31 Best Prague Foods To Try in 2025
Amongst its many dazzling features, Prague food is something to be treasured in The City of a Hundred Spires. While it may have been the images of Gothic churches, colorful baroque buildings and other landmarks that gave it its nickname, the city's variety of delectable foods are celebrated worldwide.
The Historic Centre of Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is steeped in rich history and gives the city engrossing character. However, discovering Prague's food scene is a way to really see the soul of this beautiful European city. The strong culinary traditions of Bohemia are apparent in the numerous restaurants, eateries and street food stalls in every corner of the town.
With its rich, creamy sauces and tangy, pickled flavors, food in Prague is an adventure for the taste buds. But how does one choose between the dishes when everything sounds like a tongue twister? Don’t worry, we have you covered. This list of the 31 best Prague foods will expel all your doubts and turn you into a confident traveler set to enjoy the best meals of your life.
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What Food Is Prague Known For?
Prague, Czech Republic food is meat-centric and hearty, giving your belly a warm glow on a cold winter’s night. Think of big, hearty stews and dumplings, all washed down with copious amounts of beer. Vegetarians need not feel left out, as numerous places serve non-meat-based versions of traditional dishes.
However, while Prague foods are extremely popular among locals and tourists alike, you can find much more than just traditional Bohemian dishes. As the city has grown as a tourist destination, so has the range of cuisines available. From Neapolitan pizzas to Indian curries and Vietnamese dishes, there is something for almost every palate and taste preference.
The best way to discover the culinary joys of the city, especially for a first-time visitor, would be to take one of the many food tours in Prague. An experienced guide can help you discover the best dishes and where to find them. Once you have figured out which meals you like, you have a starting point for your culinary journey that will make each visit to Prague much more enjoyable.
31 Best Foods in Prague Worth Trying
1. Dumplings (Knedlíky)
One of the best foods in Prague and a favorite of the locals is knedliky, or dumplings. This popular Prague food shares similarities with gnocchi and is made from either bread (houskové knedlíky) or potatoes (bramborové knedlíky). It is usually served as a side to a meat dish in a set of four to six pieces.
There are also sweet dumplings known as ovocné knedlíky. These are filled with fruit preserves such as apricots, berries or plums.
2. Roast Duck (Pecená Kachna)
A tasty Prague food in traditional Czech restaurants, pecená kachna, or roast duck, is customarily served with sides of cabbage (zelí) and dumplings. The duck is slow-roasted until its skin turns crispy and the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. The dumplings come soaked in duck fat, which gives them an outstanding flavor. It is an extremely popular food in Prague, especially during the holiday season.
3. Fried Cheese (Smazený Sýr)
Smazený sýr, or fried cheese, is one of the best Prague foods served as a side or eaten on its own as a snack. This traditional dish is usually made from Edam cheese coated with egg, flour and breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown. Smazený sýr is served at fast food chains or traditional restaurants, along with potatoes and cabbage, but may also be served on buns with pickles and tartar sauce.
4. Chimney Cakes (Trdelník)
A traditional pastry that is a big part of the Prague food culture, trdelník is available on almost every street corner of the city. While many consider it to be a traditional Prague food, its roots trace back to Germany and Hungary. Watching it being made can be as enjoyable as eating it. The dough of this Prague food is wrapped around a stick before being heated over a flame until golden brown.
It is then dipped in cinnamon sugar and nuts, slathered with butter and stuffed with different fillings like chocolate, cream or other sweet sauces. You can tick this off your foodie bucket list by enjoying a sweet or savory version from numerous bars, cafés or street food vendors.
5. Pilsner Beer (Plzenské Pivo)
No description of Prague, Czech Republic food would be complete without mentioning the local Pilsner beer. It is a popular type of beer available worldwide, but not many people know it gets its name from Pilsen, a town less than 60 miles from Prague.
It is an absolute must-try on the Prague food scene, usually served in steins at bars. And since it has a low alcohol content, you can imbibe a few without burning a hole in your pocket.
6. Goulash
A popular dish in Central Europe, the Czech version of goulash is a can't-miss Prague food. It is a hearty stew made with beef, onions and paprika and is often considered a pillar of Czech cuisine.
Unlike the Hungarian variant, this Prague food is thicker, has fewer vegetables and is usually served with dumplings. The dry paprika can make it spicy, so be careful when ordering.
7. Slivovitz
Prague is known for its cheap beer, so many visitors tend to miss out on the classic brandy known as slivovitz. This colorless plum drink is made across Central and Eastern Europe and is an integral part of Czech cuisine, pairing well with many Prague foods. If you are interested in the history of slivovitz, there is even a museum devoted to this drink where you can sample its many different versions.
8. Mushroom, Dill and Potato Soup (Kulajda)
Soup is an indispensable part of the Prague food culture, with many variants appearing all across the city. Kulajda is arguably the most iconic of them all. It is made with dill, mushrooms and potatoes, topped with a quail egg and sour cream.
The flavors of this Prague food include sweet, tart and herbaceous notes, and its creamy texture is simply delicious. Available at many of the city's more traditional restaurants, it's one of the best meals for a frosty, snowy day.
9. Gingerbread (Pernícky)
A traditional Prague food with a long history in Czech culture, pernícky is a heavily spiced gingerbread cookie. Unlike other conventional gingerbread foods, it isn’t too sweet. It makes a delicious snack and can be enjoyed with coffee or tea.
As countless recipes of this Prague food have been passed down through generations, there are many different varieties available. However, common ingredients usually include flour, honey and powdered sugar, together with gingerbread spice, melted butter, cocoa and eggs.
10. Pickled Cheese (Nakládaný hermelín)
Pickled cheese is a popular Prague food you'll usually find in bars. This soft cheese, marinated in garlic, oil and spices, is tangy and perfect for accompanying a beer stein filled with your favorite pint. It also pairs well with other foods, such as peppers, onions and bread.
11. Pork Knuckle (Koleno)
Any self-respecting carnivore will love this iconic Prague food that is widely available. Yes, we are talking about the pork knuckle, a huge bone-in hunk of meat traditionally served on a wooden cutting board with a serrated meat knife. It is a beloved dish that epitomizes Prague food, and while it may not look pretty, it is delicious.
The meat is slow-roasted for a long time and is often marinated in beer and spices to give it a tender, distinctive flavor. It is served with pickled vegetables, sauerkraut and dumplings. The local recommendation is to wash it down with copious amounts of beer. Dishes like koleno are why Prague features on lists of the best foodie cities in Europe.
12. Moravian Wine
Although Prague's food culture revolves around beer, wine is also very popular with the locals. Czechs take pride in the quality of their wines, and almost 90% of local wines come from Moravia, a wine-growing region over 150 miles from Prague with hundreds of vineyards.
Some of these vineyards are also located on castle grounds. So, while they may not feature on some oenophiles’ lists, Moravian wines are worth trying for their variety and high quality.
13. Schnitzel (Smazený Veprový Rízek)
This traditional Prague food translates as fried pork cutlet. Unlike its more famous Viennese counterpart, the wiener schnitzel, the smazený veprový rízek is made from pork as opposed to veal. The meat in these cutlets is pounded and breaded before being deep-fried. The resulting crispy cutlets are undeniably delicious and usually served with potato salad.
14. Steak Tartare (Tatarák)
Originating in France, this popular meal has been adopted by the Czechs, who refer to it as tatarák. It is made from ground raw beef mixed with egg yolk and spices, including salt, pepper and chives. While some may be uncomfortable eating raw meat and eggs in a dish, the locals love it.
15. Potato Pancakes (Bramboráky)
A treat for vegetarians, this Prague food is excellent for a quick meal on the go. Bramboráky are pancakes that are made from grated potatoes. They are bound together with egg and flour before being shallow-fried. The flavors of garlic and spices, like marjoram, add to the unique taste of this Prague food. They are usually found at street food stalls and markets around the city.
16. Cream Rolls (Kremrole)
Cream rolls are a must-have treat when you are in Prague. These enjoyable confections can be traced back to the former Austro-Hungarian empire and are loved all across Central Europe. Light, flaky puff pastry is shaped into tubes and baked until golden.
The filling can vary depending on the recipe and location, ranging from whipped cream to beaten egg whites and sugar. The crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth fillings make this sweet treat stand out among the many sweet creations in the Prague food lineup.
17. Strúdl
You may be surprised to find strúdl on this list of best Prague food, as it’s often seen as a Viennese classic rather than a Czech specialty. While the Czech version shares many similarities with the traditional Austrian strudel, it tends to be a heartier, more rustic take on the original.
In Czechia, strúdl is often called jablecný závin, with "jablecný" meaning “apple” and “závin” referring to something wrapped. The Prague food version features a delicious filling of apples, raisins and walnuts. If you find yourself in Prague during fall when apples are at their best, step into a cozy café and enjoy a warm slice of strúdl with a swirl of cream and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
18. Pinwheel (Vetrník)
When making your list of Prague food that cannot be missed, vetrník should be included. This dessert is a true indulgence consisting of two choux pastry swirls filled with a cream made of egg yolks and caramel. The entire confection is then topped with a caramel fondant.
If you are picturing a French profiterole, you’re on the right track. While the full-size version of this Prague food may lean towards the incredibly indulgent side, never fear, as many pastry shops now serve mini sizes.
19. Sweet Buns (Buchty)
Some Prague foods are deeply rooted in the country's folklore. One such item is the buchty, or sweet bun. Over time, what started as a story of a young boy on a journey to self-discovery turned into a symbolic representation of kindness and simplicity, with the help of buchty.
Today, the buns are a staple in most households over the weekend. These fluffy, soft, brioche-like breads are filled with Czech favorites such as poppy seed paste, fruit preserves and tvaroh or farmer’s cheese. The best places to score these buttery treats in Prague are from the Old Town's traditional bakeries.
20. Wreath (Venecek)
You might end up confusing the venecek with the vetrník as both confectionaries are similar to an eclair or profiterole. However, the venecek, or wreath pastry, is typically round with a hole in the middle — almost like a donut. The middle is filled with a vanilla custard and topped with a sugar icing. Every bite of this delicious Prague food is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet and crunchy.
21. Roasted Goose (Pecená Husa)
Prague food is deeply rooted in tradition and the end of harvest season in Czechia is celebrated with much merriment and feasting. Families and friends gather together and commemorate the occasion with crispy roast goose and bottles of young wine. This tradition of roasting a goose can be traced back to the legend of St. Martin, who was supposedly interrupted by a flock of noisy geese while preparing for a sermon.
In a twist of (humorous) retribution, the geese ended up on the dinner table, and today, St. Martin’s Day is synonymous with a succulent roast goose. The tender meat is usually paired with side dishes like sauerkraut and dumplings and, like most Prague food, encapsulates the warmth and joy of Czech traditions.
22. Becherovka
First sold in 1807, Carlsbad’s famous herbal liqueur, Becherovka, has evolved into a treasured Czech tradition and legendary Prague food. With an alcohol content of 38%, its specific flavor comes from the crystal clear spring waters of Karlovy Vary. The actual recipe remains top secret, but what is known is that a blend of sugars, spirits, herbs and spices makes Becherovka the drink of choice to this day.
Enjoy a shot served cold or mixed with other beverages. Becherovka goes exceptionally well with tonic or cola. If you do develop a taste for this herbal libation, head to the Jan Becher Museum, which offers a closer look at the history of the drink and its production.
23. Utopenci
Visit any pub or bar in Czechia, and you will likely come across a snack known as utopenci or “drowned men.” The dish features sausages pickled in a tangy, herby marinade, typically made with vinegar, bay leaves and onions, coupled with spices and herbs. It's a local favorite, served with white bread and a cold beer.
The origin of this unusual name can be traced to a story of a miller named Samánek, who drowned while working. But many insist that the drowned part of the name refers to the sausages “drowning” in the marinade. Whatever the true story, this traditional and unique Prague food is worth enjoying when you are in the city.
24. Kyselica
Prague food is known for its hearty flavors, and kyselica is the ideal example of this tradition. Originating from the Wallachian region of Czechia, kyselica is a soup made of potatoes, sauerkraut and smoked meats. It is nourishing and satisfying, especially in the colder winter months.
The ingredients are simple and economical, and some regional variations even include eggs and caraway seeds for added nutrition. More than just a filling meal, kyselica embodies the spirit of Prague food, where humble ingredients are transformed into something comforting and delicious.
25. Kolache
This beloved pastry that originated in Czechia has a soft and buttery yeasted dough. Kolaches are conventionally filled with plum jam, cottage cheese or poppy seeds. Modern versions range from blueberry and cherry to even Nutella fillings.
Like most sweet Prague foods, Kolache can be enjoyed around the clock, so pick one up for breakfast, as a tea-time snack or even a post-dinner treat. Any bakery or café in Prague will have its version of this iconic sweet pastry, so you must try several while visiting.
26. Bábovka
When you list popular Prague foods, you cannot ignore the humble (but delicious) bábovka. A quintessential Czech dessert, it combines generations of baking traditions and customs to create a cake perfect for any occasion.
The Czech version of this bundt cake can be made marbled with fruit, nuts, chocolate or alcohol. Nowadays, even savory versions are available. No matter the flavor, a slice of this cake is bound to make your coffee stop even cozier.
27. Grilled Sausages (Grilované Klobása)
Meat lovers out there will love these grilled sausages, otherwise known as grilované klobása. This Prague food is found in most beer gardens and at several street stands across the city.
If you asked a local what comfort food meant to them, the odds are the answer would be these juicy, smoky sausages served in a crusty roll and slathered with condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard. This renowned street food is the ideal quick bite between sightseeing tours or after a night out.
28. Braised Beef (Svícková) With Dumplings
Svícková is often regarded as one of the most iconic Prague foods. To achieve the tender bite raved about by so many, braised beef is spiced with thyme, bay leaves and allspice, and slow-cooked until its fork is tender. The tenderloin is served with a creamy root vegetable sauce, usually made from carrots, parsley root and celeriac.
Sour cream adds a bold, tangy flavor that is unique and appetizing. Traditionally paired with Czech bread dumplings, sharp cranberry sauce and whipped cream, every bite provides a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
29. Czech Pancakes (Palacinky)
Like French crêpes or palatschinken from Austria, Czech palacinky are delicate pancakes that must be on any list of the best Prague foods. A simple flour, milk and egg batter transforms into a thin golden wrap. The fillings, such as jams, quark cheese, chocolate spread or cream, are typically sweet.
These pancakes are served folded or rolled and often dusted with icing sugar and cream. Enjoy palacinky any time of the day, as many cafés also offer savory versions for lunch or an early dinner.
30. Wild Boar Shnitzel (Kancí rízky)
A staple Prague food menu item, the wild boar appears in high-end restaurants and casual diners. One of the best ways to enjoy this game meat is in schnitzel form. Breaded, fried and crispy, it may sound like your regular pork or veal schnitzel, but it’s so much more. The dish is rich, hearty and flavored with herbs and spices. Typically served with a potato salad, it is best enjoyed at classic eateries like Pivnice U Svejku.
31. Open-Faced Sandwiches (Oblozené Chlebícky)
Oblozené chlebíčky are open-faced sandwiches, but they are also so much more. This exquisite Prague food takes the simple sandwich to the next level. Soft white bread slices are topped with butter, potato salad or creamy horseradish and then decorated with various vegetables, meat slices and cheese. Today, you will find this delectable Prague food in various traditional and modern combinations on every festive table.
Learn How To Cook Prague Foods
So, you’ve been to Prague and have fallen in love with the city, the sights and especially the Prague food. Your mind is still swirling with all the gorgeous pastries and hearty soups you devoured, and now you're ready to recreate that magic at home. With the help of cooking classes near you, you can learn the secrets behind the iconic dishes that make Prague food so special.
If you can't make in-person experiences, online cooking classes will provide the same hands-on guidance and professional techniques to elevate your cooking, from the comfort of your home. Whether you join a class in person or work with experienced chefs online, you will surely enjoy a deeper connection to Prague’s culinary heritage and bring the city's flavors to your home.
Prague’s culinary scene is a dynamic mix of traditional comfort food and creative modern innovations, with something offered for every palate. The Prague food culture continues to celebrate its rich heritage while embracing new flavors and techniques.
Whether visiting local restaurants, enrolling in cooking classes or partying with locals in hidden taverns, the food in Prague provides the best way to connect with the city and country’s history, culture and people. Be sure to add this list of the best Prague foods to your itinerary so you don't miss out.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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