Pokrmy

Pokrmy is the Czech plural of pokrm, a term used for a prepared dish or course in cooking. In menus, cookbooks, and institutional meal plans, pokrmy denote individual dishes that are prepared and served as part of a meal.

The word contrasts with jídlo, which simply means food in general. Pokrmy highlight the preparation and presentation of a specific dish. On menus, pokrmy are often grouped into sections such as předkrmy (appetizers), hlavní pokrmy (main courses), přílohy (sides), and dezerty (desserts); soups are usually listed under polévky.

Pokrmy can be meat-based, fish, or vegetarian and may involve varied cooking techniques such as roasting, braising, simmering, or frying. Descriptions on a menu or in a recipe typically include main ingredients and sauces or accompaniments that define the dish.

In Czech cuisine, pokrmy reflect regional traditions, seasonal ingredients, and influences from neighboring cuisines, while modern menus may include international pokrmy to offer variety.

In scholarly and culinary contexts, pokrmy are treated as individual items within a larger meal plan, illustrating the structure of a menu or the range of a chef's repertoire.