Czech Republic: Ignas Dauksys (Food in Prague)
Program: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator, Spring
After our first week of orientation to the city, I had the opportunity to join a Czech Traditional Food Tour, hosted by Taste of Prague, which our program had offered us. Now, I didn’t know what traditional Czech cuisine was, but I saw many restaurants nearby offering schnitzels and goulash, which I knew were not exactly typical Czech dishes. Schnitzels themselves are more German or Austrian, and Goulash is more Hungarian. Even the tourist attraction of Tredlník, which can be seen at every tram station, is also Hungarian! So, I was very curious to find out through this tour what a traditional meal from the Czech Republic is.
Pictured left: This schnitzel (although delicious) is not natively from Czechia! Nonetheless, it was delicious!
Starting the tour, our guide did clear up this misconception. He stated that while you will see these meals served as “traditional,” they are only technically traditional, as the Czech Republic was once part of the greater Austro-Hungarian Empire, also known as the Dual Monarchy. More specific meals emerge after these periods, such as potato salad, kolaches, and the food pictured: roasted beef surrounded by a truffle sauce and served with bread dumplings.
The meal was served at a very fancy upscale restaurant on the first floor of the old headquarters of Radio Free Europe, called ČESTR.
The beef was delicious, practically melting in my mouth after the first bite. Paired perfectly with a truffle base sauce, I was practically asking for seconds. However, I think the true beauty of the meal was the bread dumplings.
Oddly named knedlíky, these bread dumplings are less like an Asian dumpling or pelmeni but are instead shaped into slices of bread and then boiled to create a softer texture. While looking like pale, un-crusted bread, the dumpling helps soak up the leftover sauce from the main course, allowing for the flavor of the truffle sauce to be experienced again without any adverse flavors.
Although the dumpling itself might look unappealing, the freshness and sponginess of the bread allow it to soak up of other flavors integral to the Czech cuisine, such as horseradish, mushrooms, and garlic. I highly recommend this pairing, and I recommend trying to branch out from comfortable-sounding meals and trying new, different cuisines. In addition, I highly recommend taking a food tour of Prague or any other city because it’s a great experience, as you will be able to get a walking history tour while also trying and eating very delicious foods!
Ignas Dauksys
Program Name: IFSA Tech Career Accelerator
Major: Computer Sciences & History
Hometown: Baraboo, Wisconsin
I chose this program for its extensive network and connections with tech businesses in the Czech Republic. I also look forward to learning about Central European History and culture while studying in the program city!