As a Czech, I never really thought about if our food was good or bad. But after spending so much time on Reddit, traveling around the world, and meeting all kinds of people, I’ve found myself wondering about it a lot. Sometimes, I’m just confused why so many think Czech food is terrible, like the worst in Europe, when I think it’s delicious and good for you.
So what’s the real deal? Is Czech cuisine actually that heavy and unhealthy?
Dumplings, bread, creams, and all things heavy
If you Google images of Czech food, you’ll see things like dumplings, creamy sauces, goulash, sausages, bacon, fried cheese, and fries – lots of fatty stuff. But people don’t actually eat that way every day.
Most Czechs only go for traditional dishes like goulash, svíčková, or roast pork with dumplings and cabbage when they eat out. That’s more of an occasional or celebration type of meal.
It’s true that Czech cuisine may not be as well known as some other European foods. But that doesn’t make it any less tasty! Czech cooking is hearty and filling, with meat and potatoes as the main event. Now I’ll admit some dishes seem heavy. But that’s part of the charm, especially when you wash it down with a good Czech beer.
A lot of people who judge Czech food are used to really spicy stuff. But it’s worth pointing out that Czech cuisine isn’t spicy at all. The only spices we use on a regular basis are pepper, garlic, cumin, marjoram, parsley, and a few others. We definitely don’t be using chili or curry every day.
Czech food won’t make you fat
Czech food can definitely be on the higher calorie, carb, and fat side, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unhealthy. It really comes down to portion control and balancing things out. At the end of the day, it’s all about how much you’re eating. For example, if you had to choose between three big dumplings with sauce or a salad with cheese and heavy sauce, those dumplings would probably be a better option calorie-wise.
It’s also important to note that a lot of Czech dishes are made with really fresh, wholesome stuff like vegetables, meat, and grains. Those things are all part of a healthy diet, so while the meals may be higher in calories, they also provide a lot of vitamins and minerals. So Czech food can totally still be part of a well-rounded diet as long as you’re mindful of your portions.
7 Czech Proverbs (With Meanings & Images) You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
These are seven famous Czech proverbs that you may have never heard, along with their translations and meanings.
Czechs eat fish, too
Even though the Czech Republic is landlocked in central Europe, surrounded by mountains with no coastline, people there definitely still eat fish. In fact, one of their most traditional dishes is carp from the rivers and lakes.
Carp has been a Christmas meal in the Czech Republic for centuries and is a big part of their cuisine. This unique-tasting fish is usually fried or roasted and often served with potato salad or other sides. It’s also common to marinate the carp in vinegar or beer to add flavor.
In some areas, smoking the fish is popular, too, which gives it a smoky taste. And let’s not forget that Czechs love fishing, so when they eat carp, they usually catch it themselves or get it from a friend or neighbor who did.
Besides carp, trout, and pike from the waters are also well-liked there. They prepare these in a manner similar to carp with herbs and spices. All the fish have lots of tiny bones, though, so it’s no surprise that many Czechs end up in the hospital on Christmas from swallowing one!
Soup enthusiasts
Czechs really seem to love their soups. There are a few good reasons for it, too. First off, soups are seen as a really healthy and nutritious option over there. That’s why they’re such a big part of the typical Czech diet.
And it’s not hard to see why – these soups are packed with veggies, beans, and meat. So you’re getting a big dose of vitamins, minerals, and protein with each bowl. On top of being healthy, soups are also a popular hangover cure among Czechs. I mean, a lot of folks there swear by how well soup helps a hangover. After a night of drinking, that warm bowl of soup works to rehydrate you and replace what you lost.
Also, my grandma always used to say that chicken broth is better for a cold than anything from the pharmacy. And I have to agree with her on that one.
Final Thoughts
I don’t think Czech cuisine gets a fair shake. A lot of people seem to think it’s unhealthy and not that great, but I don’t think that’s entirely fair. Just because you had dumplings drowning in rich sauce in the middle of Prague for way too many euros doesn’t mean the whole food scene here is a bust.
What tourists usually chow down on are dishes Czech folks themselves only indulge in maybe once or twice a year, like real treats. And when locals do dig into those meals, it’s way better than the tourist trap versions in restaurants. There’s more to Czech food than what you find on vacation.
Read Also:
10 Worst Swedish Swear Words And Insults You’d Better Not Use
Cat Zodiac Personality – Taurus Loves Good Food, Pisces Will Heal Your Heart
