• Prague

  Czechs nickname their capital the “mother of all cities,” the “heart of Europe,” and the “city of a hundred spires.” National pride aside, Prague—with its rich history, beauty, and, yes, countless spires—would seem to deserve its local monikers. Established in the 9th century, the city has since played a role in nearly every historic event that’s stormed over Europe. And as it graduates from its reputation as the backpacker’s Shangri-la, Prague is reinventing itself as the cultural capital of Central Europe.

  Czech food, on the other hand, doesn’t invite such across-the-board compliments. Some complain it’s meat-heavy and greasy, while others rave it’s, well, meat-heavy and greasy. Those four decades of Communist dictatorship didn’t exactly encourage the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients in traditional cuisine, which takes cues from nearby Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Austria. Gastronomically speaking, Prague has long coasted by on its reputation as a paradise for beer-lovers, not foodies. But this is finally starting to change. Health food stores are now aplenty, farmers markets are popping up around the city, fresh and organic produce is finding its way onto many locals’ tables, and new or renovated pubs are priding themselves on preparing Czech food the old way—with fresh ingredients, no corners cut. Best of all, more than a few traditional recipes have withstood all the political repression, economic hardship, and food-supply shortages of the past. Know what you’re looking for, and you can get excited about Czech food in Prague. —Introduction by Zuzana Boehmova

  For a whirlwind tour of Prague, watch our one-minute video!

  Find local foods in Prague.

  Ovocné knedlíky

  Buchtičky se šodó

  Topinky with garlic

  Koleno

  Vepřo-knedlo-zelo

• User Content

Below is user-submitted content for this region. Have something to contribute? Upload your regional-food photo or food memory.

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  Becherovka

  Prague
  lsr
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  South Bohemian Goulash

  Prague
  pbdave
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  Czech Barbecued Sausage

  Prague
  pbdave
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  Sliced pork belly

  Prague
  pbdave

• • Smíchovský Radniční Sklípek

    joshg
    Prague, Czech Republic
    

    When I spent a semester studying film in Prague, my mates and I ate at this local hole-in-the-wall pub at least once a week. Located in the residential Andel neighborhood across the bridge fro…    Read more