Breaking Bread: Spojka’s Quest for Connection

The rise of vegetarianism and veganism in Prague has, in a positive way, altered the city’s food scene, yet an imbalance is still present.

Restaurants focused mainly on meat dishes are now forced to add – or at least think about the addition – of some sort of vegan or vegetarian fare. While vegan or vegetarian spots, for the most part, rarely serve anything that might appease a carnivore. This suggests a massive disconnect within Prague’s food community.

Spojka opened in 2019 and is located in Karlín, aims to bridge that divide and does so successfully. Their central ideology revolves around the notion of the flexitarian. Vegan, vegetarian, and meat dishes are all on offer here with a range of options that would suit any type of eater.

Before getting into the drinks, starters and main dishes it’s important to note that Spojka offers breakfast, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 11:30 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 16:00. There is also a daily menu that, of course, changes every day. This is offered Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 15:00.

The drinks on offer highlight the level of quality found at Spojka. There are several items, even though we didn’t try them, that stood out. The Homemade Kombucha and the Homemade Lemonade, with the latter consisting of grapefruit, lemon and ginger. It sounded amazing. The Immunity juice, made of orange, apple, lemon and ginger was fantastic.

Spojka offers two beers on tap and both were spectacular. These included the Novozélandská lager, from a brewery just outside of Prague, and an APA called Liberator produced by Vinohradský brewery. It’s best to try both. The wine list is vast and the customer should have no problem selecting a bottle.

Spojka’s starters are, like the concept behind this restaurant, creative. The vegan baked cashew cheese was an interesting dish and the scallops were excellent. The only complaint regarding the latter is the portion size after considering the cost. The price for two scallops shouldn’t run the customer 475 kč. It’s simply too steep.

The main courses on offer clearly displayed Spojka‘s commitment to the flexitarian ideal this restaurant is built around and each vegan, vegetarian, and meat dish tasted fantastic. The vegetarian and gluten-free Indian murgh makhani with oven-baked cauliflower is highly recommended.

Meat eaters can order the same dish with chicken substituted for cauliflower. The wild boar burger was beyond perfect. The seasoning and spices were applied in an expert manner. If you’re a carnivore this is not something to skip out on. However, the absolute star of the show was the vegan bao bun with pulled oyster mushroom (pork can be substituted for the pulled oyster mushroom).

The mushrooms tasted heavenly, but Spojka’s chefs deserve recognition for the perfect application of both hoisin and plum sauce, which added another level of flavor to an already exquisite dish. The vegan bao bun must be one of the best meals Spojka produces and is a good enough reason to return.

The service was prompt, friendly, and professional. They appeared quickly when needed, and, most importantly, knew when to stay away so the customer could enjoy his meal.

Spojka’s interior, with fresh plants hanging down from the ceiling, gives this space a calming atmosphere. This is not an accident given the detail placed upon the food served. It seems one of Spojka’s goals involves connectivity where vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters can enjoy the multitude of choices found on the menu and under one roof.

But goals or ideologies mean nothing for a restaurant unless the food is excellent. Spojka passed that crucial test thereby making it a spot to try out or return to in the bustling neighborhood of Karlín.

• Address: Pernerova 697/35
• Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-23:00, Saturday-Sunday 9:00-23:00
• Contact: +420 226 203 888