Zlata Praha - A Slice of Eastern Europe

Zlata Praha - 28-48 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11102

718.721.6422

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.zlatapraha.cc/

Zlata Praha is very dear to my heart, because it reminds me of my home country of Slovakia. The atmosphere, which might seem random and mismatched to an American, makes me think of my grandmother’s kitchen. The food here is typical Eastern European—heavy on meat and dumplings. I adore their creamy sauces that are poured on top of the fluffy “knedlik” (dumpling) and the savory beef. The chicken paprikash dish is one to try—the meat is soft and juicy and the side noodles are more like miniature dumplings that just slip into your mouth. Now you might be surprised to find a “fried mozzarella” dish on the menu but I assure you that what you will get is anything but ordinary. The cheese is a generously sized block of fried heaven with a side of homemade tartar sauce and small crispy potatoes that resemble hash-browns. There are several desserts to choose from including thin crepes with fruit preserves (the texture of these is MUCH different than the Greek crepes served in the neighborhood), apple strudel and ice-cream. The waitstaff here is definitely friendly to natives but can sometimes be a bit cold to Americans. But don’t let yourself be intimidated; stand your ground and eat all the meat and dumplings that your heart desires!