What to Eat in Prague: A Food Guide

What to eat in Prague

• Svíčková na smetaně

  Beef sirloin in cream sauce with knedlíky dumplings — U Modré Kachničky, Kolkovna, Lokál CZK200–350.

• Guláš + knedlíky

  Bohemian goulash + bread dumplings — U Fleků, U Medvídků brewpub CZK250.

• Trdelník

  Grilled dough tube with cinnamon sugar — Old Town street stalls CZK80–120 (technically Hungarian but Prague-famous).

• Pilsner Urquell + Budvar (Budweiser) draft

  Half-litre CZK50–70 at U Fleků, U Zlatého Tygra, Prague Beer Museum, Lokál.

What to drink

Pilsner Urquell (Plzeň), Budvar (České Budějovice), Staropramen (Prague) national beers. Becherovka herbal liqueur + slivovice plum brandy Czech signatures. Kofola (Czech Coca-Cola alternative). Tap water excellent — never buy bottled.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Tipping 10% at restaurants — round up, tell server the total (not left on table).

• Say 'na zdraví' (cheers) with eye contact when clinking beer glasses.

• Beer culture serious — never ask for lemon in Pilsner; do not order 'a beer' without specifying Pilsner/Budvar/Kozel/Staropramen.

Where to eat in Prague

• Staré Město (Old Town)

  Astronomical Clock + Old Town Square — Four Seasons, Ventana, Hotel Paris, U Prince.

• Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

  Castle-side cobbles + Charles Bridge — Aria Hotel, Augustine Rocco Forte, Alchymist Grand.

• Hradčany (Castle District)

  Prague Castle + St Vitus + Loreta — quieter luxury: Hotel Savoy.

• Nové Město (New Town)

  Wenceslas Square + shopping + Art Nouveau — Hilton Old Town, Grand Bohemia.