Top Traditional Czech Food and Drink to Try

If you're visiting Prague for the first time, you're in for a treat! Czech food is comforting, hearty, and full of flavour and not too expensive. From street food to traditional cafes, there's a good choice. And it's not all food - Prague has a few good drinks too!

In this guide, I'll walk you through the yummiest traditional dishes and drinks to try, where to find them, and answer some common questions. Let's dive in!
Table of contents

• Top Traditional Czech Foods to Try
• Must-Try Czech Drinks
• FAQs

Top Traditional Czech Foods to Try

Svíčková (Marinated Beef with Cream Sauce)
Svíčková is like a warm hug on a plate. It's beef marinated in veggies and spices, served with a creamy sauce, fluffy bread dumplings, and cranberry sauce. It's sweet, savoury, and so Czech! Try the Czech Kitchen, near Havelske Trziste, for tasty traditional meals at an amazing price.

Guláš (Goulash)
Czech goulash is different from Hungarian goulash—it's thicker, spicier, and served with bread dumplings. Perfect for cold days. Again, try the Czech Kitchen for main meals, it's a traditional cafe with excellent prices.

Trdelník (Chimney Cake)
Okay, this one is a bit of a tourist trap, but who cares? Trdelník is a sweet, spirally pastry often filled with Nutella, cream, or ice cream. It's not super traditional, but it's Instagram gold! Try it as a cheap desert and there's a chocolate covered option too. Find it in stalls in and around the Old Town or the Christmas Markets. Watch them being made over the coals.

Gluten free? Doesn't matter - there's a shop near Charles Bridge that clearly offers GF Chimney Cake.

Vepřo Knedlo Zelo (Roast Pork with Dumplings and Sauerkraut)
This is the Czech Republic's national dish. You get tender pork, tangy sauerkraut, and soft bread dumplings all on one plate.

Bramboráky (Potato Pancakes)
Crispy and garlicky, bramboráky are fried potato pancakes that are perfect as a snack or side dish. You'll find these on the stalls especially during the Christmas Markets.

Hot Dogs
I'm not convinced these are really 'traditional' but there are plenty of places selling them and they are certainly a good, fast snack that's filling and not too pricey. Although the bread does almost break your teeth.

Must-Try Czech Drinks

Slivovitz A traditional Czech plum liquer. A whole range of flavours and even a museum about the drink where you can try loads of flavours.

Pilsner Beer
Czech beer is legendary. Pilsner was invented here! Make sure to try Pilsner Urquell or a local craft beer in most bars.

Becherovka
This herbal liqueur is great after a heavy meal. It tastes like Christmas in a bottle and there's a Becherovka shop at the end of Wencelas Square (Old Town Square end) which has a cafe!

FAQs About Czech Food in Prague

Are Czech portions big?
A: YES! Czech meals are super filling. Most dishes come with dumplings, so you won't leave hungry.

Is it expensive to eat traditional Czech food in Prague?
A: Not really. You can get a solid meal for around £10 at most places. Street food and local pubs are even cheaper.

Are there vegetarian options in Czech cuisine?
A: Traditional Czech food is heavy on meat, but you can find veggie dishes like fried cheese (smažený sýr) or potato dumplings. Many modern restaurants also have veggie options.

Can I tip in Prague?
A: Yes! A 10% tip is standard if the service was good, but it's not America so if you're not happy don't tip.