The Classic Chlebíčky
The Czechs are very fond of the chlebíčky, an open-faced sandwich made of savory toppings on a slice of baguette-like bread. They have it for a quick lunch, a snack, finger food at parties or late-night bites. Best enjoyed at Sisters Bistro paired with one of their hearty soups
Where to find it: Dlouhá 727/39, 110 00 Staré Město
Char-grilled Slab of Meat
If you’re a meat-lover, make your way to Kantyna where you’ll be greeted by the slogan “Vy si vyberete, my to ugrilujeme!” The“You choose it, we grill it” ritual starts with your choice of slab of meat which you write on a scoreboard order slip given at the entrance. Then you cross off how many glasses of beer you’d like to have with it (yes, the Czechs love beer!) and head to the counter to pick your meat to be grilled on charcoal.
Order some starters to go with the beer while you wait. You can’t go wrong with some pulled pork, potato pancake, dry-aged beef sausage with truffle, and steak tartare, along with Kozel dark lager. Rub elbows with the locals on the stand up communal table or settle in one of the cozy tables at the back.
Where to find it: Politických vězňů 5, 110 00 Prague-Nové Město,
The Best Czech Beer Experience
There’s a local pub in the trendy district of Karlin that’s become somewhat of an institution in Prague. Locals keep coming back to Local Hamburk because there’s nothing like the taste of fresh draught beer served straight from the steel tanks to your pint glass.
It’s a small space with very few tables so if you turn up without a reservation, you’ll find yourself standing outside, beer on hand next to yuppie locals London-pub-style. Not bad at all in the summer time. The Czechs are a friendly bunch.
credit: lokal-hamburk.ambi.cz
credit: tasteofprague
credit: tasteofprague
Where to find it: Sokolovská 55, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín
Gourmet But Unpretentious
For a more gastronomic experience in a casual setting, the open kitchen and communal style tables at the Eska restaurant is a good choice. The potato in ash with potato espuma, paired with gin and tonic and fermented red wheat with raw button mushrooms and sautéed black trumpet mushrooms paired with 2016 Blauer Portuguieser are some of the unique creations of Eska the head chef Martin Štangl who combines traditional Czech ingredients with modern cooking methods for a truly unique dining experience.
The tasting menu with 8 courses is 1850 CZK (70 euros). Add 1550 CZK (60 euros) for the pairing drinks.
OMG (Oh My God) Gin
Potato in ash with potato espuma
Sautéed black trumpet mushrooms
Where to find it: Pernerova 49, Karlín, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín-Praha 8
Sinfully Delicious Czech Ending
credit: roamrambleread
Krystal Bistro serves traditional French cuisine with a Czech touch. But if you’re only looking for dessert, the plum dumpling with poppy seeds, crushed nuts and lots of melted butter paired with a glass of walnut brandy will not disappoint.
Where to find it: Sokolovská 101/99, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín