The Ultimate Guide to Traditional Czech Soups
Soup as a national treasure
When someone mentions Czech food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe svíčková, goulash, or dumplings. But there’s another dish that Czechs hold especially dear: soup. Whether it’s served as a starter, a standalone meal, a cure for a cold, a hangover helper, or simply to warm up on a grey day, soup has a special place on the Czech table. In a good restaurant, it's served with just as much care and pride as any main dish – and rightly so.
In this article, we explore the most traditional Czech soups – from creamy kulajda and česnečka to hearty consommé – and share our favorite places in Prague to try them.
What Makes Czech Soups Special?
Czech soups are known for being thick, hearty, and comforting. They’re typically based on strong broths or vegetable bases, often made with root vegetables, herbs, spices, mushrooms, and thickening agents like roux, cream, or potatoes.
Typical Czech soups and where to try them
Here are the essential Czech soups to know – and love.
Česnečka (Garlic Soup)
This is our legendary hangover cure and cold remedy in one. Simple but powerful, česnečka is a clear garlic soup made with broth, potatoes, and sometimes egg, croutons, or grated cheese. It’s bold in flavor and will warm you right up.
Where to try garlic soup in Prague:
- U Kroka, Vratislavova 28/12, Prague 2
- Restaurace U Matějíčků, Náplavní 2011/5, Prague 2
- U Pravdů (served in a bread bowl), Žitná 1701, Prague 2
- U Pivrnce (3 locations: Žatecká, Maiselova, Hradčany)
- U Sádlů, Klimentská 2, Prague 1
- Lokál (multiple locations, check daily menu online)
Kulajda (Creamy Dill and Mushroom Soup)
A South Bohemian specialty that’s beloved across the country. Kulajda is made from cream, potatoes, mushrooms, and fresh dill, with a dash of vinegar and a poached or boiled egg on top. Rich, velvety, and full of forest flavor – especially great during mushroom season.
Source: facebook.com/masaryckarestaurace
Where to try kulajda in Prague:
- U Kroka, Vratislavova 28/12, Prague 2
- Masaryčka Restaurant, Havlíčkova 1014/2, Prague 1
- Restaurace Hybernská, Dlážděná 1003/7, Prague 1
- Brambory, Na Pankráci 1724/129, Prague 4
- Vinohradský parlament, Korunní 1, Prague 2
- Café Imperial, Na Poříčí 15, Prague 1
- Kozlovna U Paukerta, Národní 981/17, Prague 1
Bramboračka (Potato Soup)
This classic Czech soup tastes like your grandmother’s kitchen. Every family has its own secret recipe. It's thick, earthy, and perfect for chilly days. Made with potatoes, root vegetables, dried mushrooms, marjoram, and garlic. Often thickened with roux for a rich texture.
Source: facebook.com/KolkovnaRestaurants
Where to try bramboračka in Prague:
- Restaurace Mincovna, Staroměstské náměstí 930/7, Prague 1
- U Dvou velbloudů (served in a bread bowl), Kožná 474/4, Prague 1
- Havelská koruna, Havelská 23, Prague 1
- Lokál (multiple locations, check daily menu)
- Kolkovna, V Kolkovně 910/8, Prague 1
- U Glaubiců, Malostranské náměstí 266/5, Prague 1
- or try the daily menu of traditional Czech restaurants
Gulášovka (Goulash Soup)
If you’re craving something filling but not quite a full plate of goulash, try gulášovka. This thick soup is packed with tender beef (or pork), vegetables, paprika, and spices. Just add bread and you’ve got a meal.
Source: facebook.com/KolkovnaRestaurants
Where to try goulash soup in Prague:
- Masaryčka Restaurant, Havlíčkova 1014/2, Prague 1
- Havelská koruna, Havelská 23, Prague 1
- U Tří prasátek, Vinohradská 122, Prague 3
- U Pavouka, Celetná 597/17, Prague 1
- Kolkovna Celnice, V Celnici 1031/4, Praha 1
- Lokál (multiple locations, check daily menu)
- or try the daily menu of traditional Czech restaurants
Dršťková (Tripe Soup)
A true love-it-or-hate-it dish. This traditional soup is made from beef tripe, and it's rich, intensely flavored with garlic, marjoram, and paprika. A vegetarian alternative using oyster mushrooms is also popular.
Source: facebook.com/umatejerestaurant
Where to try dršťková in Prague:
- U Matěje, U Matěje 1, Prague 6
- Lokál (check daily menu)
Zelňačka (Sauerkraut Soup)
Perfect for winter days, this soup combines sauerkraut, potatoes, smoked meat or sausage, and paprika. It may be finished with cream or roux. The taste is tangy, hearty, and a little smoky. A great variation is the Wallachian kyselica with cream and a sharper edge.
Source: facebook.com/pivovarbubenec
Where to try zelňačka in Prague:
- U Sádlů, Klimentská 2, Prague 1
- U Glaubicků, Malostranské náměstí 266/5, Prague 1
- Bubeneč Brewery, Bubenečská 321/33, Prague 6
- Bernard Pub U Bílého lva, Bělohorská 79, Prague 6
Beef Broth with Liver Dumplings
This is Sunday lunch in a bowl. A rich, clear beef broth filled with root vegetables and tender liver dumplings, or sometimes noodles. Like garlic soup, it’s the kind of meal that makes everything feel better.
Where to try beef broth in Prague:
Actually, almost anywhere. This is a staple on nearly every menu in any Czech restaurant or pub.
Whether you need comfort food, a cure, or just a truly local experience, Czech soups deliver. Ladle up, dig in, and discover why soup is so much more than a starter – it's a way of life.
