Top 10 culinary specialities in Bratislava

Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. If you’re wondering what kind of food this country has to offer, you should know that its cuisine is particularly rich. The specialities reflect the different influences of neighbouring countries such as Germany and Hungary. So, in just one bite, you can take a culinary journey. Slovak cuisine is defined as “rich” and “colourful”. With ancient dishes and recipes handed down from generation to generation. To everyone’s delight! In this article, discover some of the national dishes that are not to be missed if you make a stopover in the capital.

What to eat in Bratislava Our top 10 specialities.

1 Kapustnica

First of all, you should know that in Slovakia, and more specifically in Bratislava, soups are an integral part of meals. If you go to a restaurant in town, it’s not unusual to find “kapustnica”, the star soup of Slovak cuisine, at the top of the list. It features smoked sausages with sauerkraut mixed with paprika. We also like to add pieces of pork knuckle with mushrooms, and even bits of plum… Yes, you read that right. The taste would be exquisite. Serve with a few slices of bread and you’re done!

2. Bryndzové Halušky

After the national soup, it’s time to introduce you to the national dish: bryndzové halušky. A difficult word to pronounce, but so easy to eat that it’s a real treat for the taste buds! Can you imagine what gnocchi are? Well, it’s practically the same concept. Water potatoes made with white sheep’s cheese called “Bryndza”, mixed with grilled bacon or smoked sausages. In days gone by, this was the favourite dish of the nobility. It’s easy to cook, and generally appeals to everyone.

3. Juniperus

Behind its ancestral traditions, Slovakia has developed a great wine-growing heritage. So much so that the hand-picked, artisanally distilled fruit is considered to be the best brandy you’ll ever taste. What do we recommend? Juniperus” is often the favourite of tourists. It has to be said that the fermentation of the juniper berries used in its preparation is particularly delicious on the palate. This drink was once served at the court of the mythical Emperor of Austria, Hungary, and according to some experts, it has many virtues.

4. Bábovka

Do you know what would go perfectly with your glass of Juniperus? A generous slice of Bábovka, a traditional Czech cake that is very popular in Slovakia and its capital. The most common version is similar to a marble cake, and the combination of vanilla and chocolate is absolutely divine. The sweet paste gently makes your tongue wriggle, and then your whole body quiver. It’s a refined dish that’s hard to resist! Some people like to add rum-soaked raisins or almonds to the mix. Yummy!

5. Zemiaková Packa or Harula

Here’s a food you’re sure to love, because it’s so simple and delicious. Zemiaková Packa is nothing more than a potato pancake made from pieces of grated potato that have been pan-fried. Although they are generally eaten on their own, gourmets like to add a whole host of different toppings: onions, eggs, a little paprika, or even pieces of meat. A real festival of flavours! Sweet and crunchy at the same time, this little delicacy is extremely easy to cook and appeals to young and old alike.

6. Oštiepok

Do any of our readers love dairy products? Do you love cheese? Well, we do too. It’s amazing how much we have in common. If you’re feeling peckish in the afternoon, why not cut yourself a delicious slice of bread with a piece of cheese delicately placed on top? Look no further than the oštiepok. It’s clear that you won’t be able to resist this soft, melt-in-your-mouth cheese. This traditional cheese, made from smoked sheep’s milk, is widespread throughout Slovakia. You’re bound to try it sooner or later, and you won’t be disappointed!

7. Guláš

Guláš, or more commonly known as “goulash”, is a beef-based soup. Legend has it that it was once the dish of a peasant family. Later, it became part of bourgeois gastronomy, and is now one of the most popular dishes in the whole country. What do we love about goulash? The divine combination of meat, vegetables, mushrooms and spices. A colour that’s pleasing to the eye, a mouth-watering smell that’s partly due to the spice mixtures and the meat, and an explosive taste on the palate. What more could you ask for?

8. Mohnnudeln

Slovak gastronomy is the product of a variety of influences. That’s why it’s no surprise to find in this ranking a dish straight out of Bohemian and Austrian cuisine. Mohnnudeln, which translates as “poppy noodles” in German, are served with melted butter and ground poppy seeds, which give the dish its black colour. Very intriguing, isn’t it? A real treat for the taste buds, it is usually eaten as a main course. However, some people go so far as to keep it as a dessert! It’s a pretty easy speciality to cook at home, and children love to help grind the poppies.

9. Slovak alcohol

If you’re ever strolling through the streets of Bratislava, take a little break by the terrace of a charming café. There, let yourself be tempted by a delicious traditional beer of which the Bratislavians have the secret. The choice is yours: “Steiger”, “Topvar”, or Corgoň… There’s something for everyone! There are sweet blends of pears and plums, as well as liqueurs made from mountain plants. Alcohol is well integrated into the culinary habits of the country, and is often found at lunchtime or in the evening on dining tables. Far from the idea of getting drunk, the aim is above all to slowly savour a refined dish prepared with care.

10. Pirohy

Let’s round off our appetising list with a little sweetness. Come and discover the Pirohy, a kind of ravioli traditionally stuffed with jam (very often blueberry jam), and sometimes even with sheep’s curd cheese. But while it’s an absolutely exquisite dessert, pirohy can also be an interesting dish to enjoy. It can be combined with a variety of fillings. The best is with pieces of potato mixed with smoked bacon. So, are you hooked?