Top 5 Czech summer dishes that attract food lovers

When summer comes, the Czech Republic is not only famous for its ancient castles or historic squares, but also a culinary paradise with many Czech summer dishes with unique and attractive flavors. Tourists visiting this country in the summer are often fascinated by the typical dishes, from outdoor barbecues, fresh salads to cold soups and world-famous craft beer. In this article, let's explore the top 5 summer dishes in the Czech Republic that you cannot miss, and find out why they have become culinary symbols of Bohemia in the summer.

1. Grilované klobásy

Grilované klobásy is one of the most popular summer dishes in the Czech Republic (Photo source: Collected)

Grilované klobásy is one of the most popular Czech summer dishes. It is a flavorful grilled sausage cooked over a charcoal fire outdoors, evoking a sense of fun and bonding between friends and family. More than just a dish, Grilované klobásy is a staple at picnics, park BBQs and summer festivals across the country.

The special thing about Grilované klobásy lies in the seasoning and skillful grilling technique. The sausages are made from pork or a mixture of pork and beef, marinated with garlic, pepper, paprika and local spices to create a unique flavor. Grilled over hot coals, the outer shell is crispy while the inside remains moist, sweet and fatty. The sizzling sound of the fat dripping onto the coals and the aroma spreading in the air are the unmistakable signs of Czech barbecues.

Grilované klobásy are usually served with fresh bread, yellow or spicy mustard and sauerkraut. Czech mustard has a distinctively strong flavour, which makes a nice contrast to the richness of the sausage. The sauerkraut balances the flavours and makes the meal lighter. A cold glass of Pilsner beer always accompanies the grilled sausage, adding to the summer dining experience.

2. Chlebíčky

Chlebíčky is an extremely popular summer dish in the Czech Republic (Photo source: Collected)

Chlebíčky is a hugely popular Czech summer dish and is considered the Czech version of an “open sandwich”. Thin slices of traditional Czech baguette or bread are spread with a variety of soft cheeses, butter or egg salad, and then filled with toppings such as cold cuts, ham, sausages, hard cheeses, boiled eggs, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives and herbs.

The attractive appearance of chlebíčky is a big plus. They are often served on party plates in bright colors and arranged very artistically. For summer gatherings in the park, backyard, or picnics, chlebíčky are ideal because they are easy to prepare, easy to carry, and easy to eat. They also add variety to the menu: each sandwich can have its own flavor, suitable for many different tastes.

Chlebíčky are popular in the Czech Republic for their convenience, while still maintaining their distinctive culinary qualities. The bread is toasted to perfection, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and spread with a rich and smooth sauce. The toppings are balanced so that they do not overpower each other but still create a rich flavor experience. Many bakeries in Prague and other major cities even compete with each other to create new toppings to attract diners, from seafood, foie gras pâté to smoked salmon.

3. Okurková polévka cold soup

Okurková polévka is a cold soup with the main ingredient being cucumber (Image source: Collected)

Okurková polévka is a cold soup with cucumber as the main ingredient, one of the favorite summer dishes in the Czech Republic thanks to its excellent cooling properties. When the temperature rises, Czechs often do not want to eat traditional hot soups and instead look for cool, light variations. Okurková polévka is a typical example of Czech cuisine's creativity in adapting to the summer.

The ingredients for this soup are quite simple: fresh cucumber, finely grated or pureed, yogurt or kefir for smoothness and a slight sour taste, garlic, dill, salt, pepper and lemon juice for flavor. Some recipes add olive oil to smooth the texture and add a light creaminess. The soup is chilled in the refrigerator after preparation, often served cold, almost ice-cold.

The feeling of eating Okurková polévka in the summer is very refreshing. The fresh taste of cucumber combined with yogurt creates a mild and pure taste, while the aroma of dill and garlic stimulates the taste buds. It not only helps to cool down but also aids digestion thanks to the natural probiotics in yogurt. For those who love healthy cuisine, Okurková polévka brings a feeling of lightness in the stomach, fullness for a long time without feeling full.

4. Bramborový salad

Bramborový salad appears in almost every picnic, BBQ and outdoor family meal (Photo source: Collected)

Bramborový salad or potato salad is a Czech summer dish that appears at almost every picnic, BBQ and family meal outdoors. Although potato salad is popular throughout Europe, the Czech version has its own unique and appealing features.

Czech potato salad is made with soft-boiled potatoes, mixed with chopped onions, pickles, boiled eggs, boiled carrots, peas, and sometimes diced sausage or ham. The most important element is the dressing: usually vinegar-based mayonnaise, mustard, black pepper, and sometimes yogurt for a light, refreshing taste.

Bramborový salad has a perfect balance of rich, sour, salty, sweet and slightly spicy flavors. The pickled cucumbers and vinegar help to cut through the richness of the potatoes and mayonnaise, making it a pleasant dish to eat on a hot day. It is an ideal accompaniment to grilled dishes, sausages and cold cuts.

Czech culinary culture places special importance on sharing during meals. Each family and each chef has their own Bramborový salad recipe, passed down from generation to generation, with special proportions of ingredients and spices. Therefore, although it is a familiar dish, Bramborový salad always has its own character at every table.

5. Grilovaná zelenina

Grilovaná zelenina – grilled vegetables is a summer dish in the Czech Republic (Photo source: Collected)

Grilovaná zelenina – grilled vegetables is a Czech summer dish that represents a modern and healthy culinary trend. As health consciousness and green living become more popular, Czechs have created and varied many grilled vegetable recipes, suitable for local tastes while still appealing to international tourists.

Vegetables typically used for grilling include red, yellow, and green bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, sweetcorn, and tomatoes. All are cut into large pieces, seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. They are then grilled on a charcoal grill or outdoor oven until the surface is lightly charred and the aroma is alluring.

Grilovaná zelenina is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Served with toast, cheese sauce or garlic sauce, it is a great choice for vegetarians, dieters or anyone who wants to balance out a BBQ party that is often filled with grilled meat.

For summer gatherings in parks or gardens, Grilovaná zelenina brings a fresh, colorful feel. This Czech summer dish reflects the open-minded, creative and nature-oriented spirit of the Czech people. More than just a side dish, grilled vegetables can become the center of the party, especially when combined with special sauces or local cheeses such as melted Hermelín.

With Grilovaná zelenina, summer in the Czech Republic becomes more diverse, with people enjoying healthy, flavorful, communal alfresco meals. It is also a reminder that Czech cuisine is not just about beer and grilled meats, but also about appreciating seasonal produce and the subtleties of preparation.

Discovering Czech summer food is a journey to enjoy a rich yet ever-changing culinary culture. From crispy grilled sausages Grilované klobásy over charcoal, light and colorful chlebíčky, refreshing cold soup Okurková polévka, traditional flavorful potato salad Bramborový salad to healthy grilled vegetable Grilovaná zelenina – all paint a vivid picture of Czech summer, full of humanity and joy of reunion.

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-mua-he-o-sec-v17551.aspx