Tiny cobble stoned streets, beautiful lights, smiling people, and delicious foods at every corner – is what Prague is to me in one line. With each turn of the street, I could not help but smile! And the architecture is gorgeous – even the building for water pumping looks like a palace!
What surprised me on this central Europe trip was the abundance of vegetarian food. Five years ago, one could barely find even one vegetarian main course in restaurants; today, there is a whole a section! What’s more – there are local vegetarian restaurants as well serving up delicious pasta, salads, main dishes… in such creative ways.
Vegetarian Czech food is heavy on all the good stuff in life – cheese, potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin; and even heavier on the sweets – cinnamon, sugar, butter, tarts, dough-y desserts, baked, fried… basically, all the things that make for a fabulous gastronomy dream! The street food trucks serve up delicious grilled cheese on a slice of rye bread and slathering of tart-cherry jam (read: fireworks in the mouth!), fried cheese, potato chips, and did I mention, more cheese?
The most unique desserts is the Chimney Cake, or trdelink – a rolled yeast dough wrapped around a stick and roasted over an open flame until golden and crispy on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside. This is then brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon-sugar-nut mix and can easily be devoured within minutes! These pastries originate from the Transylvanian and Slovakian communities, but are found all over central Europe. You now get a variety of flavours; the most famous one Instagrammed is from Good Food Coffee & Bakery, with a spread of Nutella on the inside and vanilla ice cream stuffing.
The other thing that was most exciting was the abundance of farmers market, with fresh fruits and vegetables – it was an utter delight! I must have easily devoured a kilo of yellow raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and figs.
Below are the list of restaurants and cafés and all food adventure you must go to!
Farmers Market
Naplavka
The most popular one by the river, Naplavka is a stretch of pavement underneath the Vyselard Fortress, starts at 8 in the morning and is dotted with all kinds of culinary experiences.
Have a cup of drip coffee at Brew Bar, a flat white or cappuccino at Karlovy Klub. Browse through the cheese and yogurt stands and mini pizzas.
[ Náplavka, 128 00 Nové Město ]
Jirak Farmers Market
Located in the Vinohrady district, is open Wednesday to Sunday, with a quieter atmosphere than Naplavka. Dotted with bakeries, you must go to Galetka for crepes, Le Caveau for really good croissants!
[ Namesti Jiriho Z Podebrad 1554/6 ]
Restaurants
Lheka Hlava – a sumptuous vegetarian restaurant, in a beautiful cobblestoned street, with English speaking staff and menu. A must go to. Soups, salads, tapas, pasta.
[ Borsov 2/280, Prague 1 – Old Town | Reservations Tel: 222 220 665 ]
Maitrea – Sister restaurant of Lheka Hlava serving up delicious Mexcian, Italian and Czech cuisine. Fully vegetarian and vegan!
[ Týnská ulička 1064/6, Praha 1 – Old Town | Reservations Tel: 221 711 631 ]
Thai Box – The best pure vegetarian Thai food, with gluten free options!
[ Senovážné náměstí 6, Prague 1 | T: +420 774 645 907 ]
Estrella – Vegetarian restaurant, cute place, musicians playing for free, excellent menu!
[Opatovická 159/17, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia ]
Perníčkův sen – For the cutest bakery and best gingerbread that you’ll be able to smell from blocks away! The owners make gingerbread and regional Czech cookies using the traditional recipe of honey, butter, nuts, and warm spices. Must try the kolache filled with poppy seeds and topped with streusel.
[Hashtalska 757/21, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic (Stare Mesto (Old Town) ]
Bistro No. 19 – Vegetarian-friendly, home style cooking, delicious continental fare!
[ Karolíny Světlé 19 ]
For Trdelník:
Good Food Coffee & Bakery – this has the famous and best one with nutella coating and ice cream.
[ Karlova 160/8, Stare Mesto ]
Coffee
Muj salek kavy – flagship café of the local Doubleshot roasters serves up perhaps the best cup of coffee, along with great food, with gluten free options.
[ Křižíkova 386/105, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín ]
Paul – a sweet-tooth’s delight and a feast for the eyes and soul! Excellent pastries, coffee, salads, sandwiches… you name it! great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, coffee… overeating!
[ chain in every area of the city! ]
Proti proudu bistro – excellent coffee, cool interiors, great breakfast and of course, pastries
[ Březinova 22, Prague | 420 728 036 171 ]
