Slovak Learning Community and Resources

Food is a central part of every culture. Slovak cuisine is hearty and filling, and many dishes are made from simple, traditional ingredients. Let’s explore together the most popular Slovak dishes. Are your taste buds ready?

Bryndzové Halušky (Sheep Cheese Dumplings)

This is the national dish and definitely the most iconic one. You can eat in every restaurant offering traditional Slovak food but its quality depends on the ingredients. It is a simple dish that consists of potato dumplings (halušky) and a salty sheep cheese called bryndza, a soft cheese that is a staple in Slovak cuisine. They are topped with bacon bits (škvarky). If you spot a traditional restaurant, usually Koliba (Shepherd’s hut), you can be sure they have bryndzove halusky on the menu. It is a very hearty meal (as all the Slovak dishes) so don’t get too full before eating it.

Strapačky (Potato Dumplings With Sauerkraut)

Another variation of potato dumplings. Instead of bryndza, they are mixed with stewed sauerkraut and sprinkled with pieces of roasted bacon (škvarky).

Bryndzové Pirohy (Potato Dumplings Filled With Sheep Cheese (Bryndza)

The Slovak version of the famous Polish pierogi. It is again potato dumplings but this time crescent-shaped and filled with bryndza cheese. They can be cooked or fried (depends on the region, in Eastern Slovakia it is usually fried). Pirohy are traditionally topped with roasted bacon, chives and sour cream.

Zemiakové placky (Potato Pancakes)

Potatoes are a very versatile and popular ingredient in Slovak cuisine. If you don’t know what to do with leftover ones, this meal is a way to go.  It is made from grated potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and sometimes onions or garlic. The mixture is then formed into  small round flat shape pieces and fried in oil until crispy and golden brown.

Kapustnica (Sauerkraut Soup)

Kapustnica is a traditional Slovak soup enjoyed mostly during the Christmas season. In many regions, it is an integral part of the Christmas dinner menu. The soup is typically made with sauerkraut, smoked meat and sausage, potatoes and mushrooms and served with a dollop of sour cream on top. However, there are many variations, everyone has their own recipe, especially if made at home.

Makové alebo orechové šúľance (Poppy Seed or Ground Walnuts Potato Dumplings)

Another potato dumplings variation, this time for sweet tooth. This sweet dish is enjoyed as a main course or a dessert. The dough in the shape of little rolls is cooked until it floats on the surface. The dish is then covered with melted butter (so the dumplings are not sticky) and sprinkled with the mixture of ground poppy seeds or walnuts with powdered sugar.

Parené buchty (Sweet Steamed Buns)

Another way to satisfy your sweet tooth is to indulge in the sweet and fluffy goodness of parene buchty! This sweet dish is made from yeast dough filled with fruit jam, typically plum, and steamed or boiled until fluffy and soft. They are served dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with melted butter or cream. This would be the comfort food that your grandmother would prepare for you.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How do you like these traditional dishes? Is there something you would like to try? What would be your first option? Let us know in the forum.