The Most Popular Food in Prague: A Taste of Czech Culinary Delights

Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Updated on Nov 26, 2023 07:58

Welcome to StrawPoll's tantalizing ranking of the most popular food in the enchanting city of Prague! As a melting pot of culinary delights, Prague offers a diverse menu to satisfy every foodie's craving. Now, it's time to let your taste buds take control and vote for your ultimate Prague dining experience. Explore our delectable selection of traditional Czech dishes and contemporary favorites that have conquered the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and tourists alike. And if you feel like we've missed a hidden gem, don't hesitate to suggest your own mouthwatering options! So, ready your appetite and embark on a gastronomic adventure through Prague's finest delicacies, and together, let's discover the true flavor of this captivating city.

What Is the Most Popular Food in Prague?

1

83
votes
Goulash

A hearty beef or pork stew with paprika, onions, and potatoes, often served with bread or dumplings. Goulash is a staple of Czech cuisine and is widely available in Prague's restaurants and pubs.
Description

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian dish that has become popular throughout Europe. It is a hearty stew made with tender chunks of beef or pork, cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of paprika and other spices. The dish is typically slow-cooked for several hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Goulash is often served with bread or dumplings, which are perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful sauce.

Origin: Hungary

Main Ingredients: Beef or pork, onions, garlic, paprika

Flavor: Rich and savory

Cooking Method: Slow-cooked stew

Serving Style: With bread or dumplings
2

43
votes
Trdelník

A sweet pastry made from rolled dough wrapped around a stick, grilled over an open flame, and coated with sugar and cinnamon. Trdelník is a popular street food in Prague, especially in tourist areas.
Description

Trdelník is a traditional Czech pastry that originated in the region of Transylvania, but has become widely popular in the Czech Republic. It is made by wrapping dough around a cylindrical spit, which is then grilled or baked until it develops a crispy outer layer. The inside remains soft and fluffy, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Trdelník is typically served hot and sprinkled with sugar and sometimes topped with nuts or cinnamon.

Origin: Transylvania, now popular in the Czech Republic

Preparation Method: Dough wrapped around a cylindrical spit and grilled or baked

Texture: Crispy outer layer with a soft and fluffy inside

Serving Style: Hot, often sprinkled with sugar and sometimes topped with nuts or cinnamon

Cultural Significance: Considered a symbol of Czech street food
3

23
votes
Svíčková

A traditional Czech dish made of beef sirloin smothered in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with dumplings and cranberry sauce. Svíčková is a favorite among locals and is often served on special occasions.
Description

Svíčková is a traditional Czech dish that is widely popular in Prague. It consists of marinated beef sirloin, which is slow-cooked in a creamy vegetable sauce. The dish is typically served with bread dumplings, cranberry sauce, and garnished with a slice of lemon and whipped cream.

Meat: Marinated beef sirloin

Sauce: Creamy vegetable sauce

Serving: With bread dumplings

Garnish: Slice of lemon and whipped cream

Accompaniment: Cranberry sauce
4

19
votes
Jiří Suchomel · CC BY-SA 2.0

Czech beer

Czechs are known for their beer, and Prague is home to some of the best breweries in the country. Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, and Kozel are just a few of the popular beer brands available in Prague.
Description

Czech beer is a traditional and widely enjoyed alcoholic beverage in Prague. It is known for its high quality and distinctive taste, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Type: Lager

Alcohol Content: Typically between 4-5%

Color: Golden to amber

Bitterness: Moderate to medium

Carbonation: Moderate
5

14
votes
Eric Kilby · CC BY-SA 2.0

Roast pork

Czech cuisine

Roast pork is a popular dish in Czech cuisine, often served with sauerkraut and dumplings. It's a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for cold winter nights.
Description

Roast pork is a traditional Czech dish typically served in Prague. It is a succulent and hearty dish made from roasted pork shoulder or loin. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender meat with a crispy and flavorful exterior. The dish is usually accompanied by traditional sides such as sauerkraut, bread dumplings, and creamy Czech potato salad.

Main ingredient: Pork shoulder or loin

Cooking method: Roasting

Texture: Tender and juicy

Flavor profile: Rich and savory

Exterior: Crispy
6

7
votes
Greg Tally - User: (WT-shared) WineCountryInn at wts wikivoyage · CC BY-SA 3.0

Fried cheese

Smažený sýr is a Czech specialty that's hard to resist. It's a breaded and fried cheese that's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Fried cheese is often served with tartar sauce and French fries.
Description

Fried cheese is a traditional Czech dish that has become immensely popular in Prague. It consists of a slice of cheese, typically Edam or Hermelín, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft, gooey texture on the inside. Often served with tartar sauce and a side of fries or potatoes, it is a beloved comfort food in Prague's culinary scene.

Cheese Types: Edam, Hermelín

Coating: Breadcrumbs

Cooking Method: Deep-fried

Texture: Crispy outside, gooey inside

Serving Sauce: Tartar sauce
Fried cheese in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular fried food in America
7

7
votes
Kulajda

A creamy soup made with potatoes, mushrooms, dill, and sour cream, often served with a poached egg. Kulajda is a traditional Czech soup that's popular in the autumn and winter months.
Description

Kulajda is a traditional Czech soup that is popular in Prague. It is primarily a creamy potato soup with a distinctive sour taste, enhanced by the addition of vinegar or sour cream. The soup often contains mushrooms, dill, and potatoes as its main ingredients. It is typically served hot and garnished with a poached egg and crispy croutons.

Taste: Creamy with a distinct sour flavor

Main Ingredients: Potatoes, mushrooms, dill

Garnish: Poached egg and crispy croutons

Serving Temperature: Hot

Tradition: A traditional Czech dish
8

4
votes
Pork knuckle

Czech cuisine

A roasted pork knuckle or hock with crispy skin, served with sauerkraut and bread dumplings. Pork knuckle is a filling and flavorful dish that's perfect for a hearty meal.
Description

Pork knuckle, also known as pork hock or roasted pork shank, is a traditional Czech dish that has gained popularity in Prague. It consists of a large portion of the lower joint of the pork leg, which is marinated, slow-cooked, and then roasted until it becomes tender and crispy on the outside. The dish is typically served with sauerkraut, bread dumplings, and mustard.

Size: Large portion

Preparation: Marinated, slow-cooked, and roasted

Texture: Tender and crispy

Serving: With sauerkraut, bread dumplings, and mustard

Flavor: Rich and savory
9

4
votes
VitVit · CC BY-SA 4.0

Fruit dumplings

Czech cuisine

Fruit dumplings are a sweet and satisfying dessert made with a dough that's wrapped around a fruit filling, boiled, and then coated in butter and sugar. Plum dumplings are a popular variety in Czech cuisine.
Description

Fruit dumplings are a traditional Czech dish consisting of dumplings made with a potato dough that are filled with various fruits, most commonly plums. The dumplings are boiled and then served with melted butter, powdered sugar, and often topped with cottage cheese or fruit preserves.

Main ingredients: Potato dough, fruit (plums)

Preparation method: Boiled

Serving style: Topped with melted butter, powdered sugar, and cottage cheese or fruit preserves

Popular fruits used: Plums, apricots, strawberries

Texture: Soft and doughy
10

4
votes

Ramon Piñeiro · CC BY-SA 2.0

Smoked meat

Prague is home to several smokehouses that specialize in smoked meat, including ham, sausages, and bacon. Smoked meat is often served on a platter with bread, mustard, and pickles.

Missing your favorite food?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for popular food

Traditional Czech dishes

Consider the popularity of dishes that are native to Prague and the Czech Republic, such as goulash, roasted duck, and kolaches.
Taste and flavor

The taste and flavor profile of the food should be appealing to both locals and tourists in order to be considered popular.
Availability and accessibility

The food should be readily available at various restaurants, street food vendors, and markets throughout the city.
Affordability

The cost of the food should be reasonable and accessible to individuals with varying budgets.
Cultural significance

The food should have historical and cultural significance which adds to its appeal and popularity among locals and tourists.
Popularity among locals

Locals are an excellent source of information on popular food in Prague. Their preferences and recommendations should be taken into account.
Popularity among tourists

Tourists' opinions and reviews should also be considered in order to find food that is popular and well-received among visitors to the city.
Social media and online presence

The popularity of certain foods can often be gauged through their presence on social media and online reviews. Look for trends and frequently mentioned dishes among online reviewers.
Media coverage and recommendations

Look for food items that have been featured in travel and food shows, articles, and blogs or recommended by notable food critics and experts.
Innovation and creativity

Unique and innovative dishes that showcase the culinary expertise of Prague's chefs and cater to changing global tastes can also contribute to the popularity of certain foods.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Prague. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1622 views
208 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular food in prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. One of the best ways to explore the local food scene is by trying out the most popular dishes that the city has to offer. With a wide range of options available, it can be difficult to determine which food reigns supreme in Prague. From traditional Czech cuisine to international favorites, there's something for every taste bud. So, what is the most popular food in Prague? Let's take a closer look.

Explore other rankings

Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.