7 Pastries to Eat in Prague
Photos by Lela Nargi
For some tourists, a trip to Prague is all about the beer. For true gastronomes, though, it’s really the pastries that are worth hunting down. The origins of Czech baked goods vary—a lot of them have roots in the various countries that once comprised the Austro-Hungarian Empire. And although reports of subpar pastries have abounded in recent years—with blame laid on cost-cutting measures once necessary in the Soviet era—we found that high quality, delicious treats, most of which are unknown back in the States, weren’t at all hard to find. Our top seven picks, and where to find them:
1. Trdelník
This hollow, spiral-shaped cake (pictured at top), grilled over an open flame then dusted with vanilla sugar and almonds (or cinnamon sugar and walnuts), is found in abundance everywhere tourists congregate. It’s got a yeasty aroma like brioche and a gritty sugar shell, and is delicious all on its own, despite the fact that a lot of stands cram it full of ice cream. It’s best eaten warm so before purchasing, watch to make sure the vendor is selling pieces hot off the spit, rather than those that have been sitting around on racks for a while.
Where to find it: At stands in and around Old Town Square in the city’s first district.
2. Venecek
If you’re a donut-lover, then this vanilla-iced beauty, sliced in two and loaded with custard, will be right up your alley. Be aware that Czech pasties are often a lot less sweet than their American cousins; this one is no exception—only the icing has a sugary bite. It’s best eaten cold, accompanied by a shot of strong, hot coffee.
Where to find it: Cafe Savoy, Vítezná 5, Prague 5.
3. Vetrník
A classic pâte à choux-based cream puff, with a difference: this one, baked right, features a light, barely-there pastry, an intense burnt caramel icing, and a barely-sweet caramel custard filling. It’s usually found in two sizes: small, and large enough to share—to share with three or four people, that is.
Where to find it: Cafe Mysak, Vodickova 710/31, Prague 1.
4. Špaldový košícek