You used to have to go an Asian business hotel (usually in Bangkok) to have your room rate include an incredible breakfast spread. This rate-includes-breakfast trend has recently been on rise in Europe, sometimes with fabulous results. One fine example is the Siddharta Café in Prague.
During my recent trip to Prague I stayed at the Buddha-Bar Hotel, a small boutique property with only 39 rooms. Because of the the properties intimate scale, I didn’t have grand expectations for Vegas sized breakfast buffet spread, nor did I have the need for one. I had early morning plans every day and pretty much just wanted a cup of English breakfast tea and couple of hard boiled eggs.
The Siddharta Café
Stepping into the Siddharta Café in Prague was a lovely surprise. Brightly colored Buddhas and cheerful décor, which the hotel describes as “Pop Art Eatmosphere” certainly woke me up with a smile before I had my first cup of tea (or cappuccino, or latte, they had every hot coffee option available as well as and several brands and varieties of teas).
Buddha Wall in the Siddhartha Cafe
The breakfast buffet was impressive. There was a Champagne station, a Serrano ham se-t up that seemed more L’Atlier de Joël Robuchon than central European boutique hotel breakfast room. There was a wonderland of pastries, donuts and rainbow colored macaroons wonderfully laid out perfectly at 6:30 in the morning. The usual breakfast dining suspects like yoghurt and Nutella were there, as well as fine selection of hearty sandwiches, and various salads and vegetables. Food in Prague has come a long way since I first visited back in 1999.
Buffet overview
This was just the cold buffet. There was an entire additional menu of warm entrées to choose form. The menu included pancakes (particularly delicious in this part of the world,) eggs, and meats, musli, Asian-themed options and even a bagel with salmon and cream cheese.
Andy Warhol limited edition Dom Pérignon & Champagne Station at the Breakfast room
I was personally a bit bummed that I am not much of a breakfast eater. I used to allow myself to eat carbs in Europe until I put on 5 pounds and realized I travel to Europe far too often for this to be a dietary restriction that works, so I had to pass on the macaroons (my new rule is as many carbs as I want, but only in France and Italy). I also had plans every morning that kept me from enjoying a long, leisurely breakfast in such divine and upbeat surroundings, and the service was excellent.
Buddha Bar hotel sidebar the cafe
I came back to the Siddharta Café for dinner when I could savor the Asian-themed dinner menu without being rushed. The white radish and mango salad with honey dressing and nuts was suggested by my waitress and indeed, delicious as was the beef bavette with grilled vegetables and green pepper sauce.
Asian themed dishes: white radish and mango salad and beef bavette (mobile photography)
The Siddharta Café is welcome Asian-themed change from standard central European cuisine and was an amazing sight to wake up to. Another welcome perk of a small boutique hotel with lots to offer. They also have a lovely wine list.
Siddharta Café
Located at the Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague
Jakubská 649/8 110 00 Prague 3, Czech Republic
221 776 300
From Monday to Sunday Breakfast: 6.30 am till 11 am All day menu: 11 am till late
Reservation at tel.: +420 221 776 404