Czech Food Recipes

While the book is currently only available in Czech, an English-language version may be in the works. In addition to having just published the cookbook, Martina’s also opening up a imported-sweet shop in September, called The Candy Store, which will be at Na Rybníčku 5 in New Town. I spoke with her recently about the inspiration behind the book, and asked if she’d share a recipe with us, which she kindly does, below: a recipe for bean burgers like the one on the cover. All photos courtesy of Martina Čermáková.

1. What gave you the idea of writing a cookbook for vegans?

The idea actually came from a friend — who’s not even vegan, or Czech — and was shelved away until another — this time vegan — friend came along with the same idea a year later, which prompted me to think a Czech-language vegan cookbook might be a viable project after all. (I’m a total pushover.)

But, really, the selection of vegan cookbooks on the market is limited — you can count them on the fingers of one hand — compared to their vegetarian counterparts. I was missing something that would present affordable, easy-to-make and delicious vegan eats in a fun and graphically unconventional way; something that also a nonvegetarian would pick up. Many people I meet have a skewed view of the vegan diet (and vegans in general), so this was a perfect opportunity to show that vegan food can actually be scrumptious, doesn’t have to cost you a month’s worth of salary, isn’t hard to prepare and doesn’t come with a lesson on health or ethics.

So when an old high-school friend of mine and a brilliant graphic designer, Nadine Khatib, agreed to design it, it was a deal.

2. How long have you been a vegan? Is it difficult to be a vegan in Prague?

I’ve gradually transitioned into veganism about four years ago.  Having lived in some of the most veg-friendly cities, sometimes I miss not having as wide a selection of vegan products, but, really, it doesn’t take any extra effort to eat vegan in Prague. The health stores that have mushroomed around town have a pretty great selection of vegan products for good prices —including affordable vegan cosmetics and household products — most larger chain stores carry the basics like plant-based milk, yogurt and tofu, and, well, you can get your veggies and legumes anywhere. There are a handful of vegan restaurants and many more veg-friendly eateries at this point, plus, most places are willing to accommodate you, if you explain that you are a vegetarian with a dairy and egg allergy and tip generously.