What to Avoid When Eating in Slovakia: Strange and Disgusting Dishes

When visiting Slovakia, you don’t need to strictly avoid any specific types of food as Slovak cuisine offers a wide range of delicious and hearty dishes. However, there are a few items that might be a shock to your taste buds or even outright disgusting. Let's explore the oddities of Slovak cuisine and which dishes you might want to avoid.

Unusual and Disgusting Dishes That You May Not Like

While many traditional Slovak dishes are hearty and delicious, there are a few that are both strange and, for some, unappealing. Here is a list of some of the most peculiar dishes not recommended for those with sensitive or adventurous palates.

Buchty na Pare

Considered a dessert despite its savory name, Buchty na Pare is a sweet dumpling-like dish with a very thick dough and a jam filling. A massive amount of butter is poured over it, followed by a sprinkle of sweet cocoa powder. This dish is oddly disgusting and may not appeal to your taste buds.

Emovka

Another sweet dish to avoid is Emovka, a soft dough filled with apples. While it might not sound bad, it may not taste good to everyone. It’s a personal choice, but it’s best to try it at your own risk.

Ryovy Nákyp

One of the biggest red flags of Slovak cuisine is Ryovy Nákyp, a sweet rice cake made with cooked rice, baked with egg cream, canned fruit, or raisins, and covered with egg-white “snow.” This dessert is not only sweet but also strange and may be too much for some palates.

Vypráany Syr

This savory dish, Vypráany Syr, is a slab of Edam cheese covered in bread crumbs and then fried. It is not only fattening but also not very tasty—many people feel sick after eating just a small piece. It is usually served with boiled potatoes or fries.

Granadiersky Pochod

Granadiersky Pochod is a dish made of pasta and potatoes. Yes, only pasta and boiled potatoes, but it’s worth mentioning as it may seem strange at first. However, if you’re adventurous, you might give it a try!

What to Try Instead

While there are some dishes that might seem odd, Slovakia still offers many tasty and traditional meals that are worth trying. Here are a few dishes that are highly recommended:

Pirohy/Pierogi

These traditional dumplings are filled with various ingredients like potatoes, spinach, and meat, and are perfect for those who enjoy hearty and comforting dishes.

Loke

A unique dish that might be weird to some but tastes surprisingly good. Lokie are potato flatbreads, usually served with meat or cabbage. This dish is not only unique but also delicious.

Francúzke Zemiaky

Another savory specialty, Francúzke Zemiaky, is a dish of baked potatoes and sausage with eggs or cheese. Although I personally do not enjoy this dish, many others find it delightful.

Prívarok

Prívarok can be either Oovicovy (lentil) or Fazulovy (baked beans). These hearty dishes are perfect for those who enjoy soupy, comforting meals.

Polievky (Soups)

Do not hold back on the variety of soups available in Slovakia. From chicken soup (súp s providingu) to sour cabbage soup (kapustnica or juková polievka), and tomato soup (kremná polievka), each soup offers a unique flavor and taste experience.

Sweet Sour Notes

If you are a dessert lover, there are also sweet treats to try. Dukátové Bu?tiky are small square baked buns filled with vanilla sauce, while Slivkové Gule are plum-filled sweet rolled potato dough dumplings. Elevate your snack game with Horalky (chocolate glazed peanut wafer) or Burizóny/Arizóny (puffed rice snack sold in salty and sweet varieties).

Conclusion

While Slovak cuisine can be a delightful and unique experience, there are a few dishes that might not be to everyone's taste. By being aware of these peculiarities, you can make informed choices and enjoy the true taste of Slovakia without any surprises!