The traditional beef dish svíčková na smetaně has been ranked the most popular Czech speciality in a 2026 international food list.

The meal — marinated beef served with a creamy vegetable sauce and bread dumplings — remains a standard choice in restaurants across Czechia and a frequent part of family Sunday lunches.

The ranking was published by TasteAtlas and is based on user ratings from both locals and visitors. This year’s overview assessed 82 Czech dishes, offering a snapshot of how the country’s traditional cooking is viewed internationally.

Second place went to valašský frgál, a large round pastry associated with Moravian Wallachia.

Known for its thin dough and rich filling, it usually contains pear purée, poppy seeds, cottage cheese or plum jam, finished with a crumb topping. What was once mainly a regional product is now commonly sold nationwide.

Garlic soup, česnečka, placed third. Typically served hot with croutons and sometimes cheese or ham, it is widely considered a simple home staple and is often described locally as helpful during colds or after a late night.

TasteAtlas is an experiential travel online guide for traditional food that collates authentic recipes, food critic reviews, and research articles about popular ingredients and dishes.

It features an interactive global food map with dish icons shown in their respective regions and purportedly contains nearly 10,000 dishes, drinks, and ingredients, as well as 9,000 restaurants.

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