We did several activities in Prague, like a walking tour, boat and paddle boat tour and some museums, but our main activity was a search for good old traditional Czech food. And beer. Nothing without a Czech beer. And if I may admit we were not disappointed.
Even in the mid of the hot August we did not give up from hearty comfort food characterized by dumplings, meat and thick sauces. Desserts, ice creams and beer with every meal was just a natural flow of the things.
On the very first evening, after landing, we dined in Pivovar U Medvídků, one of the oldest and most famous beer halls, with a history dating back to 1466, when a brewery was established at the site.
We had a selection of their beers to start with a lovely salted pretzel just to warm us up for the big finale of delicious dishes
Traditional Czech cuisine is influenced by surrounding countries and the long lasting dominance of Austro Hungarian Empire. Winters are long and harsh, people rely on hearty dishes that provides them with warmth and energy. Stews, roasts, and thick sauces are staples of the Czech cuisine. Dumplings (knedlíky) emerged as a practical way to stretch meals, above all they are cheap, filling, and perfect for soaking up sauces.
Czech beer tradition is one of the oldest and proudest in Europe, deeply rooted in medieval monastic brewing and made to perfection over centuries. While the city of Plzeň revolutionized brewing in the bid 1800, with creation of Pilsner lager, one of the most famous Czech breweries Budvar is known for brewing rich, full‑bodied lager by using local Moravian malt, Saaz hops, and soft Czech water. All to give that perfect balanced taste of traditional beer. I mean, I am no expert, but I enjoyed the local beers very much.
Lokál Dlouhááá is historically the first and literally the longest bar/restaurant that measures 69,78 meters where beer is served from 12 tanks and where up to 1300 guests visit on a daily basis.
Lokal is meant to feel like a cozy 1970s village pub—not the harsh parts of the communist era, but the warm, home‑style side of Czech life. It aims to recreate a place where everything is cooked fresh, just like in a real home kitchen.
Lidová jídelna Těšnov is the old style traditional and budget friendly canteen with fantastic set up with plastic trays reminding on the Yugoslavian food mensa with great food and even better beers. Simple self-service restaurant at its finest.
U Fleků is a pub and microbrewery founded in the late 1400 and characterized by an open garden style German pub with indoors halls called Academies where celebrities of the 19th and early 20th century used to meet. The restaurant is famous for being the founding place for the Croatian football club Hajduk from Split, back in 1911.
Naše maso is a butcher shop offering ready to go sandwiches with your own selection of meats.
The meat sandwich on one side, eating on the front porch and the classical caffe setting on the other, marks Prague vibrant gastronomy offer.
Operating since 1893, Caffe Savoy is a historic café that serves authentic Czech cuisine in stunning Belle Époque elegance.
Marked by the classical Austrian-Hungarian style of interior design, with black bow tie dressed waiters, the cafe echoes vibes of Zagreb Gradska Kavana or Viennese caffe reflecting the taste of old world elegance.
Although caffe serves brunches and proper dinner meals, we enjoyed some desserts and beer. Mind you, a s teak tartare is Debelis type of a dessert.
Vinohradsky parlament is a modern version of the Prague beer house with simple wooden tables and interesting wall decor. Their menu is quite is simple and is based on classical Czech specialties with a modern twist.
We had several types of dumplings, and looking at the photos now i am wondering how did we survive after eating all of that.
To summaries our food experience in Prague, if leaving out, couple of kilograms collected along the way, Prague as a food destination reflects comfort on every corner; with warm dumplings, rich traditional dishes, and a cold refreshing draft beers.
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