What Time Do People Eat in Prague?
When visiting Prague, one of the most important aspects of immersing yourself in the local culture is experiencing the delicious Czech cuisine. To fully appreciate the culinary delights that Prague has to offer, it’s essential to understand the typical eating habits and meal times of the locals.
Breakfast
Morning Delights:
Prague locals usually start their day with a hearty breakfast. Breakfast time in Prague typically falls between 7:00 am and 9:00 am.
It’s common for people to enjoy a traditional spread consisting of fresh bread, pastries such as koláče, cold cuts, cheese, butter, and jam. A cup of strong Czech coffee or tea is often paired with these morning delights.
Lunch
A Midday Feast:
The main meal of the day for many Czechs is lunch. Lunchtime in Prague usually takes place between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. This is when restaurants and cafés are bustling with hungry diners looking for their midday feast.
- Czech Classics:
- Quick Bites:
- Business Lunches:
Traditional Czech dishes like goulash, svíčková (marinated beef sirloin), or schnitzel are popular choices for lunch. These meals are often accompanied by a side dish such as dumplings or potatoes.
If you’re on the go or prefer something lighter, you can find various street food stalls offering quick bites like trdelník (a sweet pastry), sausage stands serving klobása (grilled sausages), or lángos (fried dough).
In Prague, it’s common for professionals to have business meetings during lunchtime.
Many restaurants offer affordable lunch menus, known as “denní menu,” which include a soup and a main course. This is a great way to taste local cuisine while enjoying a productive meeting.
Dinner
An Evening Affair:
Dinner in Prague typically takes place between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. It is considered the time to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal with family and friends.
- Czech Comfort Food:
- Fine Dining:
- Nightlife Nibbles:
For dinner, Czechs often opt for heartier dishes such as roast pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings or grilled trout served with potatoes.
Prague is home to numerous fine dining establishments that offer exquisite presentations of Czech cuisine. These upscale restaurants provide an opportunity to indulge in gourmet dishes prepared with local ingredients.
If you’re exploring Prague’s vibrant nightlife, you’ll find many pubs and bars offering small bites like pickled cheese, fried cheese sticks (smažený sýr), or nakládaný hermelín (pickled Camembert).
A Note on Reservations
If you plan on dining out in popular restaurants during peak hours, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. This ensures that you have a table waiting for you and allows you to fully enjoy your dining experience without any delays.
Now that you have a better understanding of the typical eating schedule in Prague, you can plan your meals accordingly and make the most of your culinary adventures in this beautiful city.