In the Czech kitchen: The symoblism of 'vánočka' Christmas bread (plus recipe)

Eat up these fun facts about the traditional Czech Christmas 'braid' then try a recipe for this citrus-scented and almond-topped holiday delight.

Ambiente

Written by Ambiente Published on 17.12.2024 15:00:00 (updated on 17.12.2024) Reading time: 2 minutes

Food & Drink
Photo via Ambiente
Photo via Ambiente
This article was written in partnership with Ambiente Read our policy

The Czech braided Christmas bread, known as vánočka, is rich with symbolism. Its intricate plaiting mirrors the cycle of life and nature, with each braid representing a different element. The bottom four strands symbolize earth, sun, water, and air, while the three middle strands represent reason, will, and emotion. The two upper strands weave in knowledge and love. The cross-shaped plaiting is believed to ward off evil forces from the home.

The tradition of baking vánočka dates back to the 14th century, but its preparation was traditionally the domain of the bakers’ guild—considered a luxury item often gifted at Christmas. In the 18th century, the bread began appearing in home kitchens.

Historically, a coin would be hidden within the vánočka—similar to the French “Galette de Rois” traditionally enjoyed on Epiphany. Finding the coin predicted good fortune for the year ahead. The bread was made in exactly as many loaves as there were people in the house, and even the livestock could partake—a belief that ensured health for the entire year.

Now that you've got some historical context, here's a recipe from Prague's Myšák pâtisserie which has been making vánočka since the days of the First Republic.

Christmas vánočka by Myšák

Ingredients

  • 350 g all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 80 g granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 70 ml milk
  • Zest of one orange and one lemon
  • Seeds scraped from a ¼ vanilla bean
  • 32 g yeast
  • 100 g cold butter, cubed
  • 75 g raisins
  • 30 g almonds (Myšák uses Sicilian Avola almonds)
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE
Photo of Czech Christmas cookies via Ambiente.

In the Czech kitchen: A guide to classic Christmas cookies plus an easy recipe

Instructions

  • 1.In a mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine the flour, salt, sugar, eggs, milk, orange and lemon zest, vanilla seeds, and yeast. Mix on the first speed for about 15 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
  • 2.Add the cold butter, cut into cubes, and knead on medium speed for another 10 minutes.
  • 3.Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
  • 4.Gently fold in the raisins by hand.
  • 5.Divide the dough into six equal portions and shape into balls. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for another 15 minutes.
  • 6.Roll out six evenly-sized strands and braid the vánočka.
  • 7.Allow the braided loaf to rise for 2-3 hours in a warm place, covered with a clean, dry cloth. It should visibly increase in size.
  • 8.Once risen, brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for 45 minutes.

In the Czech Kitchen is a weekly column written in cooperation with the culinary experts from Ambiente. Established in 1995, the Prague-based collective of pubs, restaurants, and fine-dining outlets have transformed the Czech culinary landscape and lent to the widespread awareness of quality food service and production in Czechia. Follow their socials or book your table at www.ambi.cz.

Did you like this article?

#Ambiente #in the Czech kitchen #partner content #recipes
Would you like us to write your article? Explore the options

Related articles

Advertisement Advertise with Expats.cz

Partner articles

FEATURED JOBS

View all jobs

TRENDING ARTICLES

POPULAR ARTICLES