It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey.

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey. Even though I’m in another country and won’t be seeing my family, I didn’t want to let the holiday pass without recognition. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Prague isn’t as complicated as you might think. I know I can often be disappointed when I visit a Billa or Albert and don’t see the ingredients I need for what I didn’t realize was a very “American” recipe, but there are plenty of other grocery stores, that you are bound to find what you are in search of (or at least an adequate replacement).

1> Cooking Your Very Own Thanksgiving Dinner

If you decide to go all out and plan to meet the challenge of roasting your own turkey, then you need to know where to find it. Most local stores won’t have a whole turkey; many carry turkey breasts or legs. One of the best grocery stores (equivalent to a Super Target in the US) to find your bird and probably all of your other dinner needs , is Globus.

They have 2kg-4kg turkeys which is a good size for a party of 5. You can find Globus at Cerny Most, Cakovice, and Zlicin. Another option is Robertson fine foods. They also offer turkeys at around 7kgs for 833czk. If you’re in need of a bigger bird (which is the situation in my case), then you’re best bet will be a farm. Yes, I know this sounds daunting, but a lot of these farms deliver for a small fee and your guaranteed to get a fresh , sometimes organic turkey. I personally used Kruti Farma  this year, and for the same price as a 6kg turkey in most specialty butcher shops in Prague , I was able to get an 8kg turkey with delivery. Not too shabby. If cooking isn’t your fancy or you’d just prefer to conquer those side dishes instead of the mighty turkey, then there are some places in Prague that offer Thanksgiving Meals to go. Culinaria , in the center, has an entire menu including turkey , stuffing, vegetable side dishes, appetizers and desserts. For the first few weeks, this seemed like the best option to me; when I had yet to find the giant bird I was in search of. And, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just better to have a dinner party without the stress of cooking. Culinaria is also great because they offer any of the items on their menu individually and are very helpful if you have questions about the amount needed for the number of people attending your party. They also deliver.

Ok, so you’ve decided to cook or not to cook, next step, preparing your flat. I don’t know about most of you, but my flat definitely does not have the adequate furniture for 10-12 guests (it barely has adequate furniture for myself). You can always make a run to IKEA and purchase some tables and chairs to come in handy for all your future party needs, or rent what you need just for the day of your party. Maximum Party Service  offers a wide range of furniture for your dinner party needs. They also rent dishes and cutlery ! Best part about this is that you don’t have to wash the used utensils before returning. I know; of course everyone will wash what they’ve used, but for those of us in a proper turkey coma, washing dishes will probably be the farthest thing from our minds. This service also offers delivery and you can set it up all online via their english website.

2> Eating out For Thanksgiving
I’ve had a home cooked Thanksgiving Dinner almost all my life, so I definitely see the glamour in meeting your friends at a restaurant instead and letting someone else worry behind a stove. If this is your plan, then you are in luck! There are many more restaurants than I thought serving up traditional dinners around Prague. And, to add to this delightful surprise, many of them will be serving this seasonal menu through the weekend! My first choice would be Culinaria .They have the same menu that is offered “to go” and you can enjoy it in a great atmosphere. Jama Restaurace also offers Thanksgiving dinner along with their always great beer menu. They have an awesome selection of beers on tap that include many from microbreweries in the area. One of my favorites is Zemsky; definitely worth a try. The Globe  offers a preset menu for one price which Pumpkin Chiffon or Apple Pie as desert options. A definite must for Thanksgiving. There Thanksgiving Feast starts at noon, in case you can’t wait for dinner.

Thanksgiving in Prague = not impossible! There are many options for a traditional dinner , and of course, the possibility to create new traditions!

Vanessa Durazo // instagram: @worldwore

photo c: Brianna Romano