Happy World Vegan Day! Try vegan versions of classic Czech cuisine in Prague

Anthony Bourdain may have famously called the Czech Republic the land that vegetables forgot but today in Prague that legacy — though not Bourdain’s! — has become a thing of the past. Numerous best-of lists have crowned the Czech capital among the top cities for vegetarians and vegans and a proliferation of fast-food kitchens, cafes, and full-scale restaurants specializing in green versions of hearty Czech cuisine have debuted in recent years.

Open-faced sandwiches (Chlebíčky)
The Chlebíček Store

Earlier this year we picked up a batch of these open-faced sandwiches from the Chlebíček Store in Prague’s up-and-coming Libeň district. The small cafe’s mission is to give a healthful and animal-cruelty-free makeover to that meatiest, mayo-heaviest of Czech party snacks, the open-faced sandwich. Strips of “ham” and peas, colorful pink shreds of beet salad, and veg-based potato salad made these the perfect alternative to the usual office party fare.

Schnitzel (Řízek)
Bistro Střecha

A popular spot for weekend brunch or daily lunch, this tiny bistro on Žižkov’s sloping Milíčova street employs socially disadvantaged waitstaff who help to serve up a rotating menu of dishes, many of them all-time-favorite Czech eats, with a vegan variation. From tomato sauce and dumplings to this flavor-packed and crispy pea-and-celeriac schnitzel, Czech comfort food has never tasted so deliciously guilt-free.

Fried Cheese (Smažák)
Eaternia

Eaternia is a vegan jídelna (the Czech word for “cafeteria”) operating in a former malthouse in Prague’s Smíchov quarter. Open just since last year its daily menu combines veggie-revamped Czech classics with modern vegan fare — including vegan burgers and dogs — using an array of local products. The funky retro decor makes it a fun place to enjoy a casual bite.

Tenderloin in cream sauce with dumplings (Svíčková)
Plevel

Plevel on Vršovice’s bohemian Krymská street was a pioneering restaurant in Prague’s vegan movement. While its menu incorporates inventive and colorful plant-sourced mains and desserts, it’s signature creamy svíčková (the meaty version of which is considered by many to be the Czech national dish), is a firm-favorite. Plevel also does a mean meatless version of Szeged goulash, a traditionally pork heavy stew served with sour cabbage and herb dumplings.

Goulash
Maitrea

This Old Town sister restaurant to Prague’s Lehká hlava which specializes in more experimental dishes, offers a selection of Czech dishes to visitors from its Týnská street location. Another great spot offering vegan takes on goulash and svíčková in an area heavy on pork-knee pubs is Vegan’s Prague on Nerudova street just below Prague Castle.

In Prague, the World Vegan Day festival takes place on Sunday, November 3 at Cross Club and will feature a vegan marketplace, cooking demos, tastings, lectures, and more. See the Facebook event page for more details.