Even spas have their own specific products, whether it be a certain type of food or porcelain. If you haven’t tried traditional spa wafers or spa liqueur, you haven’t really had the true spa experience.
Spa liqueurs
Almost all spa towns have their own herb liqueur. The most famous is Carlsbad Becherovka, often called the 13th Carlsbad spring thanks to its popularity. The composition of this tipple is a closely guarded secret – only 2 people know the exact blend of herbs and spices, and every week they prepare the mixture which goes into the drink. This along with other ingredients takes two weeks to reach the barrels as Becherovka.
Spa wafers
Spa wafers have a characteristic shape – thin, round, and with various fillings. According to various sources, the classic spa wafers, sprinkled with hazel nuts, sugar and vanilla, have been made at the spas since 1788, though the tradition reaches as far back as the 16th century. Today you can still taste warm spa wafers with various types of filling.
The origin of the spa wafer is apparently closely associated with Communion wafers. They are the same shape as today’s spa wafers and are made of the same unraised flour and water mixture. Spa wafers are even baked between two hot plates in the same way as Communion wafers.
If you like the taste of spa wafers, as you stroll along the colonnade, you can buy some boxed and be reminded of the atmosphere of the spa in the comfort of your own home.
Spa cups
Special spa cups have been used to drink mineral-rich spring water since time immemorial – from stone versions to glass to the present-day porcelain types which have become traditional souvenirs from the spas.
Spa cups have a special shape – they are flat and the handle also serves as a kind of straw through which the water can be sipped easily. This also maintains the temperature of the water and its CO2 content.
Spa food
At Czech spas you can try many different types of food – from classic dishes to healthy fare to various kinds of diet food. And there’s always the possibility of trying specialities from other parts of the world – at top hotels you can sample dishes from several continents under one roof – at the stylish restaurants menus feature Czech fare as well as dishes from France, Italy, and East Asia.
