Dumplings in Prague | Eating Europe

Anyone who’s been on one of my Prague food tours will likely have heard all about the iconic dumplings in Prague, which are typical Czech foods. Although you may be picturing Asian-style dumplings, in Czechia, these much-loved treats look a little different and are typically made from either bread or potatoes.

Known locally as knedlíky, Czech dumplings are pretty much found in every other restaurant in the country. However, in order to find the tastiest dumplings in Prague, you need to know where to look! That’s why I’ve put together this in-depth guide, so you’ll know what kind of dumplings to expect and where to find the best varieties.

What Are Czech Dumplings?

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Dumplings are among the most beloved traditional Czech foods and are known throughout the country as knedlíky. You’ll find two main types of dumplings in Prague, one made from potatoes and another from bread. However, the sweet alternatives, which contain neither bread nor potato, are also worth checking out.

Bread dumplings are generally considered the most popular, and are made by combining flour, yeast, eggs, milk, and stale bread. Together, these form a dough, which is then rolled into a loaf and boiled or steamed. Potato dumplings, on the other hand, are made with a similar cooking technique, but consist of potatoes, eggs, flour, and potato starch.

Unlike their Asian counterparts, these dumplings are sliced rather than stuffed, as the consistency is perfect for soaking up sauce. In most instances, these dumplings are paired with creamy sauces and meaty dishes. That said, the dessert-style versions are often filled with fruit or jam.

These dumplings have been a staple of Czech cuisine since the Middle Ages, when residents in rural Czechia worked to make the most of the ingredients available to them. Despite their humble origins, knedlíky have stood the test of time!

Types of Dumplings You’ll See in Prague

As I’ve previously mentioned, there are three types of dumplings in Prague to look out for. Below, I’ve listed them all so you can easily identify them on a menu and know what to pair them with.

Bread Dumplings (houskové knedlíky): The most common style of dumpling, these are soft and fluffy with a mild flavor and are best enjoyed with svíčková or goulash.
Potato Dumplings (bramborové knedlíky): These are denser than bread-based dumplings and are usually teamed with roasted meats like pork or duck.
Sweet Dumplings (ovocné knedlíky): These sweet, flour-based dumplings are typically warm and spongy, often stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including fresh fruits and cottage cheese. For serving, all they need is a dusting of powdered sugar.

Where to Eat the Best Dumplings in Prague

Restaurace U Dvou Velbloudů

Photo credit: Restaurace U Dvou Velbloudů

After asking a slew of locals about where to eat dumplings in Prague, I noticed numerous people suggested I try Restaurace U Dvou Velbloudů, a traditional, old-school spot in the Old Town. I went for the beef goulash with bread dumplings, and quickly fell in love with this pairing. The dumplings were light and airy and soaked up the rich, beefy flavors of the sauce.

Restaurace U Dvou Velbloudů – 110 00 Staré Město – Open every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Lokál U Bílé Kuželky

Photo credit: Lokál U Bílé Kuželky

Lokál U Bílé Kuželky is a cozy but lively eatery just a short walk from Charles Bridge, and I found some of the most mouthwatering potato dumplings here. The svíčková here was to die for, with its distinctive sweet and savory notes, but the mix of its sauce and soft dumplings here was the highlight.

Lokál U Bílé Kuželky – 110 00 Malá Strana – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am and every Sunday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

U Glaubiců

Right opposite the St. Nicholas Bell Tower is U Glaubiců, a sophisticated haunt with vaulted ceilings and vintage furnishings. I’d heard this place was home to some of the finest dumplings in Prague, and I had the pleasure of trying both the doughy bread and firm potato styles after ordering the juicy pork knuckle.

U Glaubiců – 118 00 Malá Strana – Open every day from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm.

U Modré Kachničky

Photo credit: U Modré Kachničky

U Modré Kachničky is a swanky, Medieval-themed restaurant in Malá Strana, and although it’s a more upmarket spot, the food is full of hearty and comforting Czech flavors. I was lucky enough to sample the tender potato dumplings with a robust, duck-infused sauce.

U Modré Kachničky – 118 00 Malá Strana – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Knedlín

Photo credit: Knedlín

If you’re on the hunt for sweet dumplings in Prague, I suggest you stop by Knedlín, situated near the Lego Museum. This cute, contemporary cafe serves all sorts of confections, but dumplings are their specialty. I tried a handful of flavors, but was more impressed with the raspberry and white chocolate-stuffed dumpling, which came encased in a warm, melt-in-your-mouth dough.

Knedlín – 110 00 Nové Město – Open every Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, and every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

How to Eat Dumplings Like a Local

Use your dumplings to absorb the sauce for maximum flavor.
While often seen as a side dish, for many locals, dumplings are just as important as other aspects of the meal.
It’s not uncommon to ask for extra dumplings in Prague, so don’t be afraid to order seconds if you fancy more.
Given that beer is Czechia’s most popular drink, pair your bread or potato dumplings with a suitable variety, such as a pilsner.
Although sweet knedlíky may strictly seem like dessert items, they can also be enjoyed as a main course.

Final Thoughts: Why Dumplings Are the Heart of Czech Comfort Food

Feasting on dumplings in Prague is a cultural experience you can’t miss! Not only are they deeply rooted in Czech culture, but they’re also incredibly delicious and versatile, and are sure to be some of the stand-out foods you’ll try during your stay.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Prague Food & Beer Tour. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/prague/

Dunn, K. (2025, February 24). Czech Republic food: A guide to traditional dishes and drinks. Eating Europe. Retrieved July 25, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/czech-foods/

U Dvou Velbloudů. (n.d.). U Dvou Velbloudů Restaurant Prague. https://www.udvouvelbloudu.cz/en-home

Lokál U Bílé Kuželky. (n.d.). Lokál U Bílé Kuželky. https://lokal-ubilekuzelky.ambi.cz/en/

U Glaubiců. (n.d.). U Glaubiců Restaurant Prague. https://uglaubicu.com/en/

U Modré Kachničky. (n.d.). U Modré Kachničky – Nebovidská. https://umodrekachnicky.cz/en/nebovidska

Knedlín. (n.d.). Knedlín Dumpling Bistro. https://knedlin.cz/en/