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Country Guide > Europe > Slovak Republic | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Traditional Slovak eating and drinking habits date back to the old Slavic period influenced later by Austrian, German and Hungarian cooking. Slovak food is based on many different kinds of soups, gruels, boiled and stewed vegetables, roast and smoked meats and dairy products. The style of cooking varies from region to region. Slovak specialities include both sweet and savoury dishes made with flour, including dumplings. One such dish is the popular bryndzové haluˇsky (small potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese). Popular drinks include Slovak beer, wine and mineral waters. Borovicka (strong gin) and slivovica (plum brandy) are particular specialities, as are wine from the Tokay region and sparkling wine from the Bratislava region. Restaurants Restaurants and other catering establishments are many and varied, including cafes, buffets, snack bars, inns, ale houses and wine taverns. All restaurants are graded according to quality. The main meal of the day is usually lunch, comprising soup, a main meal and desert. Tipping: A 5 to 10 per cent tip is usual. Nightlife Theatre and opera are of a high standard. Much of the nightlife takes place in hotels, although nightclubs are to be found in major cities. Shopping Souvenirs include pottery, porcelain, woodcarvings, hand-embroidered clothing and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specialising in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and artisans run their own retail outlets (pay in local currency). Other special purchases include folk ceramics from all regions of the Slovak Republic and woodcarvings from the eastern and central parts of the Slovak Republic (Kyjatice, Michalovce and Spiˇsská Belá). Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1200. Special Events Most towns have their own folk festivals, with dancing, local costumes and food. These tend to be in the summer months leading up to the harvest festivals in September. For full details, contact the Slovak Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in the Slovak Republic in 2005: Feb Bratislava Shrovetide. Jun 26-Jul 3 Art Film Festival, Trencianske Teplice. Sep 12-20 Castles Charm & Wine Festival. Nov International Film Festival, Bratislava. Social Conventions Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Punctuality is appreciated on social occasions. The minimum drinking age is 18. |