Is Prague vegan and vegetarian friendly?

As well as goulash and meat stews, the more modern Prague still offers a number of vegan and vegetarian-friendly food and drink experiences. Enjoying a moderate climate, the Czech Republic can locally produce most of its agricultural products, which find their way into delicious dishes in its capital Prague.

In the past food culture within the Czech Republic was predominantly founded on lots of dairy and meat products, however, modern studies are telling a different tale.

Is Prague Vegan Vegetarian Friendly?

Data analysed by plant-based nutrition company Mint, found that the Czech Republic ranked as one of the most vegetarian and vegan-friendly nations in Europe. The country completely bucked the trend that while travellers wandered further east across the continent, they encountered fewer vegan and vegetarian dishes. The report saw the Czech Republic beat the UK to third place on the list, with an impressive 40 per cent of its restaurants catering for vegan diets.

Due to its traditional culinary offerings, vegetarians and vegans visiting the Czech Republic may still struggle to find the meals or snacks they seek. However, this is not the case in the capital city of Prague. Many restaurants are designed to cater completely for vegans and vegetarians, while offers will typically list at least one pure vegetarian dish on the menu.

Traditional food experiences in Prague

Join us now as we take a tour of our own through some vegetarian cuisine waiting for you in the city of a hundred spires and some of the must-visit vegan restaurants you’ll find on your trip.

Smažený sýr

A classic Czech dish, Smažený sýr involves deep-fried cheese that is coated with breadcrumbs and typically served with potatoes and a healthy dollop of tartare sauce. For many years, this traditional fare has been the most popular vegetarian option for those visiting Prague, but even now, with numerous meat-free restaurants established, it continues to be in high demand.

A street food favoured by Prague students, this snack is easy to find in The Golden City. Restaurants and pubs selling Czech food will usually serve this dish, although the accompaniment may vary between buttery boiled potatoes or deep-fried chips. While not the healthiest option, vegetarians looking to indulge themselves and get a protein-rich treat will find a plate of Smažený sýr simply irresistible.

Trdelník

Also known as Chimney cake, Trdelník can be made with both vegetarian and vegan recipes and can be commonly found on the curved streets of Prague. Trdelník is created by wrapping strips of fresh dough around a stick, which is then cooked traditionally over white-hot coals or a modern gas flame. Trdelník is served with a dazzling array of toppings from savoury macaroni and cheese and spicy chilli to fruit chocolate and ice cream.

The soft dough of Trdelník is often flavoured with ingredients including cinnamon, sugar, almonds, walnuts, and coconut.

Ovocné Knedlíky

A celebrated food in the capital is fruit dumplings or ovocné knedlíky, in Czech. Traditionally these small balls of batter are stuffed with stone fruit like plums and then boiled. Once retrieved from the pot, they are served with a topping of cream cheese and butter. While you can be forgiven for thinking this dish is served in Prague as a dessert, the local population enjoy these dumplings as the main course at lunchtime.

You’ll find a wondrous variety in how this tasty treat is served around the city with fruit jam. Poppy seeds, curd cheese and walnuts are all options on offer to suit your taste.

Vegan-friendly Czech beers

Czech beers are commonly served in a rounded mug or pot to accommodate the nation’s love of a foamy head. Whether you’re on a beer tasting tour or just looking for a glass of cold pilsner to wash down your lunch, you’ll find a wide range of homegrown vegetarian beers offered around Prague.

Pegas Beer’s content ensures it can be appreciated by vegans and vegetarians alike, as can Holba and Nová Paka Kvasničák. Lev Black Lion’s vegan-friendly beers not only contain no animal-derived ingredients but have not been tested on animals either. Some Czech beers that are offered in Prague you’ll recognise such as Budvar, Grolsch and Kozel. However, you might not be aware that they are all suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Beer and ale enthusiasts visiting the Czech Republic will need to stop by the Prague Beer Museum. With a staggering 30 different micro-brewery offerings on tap, you can enjoy an extensive range of taste sensations and expert advice on whether they are suited to your dietary choices.

Vegan and vegetarian dining in Prague

While restaurants dedicated to vegans and vegetarians are still outnumbered by how many eateries serve meat-based dishes, the quality is still exceptional.

Dhaba Beas is a well-known chain in Prague offering vegan and vegetarian buffet-style eating with international cuisine like Thai, Indian and Vietnamese provided. Lekha Hlava, sometimes called Clear Head, is dedicated to vegetarian diners offering a modern but slightly new-age atmosphere.

Although unimaginatively named, Vegan’s enjoys stunning city views and the option to eat outdoors on the terrace. The restaurant serves classic Czech dining choices adapted into plant-based editions allowing travellers to appreciate authentic tastes in line with their ethics.

Those looking for a healthier vegetarian menu must-visit Maitreya. With its décor finding inspiration in Buddhism and Feng Shui, this restaurant offers dishes from around the world in a single place including Czech, Thai, Mexican and Japanese.

Vegan and Vegetarian Food Experiences in Prague

Book your next food and drink experience in Prague with tabl. By using our website, you can track down vegan or vegetarian tasting experiences and food tours. Where you can sample the produce and local recipes of Prague, as the masterful chefs help create the city's current cooking scene. Browse our unique tours and experiences today to embark on your next international adventure in ethical eating.