Cheap eats in Prague

I eat in a lot of expensive restaurants. I also have plenty of “go to” spots around Prague for inexpensive and quick meals.

In addition to good value, I’ve also looking for something that tastes good — or at least not too bad. And when I talk about taste, I’m just talking about what appeals to me.

Those who live here will have their own favorites. Prague is full of low-priced offerings, especially at lunch time. I couldn’t begin to list them all.

What I will do, however, is give you my list, in no particular order, of places I like or know about that I stop at for a low-cost bite or two.

I wrote about this Vietnamese place with no tables just recently and it has become a favorite. I recommend the Bún Bò Nam Bộ (85 CZK) and the fresh (unfried) spring roll filled with shrimp, pork, and egg (30 CZK).

Prague has a number of kebab shops, and many people I spoke to agreed that Arslan Kebab is a standout. The small, Turkish-style doner kebab with the beef/lamb mix (49 CZK) is delicious.

I got this plate with a cabbage-filled spring roll, onion chutney, potato, broccoli and corn curry, and spicy beans. It was all quite tasty, with a fair amount of heat.

I must add that at the end of the day, the food has been sitting around a little too long. This platter cost 49 CZK, and they had free green tea, They do take the “sitting around” factor into account and offer 30% discounts one hour before closing time.

Want something more Czech? Try Jan Paukert on Národní for their chlebíčky or small, open-faced sandwiches. Mr. Paukert is said to have invented them. They go from 21 to 39 CZK.

It was 50 CZK in 2007, but now cost 60 CZK. I also liked the little white Norimberské (Nuremburg) links (50 CZK). But you better get them while they’re hot and before they’re not. There is a plan to eliminate some, if not all of the sausage stands as part of a major beautification project.

If I have to choose a fast food chain, this is the one I usually go for. Why? Basically, I love the warm, crispy baguettes they use for sandwiches. Although the quality of what they put inside them is not always the highest, they are fairly creative. My favorite sandwich is the Brooklynská (89 CZK). The baguette (you have a choice of three different types) is filled with turkey, grilled onions, cheese, tomato, bacon, and mustard dressing. I’ll also confess to liking their “hot dog,” called the Vídeňák or the Viennese (39 CZK).

It’s two small dogs on a warm crunchy roll with bacon, grilled onion, and cheddar. The ketchup and mayo on it is not right for me, but I’ve grown to accept it. I must add that I love their homebrewed iced tea (37 CZK). It only comes pre-sweetened and flavored with lime, but I like it this way. I lived for years in the sweet tea region of the USA. They also sell it in take away bottles (39 CZK), but it has a limited shelf life.

There are locations in Old Town and Vinohrady. The pizza here is hit and miss. You have to be open to choosing a slice (30 CZK) from the freshest pie, regardless of toppings.

I advise against ordering the older slices, even if it has the topping you prefer. The crispy crust combined with the decent, slightly sweet sauce and fresher cheese usually satisfies. For the same price, you can get a much larger slice at the pizza and gyro shop underneath Kotva at Náměstí Republiky.

Make sure to tell them to make it hot, as they often rush it in and out of the oven. This slice reminds me a bit more of a New York pizza. The well-heated crust is good, but the sauce, with a nice hit of oregano, is a bit thin.

Some claim that this párek v rohlíku (20 CZK) is the best in the city. I don’t know about that and I’m not willing to find out. But I do pass by often and when I need an emergency food fix, I’ll grab one. There are also Eurodog stands outside the Anděl (classic is 15 CZK) and Malostranská metro stations among other places.

These dogs don’t compare to what you’ll find on the streets of New York, but they are cheap, fast, and get the job done.

This restaurant is not open full time until March, but their Lokal Burger and Blue Smoke Burger are among the best in town for a little over 100 CZK.

I usually go for the club sandwich, a Mattoni, and a hot chocolate, but I’m not sure everyone will love this combo as much as I do.

As always, I’d love to hear any suggestions of your favorite cheap eats. If there are items on my list you find too obvious, unworthy, or even repulsive, I’ll understand. Everybody has difference tastes, experiences and limits for price to quality.

In any case, the food is pretty cheap and so is my advice.

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