving the meals was influenced. Czech meals are then served to follow the order of appetizers, fish courses, meat-based dishes, and multiple sweets choices afterward.

Therefore, to consider this article as a meal, let’s begin with some of the most popular appetizers that will blow your mind away!

1. Česnečka Polévka- Garlic Soup

Starting with a centuries-old soup, Cesnecka Polevka is a traditional soup with a garlic base, with chopped pork and sausage usually being solid additions. Crouton is also a significant ingredient of this soup which could have either inside or served aside the broth.

You can also see this soup is served with a raw egg added at the end of the cooking process. Due to the convenience and affordability, Cesnecka used to be among the “soup for the poor” back in the 1910s.

Besides the uses as appetizers, Cesnecka Polevka is often added to Czech dinner recipes. It’s also believed to be a wonderful cure for fevers, as well as an excellent sobering agent.

Cesnecka is also an excellent companion of Czech beers; take a look!

2. Kulajda – Creamy Dill Soup

Used to be an indigenous soup of the Southern Bohemia region during the cold months, you now can find Kulajda in almost any Czech restaurant menu. This soup has a creamy texture that comes from roux, with the major ingredients being dill, mushroom, and potatoes.

In the old days, Czechs would harvest fresh mushrooms during the summer and dry them to use in the winter, and Kulajda utilized those. Poached egg or sour cream is also added to this soup on some particular occasions.

3. Zelňačka – Sauerkraut Soup

Zelnacka or Zelná polévka is a traditional Czech sauerkraut soup that can either be served as a course starter or a main dish. In case you haven’t heard about sauerkraut before, it’s a type of shredded and fermented cabbage widely used in European regions.

Therefore, this hearty soup has a sour taste, which can sometimes be more intense due to the addition of sour cream. Other ingredients are potatoes, carrots, and Czech smoked meat – which is interchangeable with chopped sausages.

You can also find the vegetarian version of this soup, which uses mushrooms to substitute meat bases.

4. Fazolová Polévka – Bean Soup

Another healthy Czech recipe for appetizers is Fazolova Polevka. It’s a rustic soup that consists of smoked meat, hearty root vegetables, and beans. And the traditional dish of Fazolova Polevka usually calls for white beans.

You can also find other versions of bean soup throughout Europe and even the Middle Eastern. Since this soup was present back in the Roman period and followed the Slavs since then, it’s hard to tell where it was first cooked.

Despite that, you can easily order this soup in almost all traditional restaurants in Czech, and Fazolova Polevla is served chiefly hot. Some “not-so-secret” recipes also add sour cream or flour to thicken the broth.

5. Smažený Sýr – Fried Cheese

If you’re a fan of cheese or richness, you should definitely try the famous Czech smažený sýr. It’s basically a block of fried cheese coated with egg and bread crumbs.

The origin of this recipe is believed to be French however, there are countless versions of it throughout the world. It’s also known as Smažák in Czech, and the locals usually prefer using Eden cheese for the base, served aside with some meat and French fries.

Czech Main Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind

Most of the famous dishes of the Czech are the main meals. Therefore, be aware of the length of this list as well as your full belly coming to Czech. However, since these recipes are pretty complex, you’ll regret not trying them when you get the chance.

6. Vepřo Knedlo Zelo – Pork Roast With Dumplings And Sauerkraut

The Czechs literally called this dish by the main elements on the plate. Vepro means roasted pork, and its leaked juice during the toasting process will be reduced to serve as a sauce for the dish.

Though it’s now widely used in the Czech and is among the most famous dishes of the Czech Republic, Vepro Knedlo Zelo first appeared in the German culinary scene.

Knedlo stands for Czech bread dumpling, which may sometimes be replaced by potato dumpling. And Zelo is a Czech culture pickled cabbage dish that is also known as sauerkraut.

7. Guláš – Pork Or Beef Stew

You may mistake this traditional stew of Czech with the famous goulash from Hungarian traditional cuisine. In fact, unlike other countries that learned this dish during the 20th century, Czech Guláš origin was traceable in the 9th century.

Regardless of the origin, this dish consists of diced pork or beef, with a lot of onions as well as other spices, such as caraway, paprika, garlic, etc.

This national dish is also served along with slices of bread or potato dumpling. And Czechs are likely to enjoy it with a giant cup of chilled beer.

You can enjoy gulas in every region across Czech, see how it tastes!

8. Kyselo – Sourdough Soup

The Northern Bohemia mountain area of Krkonoše is the homeland of this dish. Basically, ‘kyselo’ is a counterpart of what’s called Zurek in Polish food culture, but of course, with different cultural herbs and spices.

You can find countless recipes for Czech kyselo. Still, the primary ingredients are fermented rye flour, potatoes, mushrooms, and other spices, but mostly caraway – which is also known as the national spice of Czech.

9. Moravský Vrabec – Moravian Sparrow

As the name has suggested, this traditional Czech lunch recipe originates from Moravia – a region in the east of Czech. And don’t be freaking out already! This dish contains no sparrow at all.

Apparently, Moravský Vrabec and Vepřo Knedlo Zelo are interchangeable names for the same dish that consists of roasted pork, sauerkraut, and bread dumpling.

The key differences are moravský vrabec tends to be greasier to imitate the fatness of the sparrow, and the roasted pork is also cut into chunks.

10. Sekaná – Meatloaf

The origin of this dish is traceable back to the 5th century. Though it’s now present in many countries and regions across the globe, Czech Sekana is an outstanding version of baked meatloaf that should be on your bucket list.

While Sekana also includes common ingredients such as minced beef or pork, onions, eggs, bread crumbs, the flavor is enhanced by a touch of caraway and marjoram – which states the taste of Czech.

Pickled vegetables, sausages, or boiled eggs can sometimes be added to the meatloaf before baking. The leakages during the baking process would sometimes be poured over Sekana when served, along with some mashed potatoes.

11. Řízek – Breaded Cutlet Schnitzel

It’s still debated today whether the schnitzel originated from the gastronomy of Australia, Germany, or Israel. At least you can tell that this is rather an international dish than an original food from the Czech. 

However, it was rooted in Czechia’s heart as deep as enough to become a traditional dish.

Talking about tradition, the standard Rizek is made of pork, mostly chops or loins, though you can also find the veal, beef, or chicken versions as well.

Rizek is a typical dish that you can find almost everywhere across the country, and it’s usually served with mashed potatoes. However, most Czech families have their own way of making and enjoying Rizek.

Check out a traditional way of making Czech Rizek.

12. Svíčková Na Smetaně – Braised Sirloin In Creamy Sauce

Though you can enjoy this dish in many restaurants across the Czech, it’s actually a culinary tradition for weddings! And it’ll be served as a main dish, accompanied by a few slices of lemon, and once again, bread dumplings.

What made Czechs proud of this dish was the sauce. The Smetane sauce is made of carrots, parsley roots, celeriac, onions and mixed or blended with full-fat cream. National herbs like marjoram or caraway are excellent additions as well.

There are three methods of making Svíčková Na Smetaně across Czech history. Check them out!

13. Bryndzové Halušky – Potato Dumplings with Bryndza Cheese

Though this is among the national dishes of Slovakia, Bryndzove Halusk has also signed its name on Czech gastronomy sincerely. Think of Halusky as a Sloviac version of Italian Gnocchi, and Bryndzove is a cultural sheep cheese.

Traditionally, this dish will include bacon or smoked meat. However, you can also find the vegetarian version of Bryndzove Halusky, which is substituted with fried onions, and it’s definitely worth the try.

14. Houbový Kuba – Barley With Mushrooms

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, Houbovy Kuba is not something you should miss. It is literally a dish full of barley cereal, slices of dried mushroom, caramelized onions, herbs, and spices such as the traditional marjoram and caraway.

It was only used in Southern Bohemia during the cold months in the old days. Due to the lack of supplies back then, the wild mushrooms, mostly the brown bolete, were used. And it is also well-known as a meal for the poor.

Back today, you can find it on the menu of most Czech vegetarian restaurants with multiple types of mushrooms served.

Some historical facts about Czech and a simple method to make Houbovy Kuba.

Czech Sweetness You’ll Always Enjoy

Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, Czech desserts and pastries will never let you down. Notice that all the treats below contain wheat flour; you’ll have to keep the space for them before finishing your main courses. Otherwise, you can have them as a main dish as well.

15. Knedlíky S Ovocem – Fruit Dumplings

The dumplings have been mentioned multiple times in this article as an accompaniment, but this one stands out on its own since it’s a must-try Czech dessert. The dough of this dumpling is mainly made of flour, yeast, egg, milk, sugar, and a small pinch of salt.

The fillings or glazing are varied; you can have it with blueberries, strawberries, apricots, cherries, but the most popular version is plum. Many Czechs use these sweet dumplings as a main meal by adding icing sugar, whipped cream, and cinnamon on top.

16. Žemlovka – Bread Pudding

This is among the most popular sweet treats in Czech school canteens or cafeterias. Zemlovka is literally slices of soft white bread rolls that are combined with fresh fruit and confectionery.

Bread slices will be placed at the bottom lining and the top layer, while traditionally, the filling is chopped apples and cinnamon. However, you can also find multiple flavors of zemlovka nowadays, including pear, cherry, plum, strawberry, raisins, or even quark cheese.

17. Buchty – Yeasted Sweet Buns

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, Czech does share some of its dishes with the neighboring nations, but Buchty is an original recipe from the Czech.

This appetizing dessert is made of sweet yeasted dough. And you may find that the baking method of Buchty is pretty much similar to the modern bread rolls but with preserved fruit fillings.

The outcome has a golden brown exterior along with a desired spongy texture. The traditional recipes of Buchty sometimes call for poppy seed paste or cream, or even both.

18. Krupicová Kaše – Porridge-Type Pudding

This is a typical Czech pudding that is mainly made of semolina wheat, cooked in boiling water and milk. Sometimes milk takes all the jobs or is just absent.

This dish originated during the Roman period. Nowadays, Czechs would have it in not just dessert, but many courses throughout the day.

You can find countless recipes for this pudding. However, the Czech locals would add raisins, rum, walnuts, and fresh fruits in their Krupicová kaše, but the powdered cocoa topping is the most important.

19. Valašský Frgál – Sweet Pastry

This Roman-originated dessert usually appears 30 centimeters across, like a large-sized pizza but is topped with a lot of fruits. Traditionally, the toppings are dried pears, cinnamon, gingerbread crumbs, and sugar.

This pastry usually appears 30 centimeters across, like a large-sized pizza but is topped with a lot of fruits. Traditionally, the toppings are dried pears, cinnamon, gingerbread crumbs, and sugar.

However, since Valassky Frgal is a favorite treat of almost everyone in Czech, you can now find it in many varieties, with different toppings and sizes.

20. Mazanec – Sweet Bread

Traditionally, this sweet bread was widely used as an Easter treat back in the 15th century, especially to honor and enjoy Holy Saturday. You’ll find the sign of a religious food in Mazanec by the symbolic cross lines that have been formed before baking.

However, it’s not rare to find Mazanec nowadays all year round. Most bakers in Czech will mix raisins, rum, and lemon zest into their dough and garnish it with some almond slices or oat before bringing it to the oven.

21. Trdelník – Tube-Shaped Pastry

The origin of this pastry is believed to be Székely Land, when it still belonged to Hungary back in the medieval period. You can assume Trdelnik is a Czech version of chimney cakes – a traditional Hungarian dessert.

Trdelnik is made from sweet yeast dough, which is coated with granulated sugar, greased with butter, then attached to a metal tube, and spit-roasted.

Nowadays, Trdelnik is rarely eaten on its own but often sprinkled with some powdered cinnamon to enhance the flavor. A more common way to serve trdelnik, which you can see as street food, is to top it with soft ice cream.

Check out how Trdelnik is made and sold in Prague, Czech.

Delicate Drinking Baits To Get Drunk In Czech

Czech beers are recommended to use with the meat-based dishes which I’ve mentioned in this article and beyond.

Therefore, you can tell that beer also plays a major role in Czech gastronomy. Here are some drinking baits you should never skip if you tend to enjoy their beer.

22. Bramborák – Potato Pancake

Though Bramborak can be included in many Czech breakfast recipes, the indigenous sometimes also use it as a drinking bait. This is a typical pancake made of grated potatoes, egg, milk, and flour.

Since this is a highly affordable and easy-to-make dish, you can find it almost everywhere in Czech, from market stalls to high-end restaurants, or even the frozen products which you can see in the supermarket.

You can even make it yourself at home, as long as you’re in hand with caraway and marjoram. Without these spices, all you can get is a “regular” potato pancake, not a perfect Czech Bramborak.

23. Utopenci – Pickled Sausages

The translated name of the dish will hesitate you: drowned men. There are two different rumors about its name; the first one is about a pub owner – the inventor of this dish – who was found drowned to death one day while working in his mill.

The other one is less scary since it only describes the pickling method. The sausage that is mainly used for this dish is Špekáčky, a cultural Czech smoked sausage. It’ll be cut in half or quarter, then put in the pickling jar along with multiple veggies, floating like a “drowned man”.

Regardless of the origin, the recipe of Utopenci also includes bay leaves for a unique flavor, as well as pepper and other spices. And as with many pickled dishes, it’s best to be served cold or chilled.

24. Tatarák – Raw Ground Beef

A French culinary influence, Tatarak is a counterpart of the worldwide known steak tartare. Czech chefs would identify their Tatarak as an appetizer dish due to its small size when serving. However, it can also be enjoyed as an excellent drinking bait.

You can now easily find Tatarak in almost any restaurant menu in Prague. When serving, the chefs would prepare minced beef, onions, garlic, and spices. Then they’ll neatly shape the mixture and top it with an egg yolk.

Czech Tatarak always comes with toasted bread slices, as well as multiple sauces. And the proper way to enjoy it’s first to mix the meat with the yolk, then spread the mixture on your toast.

Have you ever tried raw beef? See the reaction here!

Wonderful Condiments To Enhance The “Czech Flavor”

Besides the marvelous dishes, Czech cuisine reputation won’t be as high with the great condiments. Furthermore, these sauces are usually vegetarian, so you should skip neither their healthiness nor deliciousness.

25. Koprovka – Dill Sauce

This is literally the sauce version of Kulajda, the creamy dill soup that I’ve mentioned above. And of course, the critical difference is the consistency of Koprovka is thick enough to be used as a sauce.

This sauce also consists of mushrooms, potatoes, fresh dill, and pickled dill is sometimes added. Poached egg and sour cream are also excellent additions if you’re not a vegan who avoids all dairy products.

However, since most modern restaurants usually add meat elements to their Kulajda soup, it’s not recommended for vegetarians.

26. Rajská Omáčka – Sweet Tomato Sauce

It’s definitely not close to the sour ketchup you usually got back in the United States! While the base is the same, you can consider tomatoes as just the base for coloring in this sauce. That’s because the sour flavor of tomatoes is normally outweighed by multiple spices.

Bay leaf may be the first thing you’ll taste when trying this sauce, then followed with allspices, peppercorns, and sometimes cinnamon. Thyme and basil are other herbs that are very often used for this sauce during the summer months.

All the ingredients could be blended together before or after simmering on heat. Rajska Omacka can also be used for vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals. And it’s also a perfect appetizer combined with small bread slice.

Always Fulfill Your Czech Trips With Its Cuisine!

Though this beautiful country is famous for its scenery and culture, it’s really hard to talk about Czech without mentioning its gastronomy. Whether you’re ready to pay for anything or tend to travel on a low budget, the foods there always give you more than the expectation!

Have you found the treasures on the food list? Is there any dish that catches your intention? Are there any concerns about Czech cuisine? Let me and other readers know in the comment section!

Also, don’t forget to share this article! Maybe there are some ones on your friend list who are also into Czech cuisine as much as you are. Lastly, let’s complete your plans for the next Czech trip with its beautiful foods.