Recently updated on August 19th, 2025 at 04:19 am
Hearty and homely, Slovakian food is not dissimilar from what’s bubbling away on stovetops throughout Central Europe. If you’re eager to explore traditional Slovak dishes, these iconic recipes are a delicious place to start. The Slovaks have added their own twist to regional favourites, however. So, say dobrú chuť (bon appetit) and eat your way through these yummy Slovakian dishes.
Sample the national dish
Slovakian food is creamy and calorie-laden. But none more so than the national dish, Bryndzové halušky. The only thing you should be wrapping your tongue around is a dumpling, so if pronunciation is a problem, simply ask for Slovakian dumplings with cheese.
Locals smother these potato dumplings, which have an uncanny resemblance to Italian gnocchi, liberally with cheese. And not just any cheese, mind you. Slovaks are justifiably proud of their local concoction.
Melt-in-your-mouth creamy and soft, the locals make Bryndzové from sheep’s milk (bryndza). Topping it off with crispy bacon or sausage, Bryndzové halušky is simple, soul-warming, and iconic traditional Slovakian food.
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Bryndzové pirohy (Slovakian pierogi)
Here’s another dish peckish travellers may recognise from neighbouring Poland. Prepare yourself for that Slovakian twist though.
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Similar to pierogi, Bryndzové pirohy are crescent-shaped potato dumplings stuffed with that famous local cheese we mentioned earlier, bryndza. Throw in some bacon, chives and a generous dollop of sour cream and you’re guaranteed a one-way ticket to gastronomic heaven.
Why not eat Bryndzové pirohy like a local? Simply wash down its creamy goodness with a glass of žinčica, fermented sour sheep’s milk. It’s an acquired taste, but one to try for a full experience of Slovakian cuisine.
Liptauer
Move over grilled cheese toastie. In Slovakia, the locals enjoy Liptauer cheese spread on their bread and crackers. While its exact origins are unknown, there are several variations throughout the Austro-Hungarian region.
The main ingredient of this tasty cheese spread is either fresh or cream cheese. Made from fresh or cream cheese with paprika and herbs, it’s a flavoursome addition to your food tour of Slovakia.
Enjoy ample lashings of it smothering piping-hot bread straight from the oven. The locals also love to use it as a dip for grilled meat and sausages which you’ll find pretty much everywhere in this meat-loving country.
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Guláš
Visiting Slovakia in winter? When the temperature gets frosty, nip indoors for the most heart-warming traditional dish, guláš.
You may recognise it as Hungarian goulash, Hungary’s national dish. Of course, once again the Slovaks have put their own spin on this favourite. And today, you can find many variations throughout the two countries.
Slovakian Guláš is a meaty, paprika-packed stew perfect for winter. Served with potato dumplings or Zemiakové placky (potato pancakes), it’s a hearty classic. As it simmers for hours on the stovetop, you’ll be hard-pressed not to steal a taste or two before it’s ready. You can find guláš on restaurant menus and in homes across the country. In true Slovakian fashion, they serve it with those fluffy dumplings we simply can’t get enough of. You’ll also find Kapustnica (cabbage soup) and Vyprážaný rezeň (schnitzel) in traditional Koliba restaurants, giving visitors a full taste of Slovakian food.
Fun fact: You’ll often find Gulášová polievka (goulash soup) served at sporting events.
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Makowiec
Makowiec, a sweet poppy seed roll, is Slovakia’s answer to Christmas cake. Once upon a time, Slovakian families would gather during the festive season and make this moreish treat together. Today, you will find it year-round in bakeries and supermarkets. How lucky!
It’s also very easy to make at home. Amateur bakers can simply roll poppy seed paste between layers of dough. The result? An intricate spiral of different textures when you cut the cake. Sometimes referred to as Makové Šúľance, occasionally it’s baked with honey, raisins, almonds, and orange peel.
Enjoy it like the locals do – sprinkle thick cake slices with powdered sugar and pair with a cup of tea or coffee as the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a classic treat during any Slovak food tour.
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Laskonky
Indulge that sweet tooth and order laskonky from a local bakery. This is the Slovakian equivalent to the ever-chic French macaron.
Two bite-sized meringues hug a light-as-air buttercream filling. The buttercream used to be caramel-flavoured, but these days you can find it flavoured with everything from chocolate to coffee. Perfect for sampling at local bakeries or traditional Koliba restaurants, they’re a highlight of Slovakian cuisine.
Skalický Trdelník
Visiting north-western Slovakia? Don’t leave without sampling one (or three) Skalický Trdelník. This cylindrical, hollowed-out split cake is Slovakia’s iconic chimney cake. It’s the local’s favourite sweet treat and a firm favourite among tourists. Interestingly, Skalický Trdelník is the only Slovakian food currently registered as a protected food by the EU.
You can smell it before you see it. Sinfully-sweet, its aromas linger in the air enough to make your toes curl, most notably when it’s being baked on a Slovakian sidewalk. Wrap sweetly spiced dough around a stick. Add sugar, apricots, almonds or walnuts and pop it in, to grill or bake. You could also hunt down modern versions filled with ice cream, although we prefer it the traditional way.
Other traditional Slovakian dishes and drinks
While exploring Slovakia, also look out for lokše (potato pancake), perfect with sweet or savoury fillings. A trip to the food markets and you’ll find vyprážaný syr (fried cheese), a street food favourite. Cheese lovers are spoilt in Slovakia with options like parenica (traditional cheese) which is mild, smoked, and often grilled. Other simple, but classic Slovakian food to try includes langoš (fried flatbread) and fašírka (meatballs). If you’re like us and have a bit of a sweet tooth, wrap your taste buds around Sišky (doughnuts), Slovenske Palacinky (Slovak pancakes) and Parené buchty (steamed buns with jam or poppy seed fillings).
Popular Slovakian drinks you can wash it all down with include Žinčica, Slovakia’s national drink. Or if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, you can order a slivovica, which is a strong but beloved plum brandy. Another drink to try is Kofola. Sound familiar? It’s Slovakia’s very own cola alternative!
FAQs
What is the national dish of Slovakia?
The national dish is Bryndzové halušky, potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese and bacon. It’s a hearty, soul-warming dish that locals adore, and a must-try for anyone who wants to taste the essence of traditional Slovakian food.
What is the most popular food in Slovakia?
While Bryndzové halušky reign supreme, Slovaks also love dishes like Guláš (a paprika-rich meat stew), Lokše (savory potato pancakes), and Vyprážaný syr (fried cheese).
What is the national drink of Slovakia?
Slovaks have a few favourite beverages, but Tatranský čaj, a warming herbal liqueur, is particularly popular. For something lighter, there’s žinčica, which is traditionally paired with dumplings and other Slovakian specialties.
Do you have any favourite Slovakian food or dishes you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below…