Want to know what are the most delicious and unique products made in Slovakia that you should buy on your holiday there?
Of course you do!
Who wants tacky T-shirts, pointless landmark miniatures or yet another magnet??
(We do hear magnets have had a comeback, so if you do buy any of these typical touristy things, we won’t judge. Okay, maybe we’ll judge a bit. Unless you can convince us otherwise.)
We’re Slovak locals and in this post share with you the 9 best products made in Slovakia that should be on your shopping list when you visit the country.
From locally made chocolate to mead to cinnamon toothpaste (yes, you read that right), these are Slovak souvenirs you won’t find recommended on every other travel blog.
Are you ready?
Let’s go shopping!
Note: We’ll be updating this list with more cool products made in Slovakia as we find them—so bookmark it and check back later.
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read our Disclaimer.
Here’s a little bit about our journey, if you are new here! If you know us, feel free to skip this part.
After leaving our old life in Scotland in March 2022 (it rains too much there), we travelled full-time for almost 2 years. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Well, it was. If you think that carrying overpacked backpacks in 45°C heat around streets that aren’t even on Google Maps is fancy. And that’s just 1% of all the fun we had! 😆
During the 2 years we volunteered in Italy and Bulgaria (free travel while learning new skills, anyone?), explored other amazing European countries and backpacked Southeast Asia. Btw, even our secret wedding was more of an expedition than a wedding. 😅
And, of course, we researched and planned everything ourselves, because you gotta keep the budget low, right? If you are like us, you’ve come to the right place, because we want to share all the useful travel tips and info with you!
Excited? Good. Let’s get into it so you can go on your own epic adventures too!
Why should you trust us?
We’ve already hinted at it in the intro, but we have a close connection to Slovakia.
In fact, Mirka was born in the country and Daniel became an honorary Slovak over the years of us visiting friends and family there, as well as setting up a temporary home base in the best Slovak town.
So not only is this list of products made in Slovakia local-approved, but we’ve also personally tried all of them!
You didn’t think we would be recommending rubbish stuff to you, did you?
Best products made in Slovakia
We don’t want this post to be another list of ceramics, wooden spoons and embroidery. Although, if that’s your vibe, you’ll find plenty of those in Slovakia—especially during the market season (we’d recommend visiting during that time, it’s THE BEST!).
We’ve picked the lesser-talked about products made in Slovakia for our list—the things that are delicious, quirky, unique, and only a Slovak local would be able to recommend them to you.
We want this list to be useful for you, so for each product, we’ll tell you:
- What it is
- Why you should get it
- Where you can buy it
Tea & herbal liqueur: Tatratea
What is Tatratea?
If you see info that Tatratea is tea and herbal liqueur from Slovakia, just ignore it.
Because, and now we’re going to sound like total fangirls, so beware, the spirit is so much more than that!
Yes, it’s a mix of tea, herbs, fruits and other yummies.
But it’s also such a unique spirit.
That comes in different flavours and strengths, from super mild 17% to a burns-your-nostril-hair-off 72%!
And it’s packaged into the most stunning bottles.
All inspired by Slovakia, mainly the famous High Tatras mountains.
In fact, the bottle shape itself was designed on thermos flasks used by hikers in the Tatras mountains.
And the “T” on the bottle features traditional Slovak folk design – you’ll see a similar pattern on other Slovak products around the country!
Before the adventure starts — make sure you’ve got travel insurance sorted
Fun fact: the company that designed the bottle is from Trnava – Mirka’s hometown! Which, btw, is just a 30-min train ride from Bratislava and definitely worth a visit.
Why should you buy Tatratea?
Trying Slovakia’s national spirit is an experience, especially if you order the 72% one, we’ll give you that. 😅
But taking home one (or more??) of the stunning bottles is even a better one!
When we lived in Scotland, we managed to get almost all of the Tatratea editions—it was a beautiful collection!
Sadly, we had to give it up when we downsized to go full-time travelling (a painful sacrifice, but worth it).
Bonus tip: Tatratea makes for an excellent present, especially if you get the higher percentage ones and then watch your friends try it!
Where can you buy Tatratea?
You’ll have no issue sourcing a bottle of Tatratea in Slovakia.
From tourist shops to big supermarkets to the airport, you’ll see the colourful bottles everywhere.
The best thing to do is check the alcohol aisle in a supermarket. You might luck out and Tatratea might even be on offer when you visit!
Unique flavours, safe ingredients: Biela Perla toothpaste
What is Biela Perla?
Cinnamon, mango, Piña colada, green tea.
No, that’s not our shopping list, that’s some of the crazy flavours Biela Perla (“White Pearl”) came up with—and turned them into toothpaste!
This is one of the most surprising products made in Slovakia, because how common is it to find a local toothpaste brand that is big enough to be stocked in drugstores?
Why should you get Biela Perla?
If you want toothpaste that offers safe whitening, herbal extracts and wild flavours, get Biela Perla.
We’ve tried loads of their toothpastes over the years and even gifted some of the quirky flavours to friends and family—including their Piña colada summer edition!
Where can you buy Biela Perla?
The best place to buy Biela Perla is dm. You can find this drugstore chain all around Slovakia, so no matter where you’ll go, you can pick up your quirky toothpaste.
Alternatively, you can also shop on the Biela Perla official website, if you’re able to have the order delivered in time to your accommodation (or a parcel locker).
Insider tip
If you’re around during the World Smile Day (first Friday in October), you can snag awesome deals from Biela Perla. They have 50% off, buy 2 get 1 free etc. promos on their official website during that weekend.
We got so much of this cool toothpaste on a budget thanks to the World Smile Day!
From bean to bar done right: Lyra chocolate
What makes Lyra chocolate special?
Lyra isn’t the kind of chocolate you absentmindedly demolish during a Netflix binge.
They’re involved in the process from the cacao beans all the way to the finished bars, which gives their chocolate a premium, handcrafted quality, without being overly fancy about it.
Plus, they are always experiementing with new, interesting flavours!
Why should you get Lyra chocolate?
We’ll be honest with you: Lyra is a tasty chocolate. No doubts about that.
But can we taste a big difference between this €€€ chocolate and a bar of Milka?
Not really. Our tastebuds are not refined enough for that.
So why would you pay a premium price for a chocolate bar?
- It feels like a premium chocolate – from branding to the actual chocolate bar presentation – so it’s great as a gift
- Maybe you are more of a chocolate
snobconnoisseur than we are, and you will be able to taste a major difference between this chocolate and a basic supermarket one - It goes without saying that you are supporting a local business (as with everything on this list – that’s why we’re focusing on products made in Slovakia)
Where can you buy Lyra chocolate?
We’ll tell you 2 best places to buy Lyra chocolate:
1. The easiest place to get your Lyra chocolate
In Tesco!
There are more than 180 Tesco stores around Slovakia, so you should be able to find one near you.
Plus you might get lucky and the chocolate might be on sale when you visit—saving money!
2. The most exciting place to get your Lyra chocolate
The official Lyra shop! No, not online (although you can also shop there).
We mean the actual store, near a city called Nitra.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The shop is in Ivanka pri Nitre, not directly in Nitra. The easiest way to get there is by car, although you can also get there by public transport (bus or train)
- You can stop by the store after visiting the stunning, cliff side Dražovský church (one of the oldest churches in Slovakia) or after exploring the mysterious (and allegedly dangerous) mountain Tribeč (if you dare!)
- The store has a big variety of Lyra products, from chocolate coated nuts to bars of chocolate and even ice cream
- Aside from ice cream, you can also get a drink in the cafe – the menu is surprisingly big (coffee, tea, hot and cold chocolate etc)
- The store seems to be a popular stop on a cycling route – we visited on a sunny Easter Sunday and it was mobbed with cyclists getting ice cream and cold drinks
The official Lyra store can get pretty busy (but the selection of chocolate is fantastic!)
Creative thirst quencher: craft beer
What is craft beer in Slovakia like?
Okay, we had to change the question a bit, because you most likely know what craft beer is!
But what is it like in Slovakia?
For a start, regular beer is massive in Slovakia—sometimes it seems like it’s all the country drinks, worrying as that is to many foreigners. 😅
But in recent years, craft beer has slowly been pushing its way in and people are beginning to see the appeal.
These days you can find many local breweries in Slovakia and try interesting craft beer experiments from them.
Why should you get Slovak craft beer?
If you’re a big craft beer fan or just enjoy trying new things (like we do), this is one of the best products made in Slovakia to try.
Beer is also one of the things that are still super cheap in the country, so it won’t blow your budget either!
Having said that, craft beer is obviously a lot pricier than regular one – you might be shocked by how cheap normal beer is in supermarkets!
Where can you buy craft beer?
You can pick up a number of craft beer brands in the Kaufland supermarket.
But a much better idea?
Attending one of the many beer events that happen in Slovakia!
You can find a list of annual beer events here – lots of them will feature craft beer too.
Not making any of the events?
No problem! You can visit many of the craft beer breweries and do a tour or a tasting there!
And don’t worry if you’re coming with non-beer drinkers, they usually serve food and non-beer drinks too!
We’ve so far visited: Sessler in Trnava (offers beer baths), Liptovar in Liptovský Mikuláš, Čierny Kameň in Ružomberok and TATRAS in Poprad, so if you have any questions, give us a shout!
Shockingly cheap and good: local wine (including Tokay!)
What is wine in Slovakia like?
Did you know Slovakia not only makes A LOT of wine, but also produces the world-famous Tokay?
Yep, it’s not just a Hungarian product; Slovakia has a Tokay wine region too (basically, the original Tokay region got split between the two countries).
In fact, Slovakia has 6 different wine regions in total!
Bratislava actually sits in one of the wine regions and borders another one, so you don’t even have to venture far from the capital city to experience the Slovak wine culture.
Why should you get Slovak wine?
Winemaking goes way back in Slovakia meaning:
- Wine from Slovakia is very good
- There are whole wine towns and villages—places where winemaking has always been important and where you can find many vineyards, wineries and wine events (like these two right next to Bratislava!)
Best of all?
Wine in Slovakia is super cheap.
Yes, you can find pricier wine, but there is so much cheap, good wine, you’ll be spoilt for choice even with the lowest budget.
Where can you buy local wine in Slovakia?
Here are your 3 best options:
- At a wine event or a local market/fair. There are so many amazing events throughout the year, like the unlimited wine madness that happens in Mirka’s hometown (and you won’t believe the price of the ticket!).
- At a local winery. You can find these in the towns and villages even near Bratislava. Give us a shout if you want any tips!
- In any supermarket. Just check where the wine comes from—you want products made in Slovakia, right?
Iconic Slovak biscuits: Sedita*
What are Sedita biscuits?
Sedita has been making yummies since 1953, including the most iconic Horalky.
This is one of the must-try products made in Slovakia—unless you have a peanut allergy!
Horalky is a wafer biscuit with peanut filling and chocolate coating, and it’s been around for more than 60 years!
It’s a day trip staple—you will see people munching on Horalky everywhere you go in Slovakia, especially on hikes in the High Tatras.
The mountains are even showcased on the packaging, together with gentian and edelweiss—two famous flowers from the High Tatras.
*We say biscuits but really it’s all sorts of waffers and sweet products.
Why should you get biscuits from Sedita?
Aside from The Biscuit to try (yes, Horalky!) Sedita makes many other tasties.
They are all lightweight, delicious and cheap—perfect if you want snacks during your trip in Slovakia, or if you want to bring a taste of the country home for your friends and family!
Our other favourites from Sedita, aside from Horalky? Try Mila or Kakaové rezy (banana ones are quirky and so yum – see the pic below!).
And if you want a plain biscuit for small children, pick up a bag of Piškóty. That’s what everyone in Slovakia grows up on!
(Pictured: spring holiday in the High Tatras)
Where can you buy Sedita biscuits?
You’ll find Sedita products in all supermarket—just look out for the Sedita logo on the different biscuits, to make sure you’re buying products made in Slovakia (there are so many other local products, but they are actually made by Czech companies, such as Opavia and Orion).
Look out for the Sedita logo on shelves or special dislays in supermarkets
Natural cosmetics with heritage: Botanica Slavica
What is Botanica Slavica?
Botanica Slavica is like taking the herbal wisdom of our ancestors and transforming it into modern cosmetics.
Which are not just good for you, but also kind to the planet!
Why should you buy Botanica Slavica?
If you want cruelty free cosmetics based on healing herbs, instead of chemicals, this is perfect for you.
The packaging also gives the products a premium feel, while the prices are very affordable.
Our experience with Botanica Slavica products
Personally, we’ve tried two Botanica Slavica products so far: their rosemary hair oil and their regenerating balm.
The balm sounded super promising—customer reviews described it as a miracle that saved their skin and cured their whole family including future children and their hamster.
We’ll be honest with you, we haven’t noticed any major change to our skin after using the balm, but we are not skincare experts—we have possibly been using it incorrectly, given the experience of all the other people who rave about it!
Mirka speaking: “The rosemary oil though. I haven’t 100% confirmed it’s the result of the oil alone, but my hair did stop falling out and started growing like mad (in comparison to its usual meh speed) since I’ve started using it. So I am hopeful it’s thanks to the rosemary oil, because it would be a very cheap solution to hair issues!”
Where can you buy Botanica Slavica cosmetics?
The best place to buy Botanica Slavica is in dm—the cosmetics store we’ve told you about in the Biela Perla section!
The good thing is, dm is usually in all major shopping centres, so if you’re in one, you can pop in and check out the Biela Perla toothpaste and Botanica Slavica cosmetics at the same time.
Wild and natural: bee products
What bee products are made in Slovakia?
This isn’t just one product we want to share with you.
It’s ALL the bee products made in Slovakia – because there is a lot!
Beekeeping has a long history in the country and these days there’s a renaissance of sorts as people look for unusual gifts and good quality bio products.
You can find everything from beautiful candles to bio cosmetics to different kinds of honey and even honey drinks, like beers, ciders and spirits!
(Pictured: Vcelovina shop)
Why should you buy Slovak bee products?
Bee products are traditional.
Super local, especially if you buy them at a bee farm or from a beekeeper at a market.
And thanks to the variety, you’ll most likely find something you want.
It also makes for a great gift, again, because there are so many options.
Where can you buy bee products?
At any local market – for example, if you’re visiting during the end of summer fair season, which we would highly recommend – you’ll find plenty of beekeepeers there. Same with Christmas markets.
But we want to share a few insider tips with you:
- If you’re visiting Bratislava, there is a honey shop called Cera Mel right in the city centre. It’s beautiful and sells products from a family-run bee farm. The only issue? It’s right in the middle of the touristy Old Town, so the prices are a bit higher.
- If you want more of an experience, we recommend visiting Medolandia in a village called Dolná Krupá, which is a meadery and a beautiful rose garden. They have a shop and a restaurant, and also offer tours, tastings and cool special events, so it’s definitely worth a trip (less than an hour by car from Bratislava, if you’re doing car rental. Also doable on public transport though, just give us a shout and we can help!).
If you’re thinking of renting a car, make sure you shop around to get the best deal. Here’s a useful price comparison tool – just pop your details in!
- Our top recommendation though? Do a day trip to this hidden gem near Bratislava and sip on amazing honey products with a view of a freaking castle. Yes, you read that right! You can do that in Slovakia and we’ll tell you how.
Health in a cup: Bercoff teas
What are Bercoff teas?
Established in 1991, this family business has been making delicous teas and coffee for decades.
We particularly enjoy their herbal teas, which are based on recipes from the olden days, so you can sit by the fire and drink a herbal tea similar to the one that a Slovak shepherd would have drank in the High Tatras back in the day!
Interestingly, the company is not just looking back—they’re focused on innovation too.
They were the first to introduce ginger tea in packets to the Eastern European market!
They were also the first Slovak company to start making wellness teas—way before functional teas were a trend!
Why are Berfcoff teas worth getting?
If you’re looking for products made in Slovakia which are cheap, healthy and pack well, Bercoff teas are perfect.
You can save a lot of space in your luggage by flattening the tea box and putting the tea bags into a ziplock bag – this is why we always travel with spares!
Where can you buy Bercoff tea?
Best place to buy the tea is in supermarkets. Tesco and Kaufland both sell it, but from our experience, Kaufland tends to have it on offer more often, so you might be able to get it super cheap there.
Which of these 9 products made in Slovakia are you desperate to try? Or to cram into your suitcase, even if you’ll need two friends to sit on it as you zip it up? (Or pack light and avoid that nightmare!) Let us know on our Instagram!
Hi!
We’re Mirka & Daniel — full-time travellers, professional overthinkers & bad luck magnets. We research EVERYTHING and then share all the weird travel tips with you here. Follow along to make your adventures easier! 🌴
