Karlovy Vary’s Culinary Secrets: A Foodie’s Paradise

Food Of Karlovy Vary:

Karlovy Vary is a famous Czech resort that has not lost its popularity for several centuries in a row. The healing springs are the city’s calling card and its main attraction. Peter I, Turgenev, Bach, and other historical figures came here to be treated “on the waters.” Karlovy Vary beckons with a special romantic atmosphere that will easily take you back to the past. Everything is measured and orderly at the resort, thoughts are cleared, tuned to a philosophical mood. However, do not think that it will be boring here, like in an old sanatorium: the city often hosts concerts, music festivals, as well as the famous Karlovy Vary Film Festival. Tourists from all over the world come to feel the healing power of mineral springs, attend cultural events, see local attractions and, of course, appreciate real Czech cuisine. What you need to try in Karlovy Vary will be discussed in our article. We will briefly tell you what dishes the Czech traditional cuisine is famous for, as well as what prices are in catering establishments and stores.

What to try in Karlovy Vary:

The national cuisine of the Czech Republic is simple and high in calories. It is based on dishes made from flour, butter and meat. Most of them are prepared according to the same recipes as several centuries ago. Czechs love to eat well and are generous. Therefore, even if you are very hungry, do not rush to order several dishes at once in restaurants, since the portions are usually served in impressive sizes. We suggest you figure out what to try first in Karlovy Vary.

1. Svíčková na smetaně (sour cream pudding) – is a Czech national dish. The dish is meat in a creamy sauce with the addition of vegetables and lingonberries. As a rule, it is served with dumplings.
2. Česnečka (garlic) – a simple and tasty soup with chicken broth, potatoes, cheese, smoked meats and lots of garlic.
3. Grilovaný Hermelín (grilled Hermelín cheese)- Hermelín is a cheese with white mold. Local cooks roll it in breadcrumbs, grill it and serve it with lingonberry sauce.
4. Nakládaný hermelín (marinated Hermelín cheese)- is a classic of Czech cuisine.
5. Vepřo knedlo zelo (vepro-knedlo-zelo) – meat with stewed cabbage and dumplings.
6. Pečené vepřové koleno (baked pork knuckle)- Pork is marinated with spices and baked in beer or wine.
7. Trdelník (trdelnik)- is a sweet tube made of yeast dough.

Prices in cafes and restaurants:

The wonderful times when the Czech Republic was known for its democratic prices are long gone. Today, Karlovy Vary is a fashionable European resort, and the prices for food and accommodation are quite consistent with its high level of popularity. However, at the resort, every tourist will certainly find cafes and restaurants that will suit their taste. When choosing an establishment, pay attention to the signs. As a rule, establishments that are known for excellent service and high prices are called Restaurants. If you see the word Restaurace or Ristorante (such a sign is found in the Czech Republic on Italian restaurants and pizzerias), then you are looking at a restaurant. Hospoda, hospůdka, hostinec – traditional names of restaurants in the Czech Republic. Beer houses (pivnice, pivní bar) are considered the most budget-friendly, but such establishments are crowded and noisy.

Prices in cafes and restaurants in Karlovy Vary 2023:

We suggest taking a closer look at the prices in local catering establishments of all the categories described. The very atmosphere of Karlovy Vary is conducive to a luxurious holiday, when you want to put on an evening dress and visit some expensive restaurant. There are many such places in the resort. As a rule, the most expensive of them are located at the five-star hotels of the same name. A meal in an expensive establishment costs from 80 euros per person. Dinner in a mid-priced restaurant will cost 350-500 crowns. For example, we have written out the cost of dishes from the menu to get an idea of ​​how much lunch or dinner costs:

• smoked trout with dill sauce and croutons – 120 crowns;
• chicken liver with onions and croutons – 115 crowns;
• goulash soup in bread – 95 crowns;
• beef broth with dumplings – 65 crowns;
• pork knee with garnish – 295 CZK;
• perch fillet in white wine – 225 CZK;
• venison loin with porcini mushrooms – 495 CZK;
• grilled hermelin cheese – 115 CZK;
• Caesar salad – 160 CZK;
• pancakes with cream and berry sauce – 95 CZK.

From 12:00 to 15:00, pay attention to the signs at the entrance to the establishments. Some restaurants at this time offer set lunches for 300–400 CZK. Budget cafes are not distinguished by the beauty of the interior, speed of service or style of presentation of dishes. But the prices attract not only tourists, but also city residents. A set lunch in an inexpensive pub will cost about 120 CZK. The price includes soup, main course and salad. The average bill in an inexpensive pub is 250-300 CZK per person.

Here are some prices in Karlovy Vary cafes:

• Soups – from 50 CZK;
• Pork fillet baked with cheese and arugula – 149 CZK;
• Chicken fillet with vegetable garnish – 199 CZK;
• Pork with stewed cabbage and dumplings – 219 CZK;
• Duck with dumplings and stewed cabbage – 229 CZK;
• Svickova on sour cream – 220 CZK.

Street food and fast food:

Street food in Karlovy Vary is quite popular, and it is also a great way to satisfy your hunger quickly and inexpensively. In the city center, near drinking springs and other attractions, there are tents selling Czech street food. Be sure to try the pork knee, sweets, pastries, Czech sausages, fried cheese and, of course, beer.

At the beginning of December, Christmas markets open in the city, where you can buy souvenirs and have a hearty meal. However, as a rule, they close before the New Year, on December 26 or 27.

We offer a brief overview of the cost of street food:

1. Trdelniks – from 80 crowns; large burgers – 150 crowns;
2. hot dog – 150 crowns;
3. Czech sausages with sauces and bread – 150 crowns;
4. salads – from 100 crowns;
5. focaccia – 130 crowns;
6. Karlovy Vary oplatka (waffle), 1 piece – 20 crowns;
7. ice cream – 45-50 crowns.

Please note that the price of the famous dish “veprovo koleno” is indicated per 100 g. One serving of the dish weighs at least 400 g, so you can safely order the knuckle for two.

You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many fast food restaurants at the resort. A cheeseburger at McDonald’s costs 42 crowns, and a Big Mac menu costs 105 crowns.

Grocery prices in Karlovy Vary:

The Czech Republic is one of the countries with affordable prices. In chain supermarkets, the cost of food is lower than the average European price. However, when going to Karlovy Vary, you should take into account that the resort is very popular. Therefore, near tourist attractions there are shops and stalls where prices are greatly inflated. The most budget-friendly type of food is self-cooking. In this case, it is advisable to rent an apartment with a kitchen, and buy food in large stores.

Supermarkets, shops, markets:

There are many shopping centers, shops and stalls in the famous Czech resort. Their shop windows attract and fascinate with their bright shine. Your eyes run wide from the huge selection of souvenirs, interior items, and tableware. Karlovy Vary is famous throughout the world for its Bohemian crystal, glass and porcelain. In the local shopping centers you can buy everything your heart desires: equipment, clothing, household goods, food.

Let’s briefly list the largest supermarkets.

Albert is a hypermarket that offers a wide range of goods and food products. Locals claim that these supermarkets have the lowest prices for food in Karlovy Vary.

Globus is a shopping complex where boutiques with clothing, footwear, accessories, and goods for leisure and sports are concentrated. There is a grocery supermarket on its territory.

Interspar and Tesco are supermarkets of famous European retail chains.

Varyada is one of the most popular local shopping centers among tourists. There is a playground for young visitors. There is an Albert supermarket on the territory of the shopping center.

Billa is a supermarket chain in Europe, owned by the REWE company.

There are also several markets in the resort. The central city market is the largest of them, it is a large covered pavilion with shopping arcades. Fresh vegetables, fruits, greens, and farm products are sold at the markets. By the way, in Czech fruits are called “vegetables”, and vegetables are called “zelenina”.

Prices in Karlovy Vary are inflated for tourists, but it is not customary to bargain at local markets and shops.

Meals in Karlovy Vary hotels:

Karlovy Vary is a famous European resort that has existed for many years. All conditions for a full rest and treatment have been created here. At the planning stage of the trip, you can easily choose any accommodation and type of food. In the city with healing springs, there are sanatoriums that promise not only a pleasant rest, but also treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Such sanatoriums should provide dietary food. However, its quality and variety can vary greatly depending on the establishment.

At the moment, only some hotels provide their guests with a classic therapeutic and preventive room diet, while the rest offer three or four dietary dishes in the general menu. In addition, no one monitors the strict implementation of the dietitian’s instructions. The food in Karlovy Vary hotels is designed for Europeans and does not differ in culinary delights.

Most often, meals are organized according to one of three types:

1. choice of dishes from the menu;
2. breakfasts according to the “buffet” system, and lunch and dinner – from the menu;
   “all inclusive”.
3. Children’s food in Karlovy Vary

One of the important issues that worries parents of young travelers is how to organize meals on vacation. At the same time, the younger the tourist, the more problematic the trip seems. We hasten to assure you that in fact there is no reason for great concern. Undoubtedly, the local cuisine cannot be considered light and healthy. Most of the dishes are not very suitable for children: they are too fatty and high in calories. However, cafes and restaurants in Karlovy Vary often offer a diet menu, from which you can always choose something for your child.

From the national dishes, try offering your children svickova on sour cream, bramboračka, baked sausages, and for dessert – trdelniks. In every store and supermarket you will find a familiar range of baby food and milk formulas. Food prices in Karlovy Vary depend on the location of the store: the highest are in small shops and stores near tourist clusters. Therefore, it is better to go to a large chain supermarket for baby food.

Tips for parents:

1. To make your vacation as comfortable as possible, we have prepared several useful tips:
2. Shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, on Saturdays – from 9:00 to 14:00, some stores are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets are open until 21:00-22:00.
3. Dairy products in Karlovy Vary are excellent for baby food, as they meet the high standards of the European Union.
4. We accept Czech crowns, euros, and bank cards.
5. If you decide to undergo a course of water treatment, you should follow a special diet.
6. Be careful when reading the menu. Often, cafes and restaurants in Karlovy Vary make money on the inexperience and inattention of visitors. For example, there may often be bread, sauces, or snacks on the tables, for which an additional fee is charged.

The best restaurants in Karlovy Vary:

After walking and exciting excursions, you will probably want to visit a restaurant to get to know Czech culinary traditions better. We are happy to share with you a short list of the best restaurants in Karlovy Vary.

Bagel Lounge Karlovy Vary – This café and street food restaurant is a great option for families looking for a quick and tasty snack. They offer a variety of sandwiches, open sandwiches and salads, as well as coffee and other drinks.

Tusculum – This restaurant serves international and European cuisine and is a great option for families looking for a more upscale dining experience. The menu at this restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steaks and pasta, as well as a children’s menu.

Pizzeria Palermo – This Italian restaurant is a favorite among locals and is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. The menu also offers a variety of other Italian dishes, including pasta and seafood.

Le Marche – The restaurant offers the perfect combination of Czech and international cuisine, including seafood, steaks and pasta. They also have a children’s menu and outdoor seating.

Becherplatz Pivovar Karel IV – A restaurant located in the heart of the spa. Its decoration preserves echoes of the ancient history of the city. The restaurant has its own brewery.

Smíchovský pavilon is a famous restaurant that is loved not only by guests of Karlovy Vary, but also by locals. Each of its three halls is decorated in its own style. Here you will try the best traditional dishes prepared according to old recipes.

We hope that we have helped you roughly calculate the cost of food and figure out how to organize food in Karlovy Vary.