Typical dishes of the Pilsen region

What is actually typical for the cuisine of the Plzeň region? Its main constituent parts come from the districts of Chodsko, the Šumava lowlands and highlands, but also from the urban districts.

THE PLZEŇ REGION CUISINE

What is actually typical for the cuisine of the Plzeň region? Its main constituent parts come from the districts of Chodsko, the Šumava lowlands and highlands, but also from the urban districts. The key components are pork done in various ways, flourand potato-based dishes. Beer is used as a spice, most often in sauces and gravies. To find out what it is like, try the Plzeň goulash. With roasted pork or other meats, you can have many different types of dumpling. Of the almost 40 known varieties, ubrouskové (napkin), špekové (bacon) and sklářské (glass-maker) dumplings can be had at numerous restaurants. The sauerkraut served with roasted pork usually comes from the well-known local supplier in Křimice near Plzeň. Very popular are dishes from raised potato dough. The specialty of the Plzeň region is raised potato pancake called toč. Trout from the Šumava streams are absolutely delicious. Regarding dessert, you should try fruit dumplings or strudel.

The Plzeň goulash

The Plzeň goulash is a variety of Czech goulash. The gravy is flavoured with beer, sometimes it is thickened with bread.

Raised potato pancake

The dough is made of grated potatoes, wholemeal flour, eggs and milk. Added  also are boiled smoked pork, marjoram, garlic and black pepper. The raised dough is made into flat cakes and baked.

Bacon dumplings

Ball-shaped non-raised dumplings are made from cut and roasted rolls, streaky pork and bacon. They are served with gravy or roasted meat, and can be had at most restaurants offering Czech dishes in the Plzeň region.

Glass-maker dumplings

Glass-maker dumplings are made from sauerkraut with other ingredients similar to those of bacon dumplings; added also is sour cream. They are served with different kinds of meat.

The Šumava trout

Trout is typical for the Šumava district but it is equally popular in other parts of the region. Abundant in the mountain rivers and streams, trout is prepared in many different ways.

SOUPS AND STARTERS

Soups often have local names such as šumavská bramboračka (the Šumava-style potato soup), a thick browned soup with potatoes, garlic, mushrooms and various vegetables.

Vošouchy is not a regional specialty, but the local name for potato pancakes (also called cmunda).

Chodské koláče (Chodsko-style cakes) with ground poppy seed, cottage cheese and damson-cheese are as typical for Chodsko as the music, dances, dialect and folk crafts of this racy district.

Last edited by: Beránek Filip (23.06.2010)