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a helpful guide
to Czech cuisine for
diners and travelers
by an established authority
Why Czech
Cuisine is special
The traditional Czech fare is firmly rooted in peasant cooking. Though not as
refined as, say, French or Italian cuisine, Czech Cuisine is to be enjoyed for
its vim, vigor and honest heartiness.
Insights on
Czech cuisine
 Germany,
Austria and Hungary have noticeably influenced Czech
Cuisine, but its style remains Czech.
For
centuries the Czechs have been known for their high fat diet. However, the
cooking is becoming lighter and healthier, particularly in the big cities.
Czechs
have an undeniable sweet tooth, especially when it comes to desserts.
The
Czechs are the highest per capita beer drinkers in the world. (Germany and
Ireland are the runners-up).
Seafood
is served infrequently, mainly because the country is landlocked. However, pond
raised fresh water fish is widely available. Fresh water carp is the traditional
Christmas Eve dish.
Caraway
seeds, marjoram and garlic are prevalent seasonings in Czech Cuisine.
Most
Czechs eat their main meal at midday, followed by a light supper in the early
evening.
Famous
Czech specialties
Roast
Pork with dumplings and sauerkraut (vepřová knedlíky zelí) - The national
dish.
Baked
sliced sirloin (svickova) - Served with cream sauce and dumplings.
Goulash
(gulaš) - Similar to the famous Hungarian variety, but more oniony and less
spicy.
Roasted
goose (husa) - Roasted duck (kachna) is also popular.
Breaded veal cutlet (řízek) - Similar to Germany's wiener schnitzel.
Smoked
pork pancake (bramborak or, in some areas, cmunda) - Oversized potato
pancake layered with smoked pork mixture.
Fried
cheese (smažený sýr) - Breaded and fried like the just mentioned veal
specialty.
Bread
dumplings (houskové knedlíky) - Used to soak up the meat juices on the
plate. Potato dumplings are also popular, but bread dumplings are closer to the
Czech's heart.
  
Potatoes
(brambory) - The Czech starch staple. They typically come roasted, boiled or
fried.
Sauerkraut
(zelí). Like the German specialty, but sweeter.
Soup
(polévka) - Potato, garlic and sauerkraut versions are popular.
Dessert
(moučník) – Crepes, strudel and fruit filled dumplings are mainstays. They are
often topped or filled with whip cream.
Famous
Czech beverages
Beer
(pivo) - The national beverage. The finest is brewed in the Bohemia (western
part of the Czech Republic). Pilsner Urquell is the best brand.
Wine
(víno) - Produced in Moravia (eastern part of the country).
Plum
brandy (slivovice) - Celebrated fruit brandy produced in Moravia.
Becherouka
- A herby-spicy liqueur. Used as a digestive.
Also learn
about these
exciting
world cuisines
My food & wine
credentials
My books have been critically acclaimed by major magazines and newspapers. Click
the button below to read a sampling (in Acrobat format).
View my
top 8 travel wonders
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