Islam in Prague; Resources for Muslims

This is a growing database on mosques, shops, restaurants, etc. in  Prague.  Right now I am only reviewing the places I have actually been to, so be patient!  Let me know if you have any recommendations!  Leave me a comment if you have any questions or need more details about any of these places.  Thanks for all those I have received so far; Insha’Allah I will visit them soon and include them here.

* I am not a travel agent, and no, I don’t have the email addresses of the Egyptian, Pakistan, etc. communities.  And since I live here, I don’t know too much about hotels – hostelworld.com is pretty good though.

MOSQUES

Islamic Center of Prague

Blatská 1491 (take metro to Černy most)

I went recently, seems like a good community!  Right now juma khutba starts at 1:00, and there are prayer areas for men and women, and a small play area for children.  I think there are other activities, but I have not yet attended any.

Mosque in Prague City Center

14 Politických vězňů Street, Praha 1 (take metro to Muzeum)

This is a prayer area in a large building.  There are prayer areas for men and women, but the women’s prayer area is sometimes not available for juma prayers, and even if it is available, it is difficult to hear the khutba in there.  I would recommend that ladies attend juma at the other mosque.

SHOPS

Farah

Myslikova 5, Prague 1 (take tram 17 or 21 to Jiráskovo náměstí, or take tram 6, 18, 22, or metro B to Karlovo náměstí)

You can find almost anything you need here!  A variety of fresh halal meat (they are known for their lamb chops), as well as sausage and cheese.  There are bulk spices and rice, and boxed spice mixes.

Galaxy Food

Opletalova 20, Prague 1, next to Piccadilly

This is a newer store that carries fresh halal meats and packaged sausages, along with a selection of other grocery items.

Al Barakah

In the ČERNÁ RŮŽE shopping center, Na Příkopě 12, 110 00 Praha 1 (* Update 3 April 2011 – Al-Barakah seems to have either closed or moved from this location.  If anyone knows what happened to it, please let me know so I can post the new location!)

No fresh meat, but a good selection of grocery items and sweets.  Some furniture and home decorations, too.

RESTAURANTS

*Not all doner kebap shops serve halal meat, and some of them serve pork.  Most halal shops will have a “halal” sign in the window.

*Some of the “crocodile” sandwiches sold in Relay and other shops are vegetarian or fish.  Syrovy mlsoun is one, it has a few different kinds of cheese, green onions, and a nice sauce.

Chez Amis

Spálená 15, Praha 1 (take metro B, or tram 6, 18, or 22 to Národní třída, several trams to Lazarská)

Very small but nice place with friendly service and excellent Arab food at reasonable prices.  I had the gyro and loved it.  He is also known for falafel, but I didn’t like it too much.  There is also a small grocery store.

Tandoor

Konecchlumského 7 (take tram 22 or 36 to U Kaštanu)

I don’t think it is Muslim-owned, and they do serve alcohol there, but I asked about the meat and he said the lamb dishes are halal.  They are a small, cozy place with great Indian food.

Istanbul Kebab 1 and 2

Politických vězňů 933/17 (between metros Muzeum and Hlavni nadrazi), and Na Poříčí (Namesti republiky metro or tram)

I like them a lot.  The sandwiches are pretty good, and they have a lot of “sit down” food, most of which I haven’t tried yet, but it looks delicious.

Piccadilly Halal Fast food

Opletalová 22, Prague 1 (take metro to Muzeum)

Small place with mostly Arab food.  Great sandwiches!  They also have pizza.

Hallal Restaurant

Růžová 10, Prague 1 (metro to Hlavní Nádraží or tram to Jindřišská)

Small Indo-Pak place with decent prices.  I didn’t like the curry too much, but the tikka was good!

Hanedan

Jindřišská 20, Prague 1 (tram to Jindřišská)

Small Turkish place with nice doner kebabs.  They were very “light” tasting, which I liked.

Turecke dobroty

I don’t know the address, but it’s across from Budejovicka metro station.  It’s a small place, but there’s a nice place to sit.  They serve mostly doner kebab.   There was no halal sign in the window, but the owner told me it was.

Khankhala Indian Restaurant

On the top floor of Palladium  shopping center, Namesti Republiky.

Not too authentic, but good food nonetheless.  A bit on the pricey side, but comparable with the other restaurants in that shopping center.

Himalaya Fast Food

Soukenická 2, Dlouha Trida tram stop

The food is good and cheap, but not the nicest place to sit.  Take-out and delivery are available.

Arslan kebap

Bozdechova, Praha 5, Andel metro station

The doner meat is halal, not sure about the pizza meat.  They have fresh bread, and probably the best falafel I’ve had here!

Here are some other places I haven’t been to yet at zabihah.com.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS

It can get VERY windy down in the metro stations, in some more than others.  Ladies may wish to save very lightweight skirts for the days they won’t need the metro.

Prague weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers (plus, the metro can be cold and some establishments go nuts with the AC), and carry an umbrella AND sunglasses in the Spring and Summer!