What to eat en République tchèque? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Enjoying yourself en République tchèque

Timetable en République tchèque

In the Czech Republic, you will almost always find a place to eat. In the hospoda or pivnice, you will mostly drink a beer, but the small side dishes that can be ordered at the same time are always caloric (marinated cheese, sausage, filled toast...) and will be enough to satisfy the small appetite at any time of the day. The restaurant is more suitable for those who wish to have a real meal. The service is sometimes continuous in the afternoon, but this is not always the case. In general, Czechs dine early, between 7 and 8 pm (so as to be free to go to the show afterwards), and dress up for the occasion.

Budget & Tips en République tchèque

Eating in the Czech Republic is not a problem from a financial point of view. From a cholesterol point of view, that's another matter, but in any case, tavern and restaurant prices are very attractive and will enable you to have very good meals without breaking the bank. Generally speaking, a full meal in a traditional restaurant will cost between €12 and €15 at the most (expect €5 more in the capital), and half that if you settle for a salad or the daily menu. You can also make do with a sausage and mustard from a street stall.

If you opt for French or Italian restaurants, of which there are an increasing number in Prague, the bill can rise quite quickly, especially if your order includes wine. But the quality will usually be there.

What costs extra en République tchèque

It's customary to leave a tip equivalent to 5% or 10% of the amount of the bill, to be given to the waiter who comes to collect, announcing the total figure thus obtained. If the bill does not include service and you leave without leaving a tip, the waiter will remind you. Beware: in some tourist restaurants in the city center, "tips" can be excessive. It's customary to also tip the cab driver (if the price is right).

The local way en République tchèque

It is very local to have dinner in the Czech style, i.e. early, so that you have time to go to a show or a concert instead of staying in a restaurant. You avoid restaurants and go to a pivnice or a literární kavarná to order a beer (which you don't need, it's usually served to you), utopenec (a sausage marinated in brine with pickles, onions and peppers) and chlebíčky (small slices of bread filled with ham, cream, radish, egg, etc., which you nibble on like a tapas). This is the most local thing there is!

To be avoided en République tchèque

If you are a guest in a Czech home, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.

In restaurants, don't be offended if they bring you a beer without your order. This is almost unavoidable in Czech restaurants. It is also customary to use the checkroom instead of placing your jacket on the back of your chair. Do not be offended if the waiters insist on taking your coat off. Finally, in the hospoda, the Czech taverns, you sit down as you arrive and it is not uncommon to share your table with strangers. This is an opportunity to get to know each other.

Smokers en République tchèque

Smoking is forbidden in enclosed public places in the Czech Republic, and, just as in France, people go outside for a few minutes if they get the urge to smoke a cigarette.

Tourist traps en République tchèque

Dining out in Prague's tourist areas is becoming a real problem, as traditional hospodas and restaurants are being replaced by tourist boxes serving burgers, pizzas and traditional dishes. Avoid them for places where Czechs really eat.

There is less chance of being cheated in the provinces, where tourism is much less developed and has a different profile, where travelers are looking for more authenticity and contact.

Take a break en République tchèque

Timetable en République tchèque

Cafés and tearooms are generally open all day, and sometimes start early when they offer breakfast packages (mainly in town). Ice-cream parlors, on the other hand, are open late on weekends for family outings.

Budget & Tips en République tchèque

A beer costs around €2 and a coffee €1.60. In the Czech Republic, homemade lemonades have become increasingly popular in recent years, and are particularly inexpensive (and refreshing as soon as the warm weather arrives). So taking a break won't break the bank!

What's very local en République tchèque

In summer, when beergardens open in the parks and gardens of major cities, you can take a break for very little money while enjoying the great outdoors and an authentic Czech atmosphere. In Prague, the most popular beergarden is in Letna Park, offering panoramic views over Prague.

Smokers en République tchèque

Cigarettes are banned in enclosed public places. As in Ireland, the law aroused some opposition at first, but after a few months the Czechs realized the health benefits of such a measure, without it affecting the atmosphere in the taverns!