Czech Republic

Holidays by Destination Europe Czech Republic Eating 

The Czech Republic in general, even including most Prague eating places, is not somewhere you expect to eat well. The food is rib-sticking - largely meat and dumplings - this second not the British variety but something like large pieces of steamed white bread, with limited vegetables except pickled cabbage.

Inevitably the growth of tourism in the last few years has brought several branches of McDonalds, a Pizza Hut and a TGIF, but a better choice would be one of the many Italian restaurants serving excellent pasta and pizza which will keep most children happy and well-fed during your stay.

The influx of business visitors has produced a rash of classy, expense account places, but these are not outstanding and not geared to families. And while the tourist areas have seen a burgeoning number of eateries, these are terribly over-priced. If you step even a short distance off the main track you will find considerably better value for money.

Relatively informal are traditional pivnice/hostinec or hospoda, though these are generally too smokey for children. There are buffet or self-service outlets - largely standing only - but good for open sandwiches, Russian salad and perhaps a stew.

Pastry shops sell items which might make snacks. The traditional ones tend to be a bit dry but there are also French and Viennese style outlets. Cakes are sold in places called cukrana and ice cream is pretty universal.

Tea houses have opened in the last 10 years, partly as a reaction to the smokey atmosphere of pubs and offering a wide choice of teas and possibly snacks as well.

Street snacks of for example hot dog, cheese and breadcrumbs fried and serviced in a roll, or potato pancake, might fill a hole but are probably best avoided if you want to be certain of good health. Chips or croquettes with tartare sauce is another option.

Milk is not widely available but can be found in supermarkets for example. Worth looking out for as well is the traditional natural yoghurt.

If you have a child who objects to meat most pub kitchens should be able to provide dumplings and egg, an omelette for example with peas, or that melted cheese deep fried in breadcrumbs - usually with ham. You may also find deep fried mushrooms or cauliflower.