Trdelník and co

When it comes to cuisine, some nations have a reputation to uphold. If you consider the best nations, well, Czech food isn’t exactly on the podium. We can all agree that its specialties are unknown to the world. Hence, it is hard to find too. So while you’re here in Prague, there’s no excuse for not trying it! Hearty and diverse, traditional Czech cuisine is sure to fill everybody’s tummies up—especially if you’re someone who likes taking full-course meals: starter, main, dessert. Here’s a little spoiler to what you might find in a restaurant! For  starters, the main character here is Polévka soup. Eaten all year-round, it comes in all forms: potatoe, cabbage and bacon, garlic, onion, lentil, tripe, and even meat broth. There is so much choice!  Then comes the main course, and you’re in for a treat. Guláš! Though it is originally Hungarian, the Czechs have made their own version of this meal, with less vegetables but just as much flavor. In short, you have a beef stir-fry served with Knedlíky, generous slices of bread dumplings boiled in water, somewhat similar to quenelles. If you’re into sweet-and-sour, the best would be to try either Svíčková na smetaně—beef sirloin in cream sauce topped with cranberries—or Vepřo knedlo zelo, a dish of roast pork and sweet cabbage with Knedlíky. What do you think of breadcrumbs? Czechs love them. They love it so much that they cover pratically all their meals with it! And honestly, it’s not that bad. Take the Smažený sýr for example, this breaded fried cheese usually served with fries and tartar sauce. Sure, it’s not diet-friendly, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t try it. Not a fan of meat? There are less options, but they do exist. Freshwater fish like carp and pike are caught in Southern Bohemia to be turned into delicious pescatarian alternatives. Even though the stomach is easily full, no meal is really complete without dessert, right? So among all Czech desserts, you might find Medovník, a popular honey-layered cake, filled with cream and topped with crushed walnuts or hazelnuts. We also have Jablkový štrúdl, the Czech version of apple strudel, wrapped in phyllo pastry and stuffed with caramelized apples, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon.  And finally, it would be a crime not to mention the now-iconic Trdelník, also known as “chimney cake”. Though its origins are contested between Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary, this dessert’s biggest fan base has been in Prague for the last few years. It has the form of a tube in brioche dough, it is roasted over fire on a rod, and coated with sugar, cinnamon, or chopped nuts. These days, you may also find some ice cream, Nutella, caramel, or other sweet fillings stuffed inside. If you really want to try some, don’t worry, that won’t be difficult! Street vendors sell Trdelník all over the city. Otherwise, head to Good Food Coffee & Bakery, at Karlova 160/8, 110 00 Staré Město. Trust me—you’ll thank us later.