Czech Republic

Self-catering

Most hostels in the Czech republic have some kind of kitchen which can be used to prepare food. Large supermarkets such as Tesco exist in most towns, and have a reasonable range of produce, though as this is not an expensive country it is usually perfectly reasonable to shop in any corner shop. A good selection of bread, meat, cheese, fish and dried goods such as pasta is available. Fruit and vegetables are fairly seasonal however, and in winter may be restricted to frozen spinach and pickled gherkins, with potatoes, onions and few very sorry-looking items such as green peppers lingering in the corner. This is fine for a while, but vegetarians in particular are likely to find they get quite bored after a week.

Cheap eats

In the Czech Republic all eats are cheap eats! This is of course not quite true, and certainly doesn't apply in the centre of Prague, but in general you shouldn't need to look at the menus outside of more than one or two restaurants to find somewhere within your price range.

Restaurants

Most meals in Czech restaurants appear to be based around pork. This can be prepared in many different ways, but here it only seems to be in the form of sznitzel or cutlet. If you are feeling adventurous you could try trout, or take a vegetarian option, which will almost certainly be made from cheese. These will be served with some form of potato (brambory) or dumplings, and should you so desire you can order a side dish of vegetables. Occasionally there will be some kind of pasta option, and it is not impossible to find chicken and veal. If your dumplings have been covered with something suspiciously sweet then congratulations - you have discovered dessert! Most people will probably be quite happy with this for a few days, after which they will hanker for more international foods. Happily, anywhere that has any number of tourists will also have a selection of restaurants serving anyting from pizza to sushi.

Practicalities

• Outside of Prague you will most restaurants quite reasonably priced.
• A small amount (less than 10%), or rounding up the change is an acceptable tip for a meal. If you slavishly tip 15% the serving staff will probably not think any the less of you, but everybody else will think you are a flash idiot.
• People eat fairly early here compared to other parts of Europe. Off the beaten track, and particularly on Sundays, you will find your options are severely reduced after 8 or 9 pm.