Hi everyone. As one of your RAs, I know there’s a lot to figure out when you first arrive in Prague. One of the first hurdles can be something as simple as the grocery store. It makes total sense – navigating a foreign supermarket with its different brands and unspoken rules can feel like a mission. That’s why I combined my passion as a foodie with my duty as an RA to create the ultimate cheat sheet for you.
Before You Grab a Cart
Grocery shopping in the Czech Republic has a few quirks that might be new to you. First of all, bring your own bag. This is a big one. Plastic bags (except the veggie ones) are not free here. While you can always buy one at checkout for a few crowns, it’s much more common (and eco-friendly) to bring your own tote bag.
The shopping cart coin: To unlock a shopping cart, you’ll likely need a coin, usually a 10 Kč coin. You insert it into a slot on the handle to release the chain. Once you’re done, you get it back when you return the cart and re-chain it! It’s just a system to make sure people return them. Pro tip: Keep a 10 Kč coin in your wallet just for this.
Weigh your own produce: For some loose fruits and vegetables (usually in Kaufland stores), you need to weigh them yourself before heading to the checkout. Just bag your items, place them on the digital scale in the produce section, find the picture or code for your item on the screen, and press the button. A little sticker with the price and barcode will print out—stick it on your bag, and you’re good to go.
Checkout is a speed sport: I would say that the Czech cashiers are famously efficient. They’ll scan your items at lightning speed. There’s no bagger; you’re expected to bag your groceries yourself, and quickly. Use the little divider stick to separate your items from the person behind you, and be ready to load your bags as soon as things are scanned.
Know Your Stores
The Champion: Lidl
I dare you to find a Czech person who doesn’t love Lidl. It may not be the biggest supermarket, but I’m positive you can find everything for a basic weekly restock and more. With Lidl, you can always count on two things: good quality products and friendly prices. Each store has a nearly identical layout, which means once you’ve been to one, you can navigate them all without wandering around frustrated.
Don’t miss: The bakery section. In my opinion, it’s elite. I’ve never found a stale product, and the variety is on point. From the flakiest pain au chocolat to high-quality sourdough bread, Lidl’s bakery is a carb-lover’s paradise.
Keep an eye out for: themed weeks! Lidl often features specialty items from different cuisines. During “Italian Week,” you’ll find a huge variety of Italian goods – think creamy burrata cheese, cured meats like salami and pancetta, and of course, fresh pasta. “Asian Week” brings high-quality rice and sauces. I’ve even seen an “American Week” with hamburger buns, cheddar cheese, and peanut butter. It’s a great way to find international ingredients that are otherwise hard to come by.
The Mega-Marts: Kaufland & Tesco
These are the big guys. I visit these hypermarkets when I’m in need of a serious restock. Because they are so large, they offer an incredible selection. For example, instead of just one or two brands of soy sauce, you might find ten. This makes them fantastic for exploring, testing new products, and finding specific items you can’t get elsewhere.
While you might not find a Kaufland or Tesco right on your street corner, a quick search on Google Maps will usually lead you to one within a 20-minute tram ride.
Crucial tip: For Tesco, the Tesco Clubcard app is non-negotiable. The regular prices are significantly higher than the member prices. Download the app, and if you have your ISIC card, you can link it to get an additional 10% off your entire purchase. (A quick heads-up: If your phone’s App Store/Google Play is set to the US, you probably won’t be able to download the app – it’s a super common issue. But don’t worry, the fix is easy. Just walk up to the customer service desk at any big Tesco and ask to sign up for a physical Clubcard. It’s free, you just fill out a short form and get the card on the spot.)
The Convenient Corner Stores: Albert & Billa
I group these two together because they serve a similar purpose: they are perfect for when you just need to grab a few things to whip up dinner. You don’t typically do your big weekly shop here. Their main advantage is convenience—they are absolutely everywhere in Prague, so you’re never far from one.
You can find most basics here, but with less variety and at slightly higher prices compared to the stores listed above.
Surprising strength: The drink selection! Weirdly, these chains are great for sodas and other beverages. They offer way more than just Coca-Cola, with brands like Fanta, Pepsi, our beloved Kofola, 7up, and all the zero-sugar versions.
The Budget Option: Penny
Penny gets its own category. I find this chain to be the cheapest of the bunch (though often by a minor difference). In my experience, however, the quality of the produce and other fresh items can sometimes reflect that lower price. This isn’t to say the food is bad at all! But if you’re a real stickler for high-quality ingredients, you might notice a difference. My advice? Go check it out for yourself. If you’re happy with the quality, you’ve found the most budget-friendly option in town!
The Lifesavers: Žabka & other Mini-Marts
Think of this category as Albert and Billa, but multiplied by price and convenience. These are the tiny convenience stores you see on every other corner. You don’t do your actual grocery shopping here; they exist for “in a pinch” moments. The prices are significantly higher, and the selection is very basic, but when it’s 10 p.m. and you desperately need a snack, they are your best friend.
The best part of grocery shopping is what comes next: cooking and eating! I hope this guide helps you find all the ingredients you need for your culinary adventures in Prague. Don’t be afraid to grab something you don’t recognize – that’s half the fun. Dobrou chuť!