1. Obložené chlebíčky
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Simple but tasty, these are essentially just open-faced sandwiches. They’re usually topped with a mayonnaise-like spread, followed by cured meats, cheese, egg, or vegetables. You can pick them up at delis all over Prague, though Ovocný Světozor is a good, cheap bet.
2. Svíčková
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Its description doesn’t sound the most appealing, but this dish is as authentic as it gets and, trust us, it’s actually delicious. Thin pieces of steak are boiled with root vegetables until tender, then herbs and cream are added to the mix. It’s then topped with more cream and cranberry sauce. The blend of sweet and salty is bizarre, but weirdly good. Repre has some of the best in the city.
3. Bramborák
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This basic potato pancake somehow packs so much flavor. The batter is usually prepared with garlic, herbs, and butter, then fried ’til it's golden and crispy. Your best bet is to pick these up at a deli — just look for signs that say “lahůdky”.
4. Trdelník or trdlo
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Let’s be clear: This is not authentic Czech cuisine. It’s sold primarily to tourists, but it’s so damn delicious you’d be silly not to get one. Like a chimney cake, it’s batter cooked on a spit over hot coals, then rolled in cinnamon and sugar. You can have it plain or fill it with chocolate, cream, fruit, or ice cream. You’ll find stands literally all over the old town.
5. Goulash
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You can’t go to Central Europe and not get at least one bowl of goulash. They vary from country to country, but Prague’s offering is a meaty, potato-ey stew, prepared with a buttload of herbs that give it a powerful flavor. They have great goulash at Mlejnice.
6. Halušky
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While this dish is actually a traditional Slovakian one rather than Czech, it’s still eaten quite a lot here. It's called "dumplings", and it's kind of like small gnocchi. In Slovakia they’re usually topped with sheep's cheese, but in Prague you’ll be more likely to find it with ham and fresh herbs. It’s an ideal hearty dinner for cold winter nights, and you can find a great take on it at Mincovna.
7. Knedlíky
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These dense bread dumplings are a carb-lover's dream. You'll usually find them served with goulash or svíčková, as they're perfect for mopping up thick soups and stews. You can find them on the menu of pretty much any restaurant serving Czech food.
8. Ovocné knedlíky
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Literally translated to mean "fruity dumplings," these are like the ones above...but stuffed with fruit! Traditionally they're filled with strawberry or plum, and served with butter or curd cheese. Baráčnická Rychta have incredible ones.
9. Pražská šunka
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The Czechs love their meat. Most restaurants you go to will offer a meat plate, sort of like an antipasto board but with more meat and less other things. Be sure to try one with Prague ham (pražská šunka) which is smoked with beechwood. Naše Maso butcher is your best bet for any meat-based needs in Prague.
10. Smažený sýr
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Two words: fried cheese. This is literally just that, served piping hot, sometimes in a sandwich. You’ll be able to find this at street vendors while wandering around the pedestrian area of the city, and at a lot of bars. They've also got it at the tourist hotspot for Czech food, Lokál.
11. Koleno
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Koleno, aka pork knuckle, is a menu staple at every traditional restaurant. It might sound a little intimidating, but it's a must-try for anyone who likes pork. The serving sizes are huge, and the meat is prepared in a broth that adds so much flavor. Again, you'll find it everywhere, but Mlejnice's pork gets rave reviews.
12. Vuřty na černém pivu
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This translates to exactly what it is: sausages in beer. Sounds weird, but it's surprisingly tasty. Juicy, rich sausages are cooked in a thick sauce with a ton of spices, almost like a chili con carne. Grab a bowl at U Pinkasů, a place famous for their beer.
13. Tatarák
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While it might not be to everyone’s taste, Czechs know how to do a good steak tartare. At Naše Maso, you’ll be guaranteed high-quality meat, seasoned with herbs, and spread over thick, garlicky bread.
14. Pečená kachna se zelím
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Czech food is really heavy on the meat, and this dish is no exception. A huge duck leg, served with sweet boiled cabbage and a heap of bread dumplings, it’s a meal to eat when you’re really hungry. Try it at Hospoda Hajnovka with a pint of dark beer to round out the flavor.
15. Schnitzel
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We’re not going to pretend that schnitzel is Czech, but Prague’s closeness to Austria and Germany has had an influence on its cuisine. You’ll find schnitzel, usually pork, on the menu everywhere. Expect it to be served with potatoes and cabbage. Try a good one at Lokál.
16. Koláče
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These sweet rolls make a great dessert or snack. The brioche-like dough is baked with a filling of fruit or poppy seeds. Ideally eaten with a coffee, you can find them in bakeries all over the city. Visit the farmers market on Jiřího z Poděbrad for really good ones.
