Czech cuisine. So much has been written about her, but we will summarize. Here are the top ten inventions of Czech chefs. Must-eat, so to speak.
1. Svičková na smetaně
This wonderful dish of tender beef with a creamy vegetable sauce and the addition of sweet and sour lingonberries is the universal love of the Czech nation. Moreover, dumplings are served with meat in Svickovo – another source of pride for the Czech people. The latter are “pancakes” made from bread or potatoes. Don’t try to leave them on the plate! Locals will think you’re crazy. Or they will look at you condescendingly, thinking that you will never understand the charms of Czech cuisine. By the way, when you come to a Czech restaurant for lunch, you need to take into account that the local chefs do not always pay attention to the appearance of the food. So, svichkova with sour cream most likely will not look super aesthetically pleasing, but don’t worry – this will not affect the taste.
2. Garlic (Česnečka)
Traditional Czech soup – simple and tasty. Chicken broth, richly seasoned with garlic, with the addition of potatoes, processed cheese and sometimes meat (smoked meats). Garlic is often sprinkled on croutons. It warms you up in winter, strengthens your body, and is said to help with hangovers better than anything else. A holiday of the stomach and immunity, in general.
3. Grilled Hermelin
Hermelin is a Czech soft cheese with white mold. It tastes and looks very much like French Camembert. In most Czech bars you will be offered to try it in two variations – marinated or fried (grilled). In the second case, you will be served heated grilled cheese (liquid inside) with croutons and, most likely, lingonberry jam. Real jam! Especially with beer.
4. Vepro-knedlo-zelo (Vepřo knedlo zelo)
For pork lovers and those who want to try something truly Czech, we recommend pork with stewed sauerkraut and dumplings (where would you be without them?). A simple but satisfying dish – a classic of local cuisine. The secret of the meat in this dish is baking in beer (usually beer with water 1:1). The Czechs like it, and the tourists are happy too.
5. Goulash
Yes, in the Czech Republic they also love it and consider it “their” dish. Czech goulash certainly includes a viscous, spicy sauce for the meat, which sets the overall tone of the dish. The meat can be anything, depending on the establishment. Most often it is beef or pork. There is venison or rabbit meat, and in some restaurants you will be offered goulash made from chicken or fish(!). Surprising but true.
6. Pickled hermelin (Nakládaný hermelín )
It’s also worth a try, as it’s a timeless Czech classic. Despite its small size, this is a hearty and quite spicy snack for beer. It is usually served with pepper and lots of onions. You will be offered pickled hermelin in all Czech bars without exception.
7. Tatarak
We confess, this is not a Czech dish, but here it is so loved and eaten so en masse that it was impossible not to add it to this list. Moreover, it is an IDEAL addition to Czech beer. If you haven’t already guessed, tatarak is the Czech name for tartare – raw ground beef with egg yolk and spices. These ingredients must be mixed on a plate and spread on croutons pre-grated with garlic. The taste of the dish is difficult to describe, better try it!
8. Baked carp (Smažený kapr)
Traditional Czech Christmas dish. However, you can taste it in some restaurants all year round. Czechs bake carp in sour cream and beer sauce and sprinkle generously with lemon juice. A great alternative for those who don’t like pork.
9. Trdelnik
The origin of this dessert is in question – the Czech Republic and Slovakia are fighting for the right to be considered the birthplace of the sweet. Let’s, being in Prague, believe the Czechs who claim that trdelnik was invented by a baker from the ancient city of Cesky Krumlov? Trdelnik is an empty wide tube of tender yeast dough, generously sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. You can eat trdelnik in its classic form – without filling, or filling it with jam, chocolate spread, or ice cream. Those who are able to eat the whole trdelnik with ice cream are real heroes, because it is very filling even without filling.
10. Fruit dumplings (Ovocné knedlíky)
A dessert version of a favorite dish is boiled dough balls with fruit filling. A perfect end to a meal and a perfect accompaniment to tea.