🍲 Hermelín nakládaný (Pickled Cheese) – A Traditional Czech Dish You Must Try in Prague

🥘 About the Dish

If you’re searching for authentic Czech food in Prague and want to discover something beyond the usual goulash or dumplings, let your taste buds wander toward Hermelín nakládaný – the legendary Czech pickled cheese. This tempting appetizer starts with Hermelín, a creamy, Brie-like soft cheese, which is sliced and sandwiched with an aromatic mix of herbs, fragrant garlic, whole peppercorns, and sometimes fiery chili peppers. It is then submerged into a jar of golden sunflower oil or rapeseed oil, where it absorbs the vibrant flavors. After marinating for several days, the cheese transforms: its silky interior becomes almost spreadable, while its rind takes on a pleasantly zesty, herby punch.

A plate of nakládaný Hermelín arrives at your table in Prague with glossy, glistening cheese rounds, accompanied by freshly baked Czech bread, spicy pickled vegetables, and maybe a scoop of tangy mustard. The aroma is warm, inviting, with notes of earthy garlic and lush dill wafting up to meet you. Each bite offers a luxurious, creamy texture balanced by gently peppery spice and a satisfying burst of fresh herbs. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just a curious traveler, this Czech pub classic is an absolute revelation – the kind of dish that turns a simple snack into a celebration.

🕰️ History and Cultural Significance

Hermelín nakládaný may seem like a modern bistro invention, but its roots go deep into Czech pub culture. Hermelín cheese, inspired by French Camembert, has been crafted in the Czech lands since the early 20th century. The practice of pickling the cheese became widespread in the 1970s and 1980s, especially in Central Bohemian regions, as a way to preserve it and infuse even more flavor.

Today, ordering nakládaný Hermelín is almost a rite of passage in Prague’s hospodas (pubs). Locals love to share a jar of this pungent treat as an appetizer while sipping crisp Czech lager. It’s a staple during festive gatherings, sports matches, and long evenings with friends. In the Czech Republic, pickled cheese embodies the generous, slow pleasures of local cuisine – it’s a delicious reason to linger at the table and savor each moment.

🍳 How It’s Prepared

The magic of nakládaný Hermelín lies in its simple, time-honored preparation. The cheese is sliced through the middle, then layered with thinly sliced onions, garlic, paprika, fresh or dried chili, a rich mix of herbs (typically bay leaves, allspice, or dill), and sometimes even juniper berries. Everything is arranged in jars, then generously covered with oil—this essential step both preserves and infuses the cheese.

The flavors develop over several days (sometimes even a week), with the cheese softening and soaking up the punchy aromatics. While every chef and pub has their own family recipe, some might add a dash of beer or vinegar for brightness. Contemporary Prague bistros play with the ingredients—think sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, or wild Czech herbs—but the iconic result is always garlicky, herbal, and deeply satisfying.

📍 Where to Eat Hermelín nakládaný in Prague

In search of the perfect pickled cheese experience? Here are some beloved spots for this classic:

• Lokál (multiple locations) – Known for its commitment to real Czech classics and fresh beer straight from the tap.
• U Kroka (Podskalská 27) – A historic pub near Vyšehrad serving house-pickled Hermelín with hearty bread.
• Pivovarský dům (Ječná 16) – Pair their Hermelín with a tasting flight of local craft brews.
• Mlejnice (Ko