13. Soup, Meat, Dessert: Proper Lunch for Czechs

One of the major differences between the Czechs and the British must be in the area of eating habits. Czech breakfasts are simple and tasty, usually something like rolls with ham and cheese. They might also serve vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, and maybe some soft cheese and hardboiled eggs.

But the main difference in dining habits between the British and Czechs is what we have for lunch and dinner. I was raised to eat a light breakfast of tea and toast, a sandwich or a medium-sized takeaway meal for lunch, and a large hearty dinner. Dinner for the British is the largest meal of the day, often meat, side dishes such as potatoes or pasta, and maybe some bread or rolls.

My colleague Radka tells me that the Czechs are the opposite. They have a sensible dinner of light pasta, a vegetable dish, cheese and bread, or maybe just soup. Their main meal of the day is lunch, which often consists of several courses, such as snack, soup, meat with potatoes or pasta, dessert, and then coffee. This is a far healthier habit than eating a large dinner right before bed like the British, but

The Czechs enjoy a full lunch even if they eat at their desks rather than in the canteen. Many of my colleagues bring their lunches from home and seem to spend the hours between noon and 2 p.m. parading between their desks and the kitchenette.

During this time, they prepare and eat a full course meal. They walk back to their desks with steaming bowls of soup and mouthwatering main dishes. Then they’ll something sweet to top off the lunch while sipping on a coffee.

their meals smell delicious. They’re especially tantalizing because I usually finish my lunch, a simple ham sandwich and crisps, in just a few minutes. I know that my lunch some of the panache of theirs, but it makes me getting home for dinner even more.

lacks