ExploFood · Europe
What to eat in Slovakia
Five dishes to try in Slovakia, the most typical first. Two are vegetarian.
Five dishes to try in Slovakia
Bryndzové halušky
Potato dumplings with tangy sheep's cheese and fried bacon.
How to have it: Best at a salaš mountain inn; drink žinčica (sheep's whey) with it.
Kapustnica
Sauerkraut soup with smoked sausage, mushrooms and dried plums.
How to have it: The Christmas Eve soup; also served at ski chalets in winter.
Vyprážaný syr
Thick slice of cheese breaded and deep-fried.
How to have it: A pub favourite served with fries and tartar sauce.
Lokše
Thin potato pancakes filled with goose fat, jam or poppy seed.
How to have it: Common at Christmas markets and festivals; try the savoury version with duck liver.
Kofola
Herbal cola soft drink, less sweet than standard colas.
How to have it: Order it on tap (čapovaná) in pubs and restaurants.
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Questions
What food is Slovakia famous for?
Bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with tangy sheep's cheese and fried bacon) comes first on our list, followed by Kapustnica, Vyprážaný syr, Lokše and Kofola.
What is the national dish of Slovakia?
Ask ten people and you get several answers. The dish we put first for Slovakia is Bryndzové halušky: potato dumplings with tangy sheep's cheese and fried bacon. Best at a salaš mountain inn; drink žinčica (sheep's whey) with it.
Which dishes in Slovakia are vegetarian?
Two of the five on this page are vegetarian as usually made: Vyprážaný syr and Kofola. Recipes vary, so ask about stock, lard or fish sauce.
What street food should I try in Slovakia?
Lokše (thin potato pancakes filled with goose fat, jam or poppy seed).
What do people drink in Slovakia?
Kofola: herbal cola soft drink, less sweet than standard colas.
How reliable is this list?
The dishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, where you can also tick off the ones you have tried. Recipes vary by region and by family, so take it as a starting point.
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Get ExploDishes are hand-picked from general knowledge in the Explo app, with links to Wikipedia. Recipes and names vary by region.