Last Updated on October 16, 2025
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, captivates visitors with its rich history, culture, and architectural beauty. It’s Old Town, majestic castles, and iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles create a striking mix, earning it the nickname ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ with more than 500 spires gracing the city’s skyline.
One of the best ways to experience Prague’s culture is through its food. On a 2025 trip there, I joined a culinary tour leading from a brewery boat on the Vitava River to a historic café once frequented by literary icons. Along the way, I sampled Czech classics and discovered why Prague’s culinary scene is as rich as its history.
Loď Pivovar
My group’s first stop took us aboard Loď Pivovar, a unique microbrewery boat on the River Vltava. With over 600 breweries in the Czech Republic, Lod’ Pivovar proudly claims to be the only one located on a boat. With views of the Vitava, it is a scenic spot for sampling local fare and award-winning lagers.
We sampled Nakládaný Hermelín, a marinated cheese similar to Camembert. Mixed with red pesto, onions, homegrown peppers, green onions, and black rock salt, it offered creamy, crunchy, and zesty notes that paired well with malt bread.
I sipped a seasonal Czech lemonade flavored with sea buckthorn, which was tart, citrusy, and refreshing.
Perníčkův sen
Next, we stepped into Perníčkův sen, a cozy family-owned gingerbread shop where the sweet, spicy aroma of fresh pastries greeted us. Gingerbread, or Pernik, has a history in the Czech Republic dating back to the 14th century.
We tasted three traditional treats: buttery Vanilkové Rohlíčy (vanilla crescent cookies), nutty Sakrajda filled with plum jam, and Koláče, a gingerbread cookie topped with poppyseed spread and almond. Each bite told a story of Czech baking traditions.
Sisters Bistro
At Sisters Bistro in the Gourmet Passage, we discovered Chlebíčky — Czech small open-faced sandwiches. Hana Michopulu, food writer, cookbook author, editor-in-chief of a Czech food magazine, and founder of the first farmer’s market in Prague, opened the bistro with her sister. The eatery modernizes classics with fresh, Scandinavian-inspired touches.
We tasted traditional Prague ham and potato salad Chlebíčky, served on baguette-like bread. Microgreens and pickled cucumbers added a fresh, vibrant twist to this delightful sandwich.
We also tried a seasonal prosciutto and asparagus version layered with savory cream cheese spread, watercress, Czech prosciutto, and homemade mayonnaise—a creative and flavorful medley.
Vinograf
Vinograf, a cozy restaurant and wine bar, boasts over 200 varieties of wine from more than a dozen countries. We enjoyed a crisp white Veltlinské Zelené Kabinetni, from the Morava, paired with Krémová Rybí Poléva, a creamy fish soup made with root vegetables, herbs, and gnocchi.
Soup plays a vital role in Czech cuisine; besides being a diet staple, it symbolizes tradition, comfort, and hospitality.
Café Louvre
Our final tour stop was Café Louvre, a historic establishment that opened in 1902. Frequented by luminaries like Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein, its Art Deco décor, retro chandeliers, and high ceilings transport visitors back in time.
I enjoyed Zeleninové Placky Se Zázvorem Na Listovvých Salátech (vegetable pancakes with ginger) served with salad and crème fraiche. The pancake included carrots, parsnips, ginger, and herbs. Its crunchy exterior complemented the soft center, and the crème fraiche added a cool, creamy component.
My husband enjoyed a classic Czech dish, chicken breast with homemade spätzle, creamy pepper sauce, and whipped cream. The combination of flavors provided a savory, flavorful bite.
Dessert was luscious warm apple strudel with tender apples, crushed walnuts, and raisins wrapped in a thin pastry dusted with powdered sugar. Served with vanilla cream sauce and a dollop of whipped cream, it was a perfect trifecta of flavors.
Café Slavia
Outside the official tour, my husband and I also visited Café Slavia. Opened in 1884, this iconic café overlooks the Vitava River, the Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. The café draws you in with its beautiful Art Deco décor featuring lots of marble, wood, and soft lighting. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here, but the pastry display is a sweet lover’s dream.
Větrník, a decadent Czech pastry, captured my heart. The choux pastry contained rich caramel whipped cream. A coating of caramel and edible violet flower petals topped off this beautiful pastry. It tasted as decadent as it looked, and I savored every bite.
We also tried Likérová Špička, which translates to “liquor spike or tip.” This chocolate cake was filled with a creamy, boozy filling and topped with a chocolate coating. I enjoyed the rich flavors and unique presentation.
More Than a Meal
Food tours offer more than just a combination of meals; they are an invitation to understand a place through its flavors, stories, and people. In Prague, every dish told a tale of history, creativity, and the joy of gathering around food. From brewery boats to grand cafés, I left each stop with a deeper appreciation for Czech culture and a desire to sample even more of the city’s cuisine.
