Breakfast: it’s the most important meal of the day, isn’t it? That means you should make the most of it, whether you’re at home or abroad – and if you’re having your morning munch in the Czech Republic you’re (quite literally) in for a treat.
From additions you’re sure to be familiar with (that’s right, I’m talking about tea) to foods you may never have thought of having right after waking up (pigs in blankets at 8am?), I’ve found out what a modern Czech breakfast looks like and what the most popular drinks and dishes are.
Tea and Coffee
Coffee and tea are two liquid staples to start the day, with the former being ever so slightly more popular. Surprisingly, Turkish coffee is a favourite among locals. When it comes to tea, they tend to stick to black with only a bit of lemon to flavour it. In the winter, however, they may spike their tea with a cheeky splash of Czech rum. During flu season, rosehip (which is made from dried linden tree blossoms) becomes quite popular as it helps ward off infection.
Breads, Spreads and Pastries
Bread or rolls (white or brown, it doesn’t matter) are an integral part of a Czech brekkie, and they come served with meats such as salami, sausage, chicken, pork or ham and topped with honey, jam, eggs, cheese or butter; sometimes they are slathered in egg salad or garlic. Another morning must is koláč or pigs in a blanket. Breakfast often concludes with something sweet like a doughnut, Christmas yeast bread or kolácek knutý, a poppy seed, cheese or marmalade Danish garnished with streusel toppings.
Less Common Favourites
Soft-boiled eggs, although not as popular as meats, breads and pastries, are still a relatively common food to munch in the mornings. Kasé (a dish like oatmeal or cream of wheat), and yogurt are also seen frequently, as are palatschinken, which are similar to crepes and filled with a chocolate spread, fruit compote or marmalade.
There you have it – modern Czech breakfast favourites that you’ll love even if you’re not a morning person. On your next holiday to the Czech Republic, challenge yourself to try all of them.
