Language/Czech/Culture/Czech-Cuisine

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Czech Culture → History and Traditions → Czech Cuisine

As a Czech language teacher, I believe that learning about a country's culture is just as important as learning the language itself. Czech cuisine is steeped in tradition and history, and is a big part of Czech culture. In this lesson, we will explore traditional Czech dishes, drinks, and dining customs.

Consider broadening your understanding by checking out these related lessons: Festivals and Celebrations & History and Czech Lands.

Traditional Czech Dishes

Czech cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, often made with simple ingredients. Here are some traditional Czech dishes you might encounter:

Czech	Pronunciation	English
svíčková	sv-eech-koh-vah	beef sirloin with cream sauce, cranberry sauce, and dumplings
smažený sýr	smah-zhe-ni see-er	fried cheese served with tartar sauce and French fries
guláš	guh-lash	meat stew with vegetables and paprika, served with bread dumplings or potatoes
knedlíky	nayd-lee-kee	bread dumplings that are often served with meat dishes or with a fruit filling as a dessert
vepřové knedlo zelo	vay-purr-zho naid-low zeh-low	roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut
palačinky	pah-lah-chin-kee	thin pancakes often filled with either sweet or savory fillings

These dishes are often found in traditional Czech restaurants, and are a must-try if you are visiting the country.

Czech Drinks

Czechs are known for their love of beer, and the country has a long and rich history of beer brewing. The Czech Republic is home to many famous breweries, including Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar. When ordering beer in the Czech Republic, it's important to know that they usually come in two types: light beer (světlé pivo) and dark beer (tmavé pivo). Here are some other popular Czech drinks you might want to try:

• Slivovice: A strong fruit brandy made from plums.
• Becherovka: A bitter herbal liqueur often consumed as an after-dinner digestif.
• Fernet: A bitter liqueur made from a secret recipe of herbs and spices.
• Moravian wine: The Czech Republic has a small wine region in Moravia that is known for producing delicious white wines.

Dining Customs

Czechs take their dining customs seriously, and it's important to follow proper etiquette when dining in Czech restaurants or with local Czechs. Here are some tips:

• When entering a restaurant, wait to be seated by the waiter or host.
• Wait until everyone is served before you start eating. Saying "dobrou chuť" (bon appétit) to your tablemates is a polite gesture.
• It's common to toast with beer or wine before drinking.
• Cutlery is used in the European style, with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
• Tipping is expected in restaurants and cafes, usually around 10% of the total bill.

I hope this lesson has given you some insight into traditional Czech cuisine and dining customs. Czech cuisine is a delicious and important part of Czech culture, and I encourage you to try some of these dishes and drinks when you have the opportunity!

Sources

• Czech cuisine - Wikipedia
• Traditional Czech Dishes You Need To Try
• Czech Food - 18 Traditional Dishes You Simply Must Try - Nomad ...
• The Czech Republic: Cuisine

Table of Contents - Czech Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Consonants
• Vowels
• Accents and Special Characters

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Introduction to Nouns
• Personal Pronouns
• Demonstrative Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Verbs

• Introduction to Verbs
• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Introduction to Adjectives
• Introduction to Adverbs
• Comparative and Superlative Forms

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings and Farewells
• Asking for and Giving Information
• Small Talk and Expressing Likes and Dislikes

  ---

At the Restaurant

• Ordering Food
• Asking for the Bill and Tipping
• Dining Etiquette

  ---

Daily Life

• Shopping
• Transportation
• Health and Medical Emergencies

  ---

History and Traditions

• History and Czech Lands
• Festivals and Celebrations
• Czech Cuisine

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Art and Heritage

• Czech Literature
• Architecture and Landmark
• Czech Film and Music

Other Lessons

• Czech Republic Timeline
• Czech Film and Music
• Czech Literature
• History and Czech Lands
• Festivals and Celebrations
• Architecture and Landmark

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