If you ask a Czech traveler, "What's good to eat in the Czech Republic?", I'm afraid 100% of the answers will focus on spectacular meat dishes like roasted pork knuckle. However, if you ask a Czech local the same question, you might get a completely different answer. To help those who are looking for good food in the Czech Republic, today I'll tell you about 14 must-try foods in the Czech Republic.

Tenderloin

For Czechs, few dishes are as iconic as Svíčková . A generous plate of whipped cream, tart cranberry sauce, and tender, flavorful slow-cooked beef with a gravy, often garnished with a slice of orange or lemon—that's the essence of Czech cuisine . Of course, many may not know that these three ingredients need to be mixed before eating for the dish to truly reach its full flavor. To truly experience the local flavor, you need to find an authentic restaurant.

Recommended restaurant: Café Louvre, a charming historical café in Prague.

Restaurant address: Národní 22, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia

roast pork

The Czech Republic is a true meat-eater's paradise, a country known for its simple, unpretentious pork delicacies. At local banquets and celebrations, roasted whole pig (pečené vepřové) is a must-have. The whole pig is marinated and processed, then slowly roasted. Once cooked through, it's prepared into a variety of delicious pork dishes. In the northern Czech mountains, roasted suckling pig, prepared in various ways, is also popular and incredibly delicious.

Recommended restaurant: Restaurace u Poláků

Restaurant address: Hrubínova 800 46015 Liberec Liberecký kraj

roasted ducks

For those worried about gaining weight, try roast duck, a Czech specialty. Unlike Peking duck, Czech roast duck uses ducks that have a long lifespan, resulting in lean, firm, and rich flavor. Marinated with local Czech spices, it's then roasted and served with knedlíky, a Czech steamed bun, and sweet-and-sour red cabbage. Duck lovers will surely revel in this dish.

Recommended restaurant: Hostinec U Provaznice (near Můstek metro station)

Restaurant address: Provaznická 385/3 110 00 Praha, Czechia

Potato pancakes

Bramboráčky, a potato pancake, is not only found in upscale restaurants but is also a common street food dish. However, strolling through the squares, you'll often be drawn to the aroma of fried potatoes, so you absolutely must try them. These pancakes are often topped with vegetables and sometimes chopped sausage. Their crispy exterior and tender interior, along with their fragrant aroma, make them a must-try.

Tasting location: Street to restaurant

Recommended dish: Potato pancakes with sausage

Olomouc cheese

Olomouc cheese, Sýr Olomouc, is a soft, stinky cow's cheese that is universally loved by Czechs. Originating in Olomouc, Moravia, it was once the only cheese of its kind produced in the Czech Republic. Olomouc cheese has even been specifically designated a Protected Geographical Indication by the European Union, making it a unique delicacy of the European Union. With a fat content of only 1%, it is a very healthy and delicious accompaniment to meals.

Recommended origin: Olomouc

Where to buy: major supermarkets

Bread rolls

Chlebičky is a delicious snack known as a Czech open-faced sandwich. It's a delicious snack consisting of a beautifully shaped egg, potato salad, sausage, or even salmon on a slice of bread. Not only are there many options, but they're also inexpensive and time-saving, making them a popular fast food dish among Czechs.

Recommended restaurant: Ovocný Světozor

Restaurant address: Vodičkova 39, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia

Gluttony

Goulash is one of the most quintessential and common dishes in the Czech Republic. Originally an Austro-Hungarian version of goulash, the Czech version, Gulas , is also most often made with beef and served with knedlíky, or Czech potato bread slices. It's a unique dish that's both filling and filling.

Recommended restaurants: Various restaurants

Food options: Usually divided into beef and pork

Kulayda

Czech grandmothers always tell their children to have soup with every meal, as Czech soup is the most nutritious. While there are several Czech soups, one of the most delicious is the classic South Bohemian kulajda . This soup is similar to sour cream soup and is made with wild mushrooms, potatoes, dill, and quail or chicken eggs. It's the perfect starter for a warming meal or something special.

Recommended restaurants: Švejk Restaurant, CK Haobing Shuai Ke Restaurant

Restaurant address: Zámecké schody 12 381 01 Český Krumlov, Latrán South Bohemian Region

Beer

Czechs arguably consume the most beer per capita in the world. Pilsner, the world's most popular beer, is also one of the most popular beers in the Czech Republic. Its name comes from the Czech city of Pilsen, and the renowned Pilsner Urquell Brewery ships its green bottles and cans around the world. The unique flavor of Pilsner has also become a sought-after beer worldwide. In fact, authentic local craft beers can be found in every town and city in the Czech Republic, all of which are incredibly delicious.

Recommended brewery: Pilsner Brewery Tour (200 CZK, 100 minutes)

Winery address: U Prazdroje 7, 304 97 Plzeň

Moravian wine

Moravia boasts a wine industry as thriving as you'd imagine. While Moravian winemakers recognize that their conditions aren't as favorable as those in France or Italy, they focus on crafting unique wines that capitalize on the Czech Republic's unique soil and climate. Czech vineyards are often located on castle grounds, and the Lednice-Valtice region is particularly renowned for its high-quality wines. High-end Czech red wines are a perfect gift for distinguished guests.

Recommended winery: CHÂTEAU VALTICE (Gold Medal at the 2014 and 2016 Red Wine Competitions)

Restaurant address: Vinařská 407 691 42 Valtice South Moravian Region

Becherovka

Becherovka is a medicinal wine that's best enjoyed chilled, a Czech equivalent of Maotai. It's a genuine Czech tonic, brewed with the renowned Karlovy Vary thermal spring water and infused with a variety of local herbs. It's a true hard-core drink, often described by Czechs as "concrete." Produced in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Becherovka is a Czech national treasure, and its recipe is a closely guarded secret—only two people in the world know it at any given time, and the ingredients are mixed weekly.

Recommended restaurant: Café Louvre, a charming historical café in Prague.

Restaurant address: Národní 22, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia

Kofola

Kofola can be considered the national drink. This carbonated beverage originated in the former Czechoslovakia. During the Cold War, Czechoslovakia refused to import American Coca-Cola, so Kofola became a local alternative. Compared to American Coca-Cola, Kofola is less sweet and contains traditional Czech herbal ingredients. More importantly, it's invigorating, containing more caffeine than either Coca -Cola or Pepsi. After the Czech Republic and Slovakia gained independence and further opened up, the impact of Coca-Cola caused Kofola's sales to plummet and even threaten bankruptcy. However, Czechs later discovered that their "national drink" was still more palatable, and its popularity grew. Today, Kofola is a must-have in Czech restaurants, alongside beer.

Recommended flavor: Original.

Where to buy: All restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores

Gingerbread

Perníky gingerbread seems ubiquitous across Central Europe, but the Czech version is truly special. Gingerbread has been made in the Czech Republic for centuries, and Czech gingerbread is traditionally made with honey, butter, and nuts. Beautifully crafted gingerbread can be found in every corner of Prague. At the Christmas market in Old Town Square, gingerbread becomes a central Christmas delicacy.

Recommended store: Perníčkův sen

Store address : Haštalská 757 110 00 Praha 1 – Staré Město

Cakes

Czech pies, the most traditional Czech pies, are filled with poppy seeds or jam. But don't be afraid: poppy seeds are not toxic. They are rich in amino acids and are a common condiment in Central Europe, so don't hesitate to give them a try.

Recommended stores: cake shops, bakeries, supermarkets

Store address : Any one, all sold

This issue's highlights

Pre-order suckling pig in the northern mountains of Prague