country Essentials · 14 foods
Czech Republic Essentials
A considered first route through Czech Republic: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all Czech Republic foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
14 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Czech Republic
Svíčková na smetaně
Sviečková na smotane
Defining Czech cream-sauce beef dish.
Czech Republic
Vepřo Knedlo Zelo
Roast pork, bread dumplings, and sauerkraut define Czech cuisine.
Slovakia
Czech Goulash
Hovězí guláš
Thick paprika beef stew in the Czech pub tradition.
Czech Republic
Knedlíky (Dumplings)
Knedlíky
Steamed bread dumplings accompany Czech sauces and roasts.
Slovakia
Bramboráky
Zemiakové Placky
Garlic-marjoram potato pancakes are fried crisp and golden.
Czech Republic
Smažený sýr
Rántott sajt
Canonical Czech fried-cheese street dish.
Czech Republic
Utopenec
Pickled sausage with onion is a classic Czech pub snack.
Czech Republic
Chlebicky
Chlebíčky
Open-faced Czech sandwiches display salads, eggs, and ham.
Czech Republic
Ovocné knedlíky
Fruit-filled dumplings are served warm with butter and sugar.
Czech Republic
Koláče
Round Czech yeast pastries carry fruit, poppy, or cheese.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Karlovarské oplatky
Thin crisp spa wafers are a Karlovy Vary specialty.
Plzeň, Czech Republic
Pilsner Urquell
Plzeňský Prazdroj / Pilsner Urquell
Pilsner Urquell is the original pale lager from Plzeň.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Becherovka
Becherovka is a bittersweet herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary.
Czech Republic
Vánočka
Vianočka
Braided Czech Christmas bread contains butter, eggs, and dried fruit.