Desserts You Have to Try in Prague, Czech Republic
What kind of desserts are best in Prague?
When you travel to Prague, you have to try the amazing desserts here! While we don’t think Czech chocolate, gelato, or cheesecake are particularly good in Prague, there are some showstoppers that are so good, you will wonder if you really went to Prague if you didn’t have these on your trip. So, here are the top desserts you have to try in Prague, Czech Republic!
#1 - Trdelnik
These are classic rolled pastries that are slightly sweetened and sometimes covered in cinnamon sugar or crushed walnuts and sugar. Although you can find these anywhere, we recommend finding a trdelnik stand offering fresh ones from the irons. You can get them in a variety of flavours, from chocolate hazelnut, fresh fruit, ice cream, whipped cream and cherries… there are many options. Our personal favourite was the chocolate hazelnut. When the trdelnik is hot, the chocolate melts in the pastry and it kind of creates a Mexican chocolate flavour with the cinnamon sugar. You definitely have to try one…or two…or three.
#2 - Koláček (kolach)
So, as everyone knows, I am from Texas. I grew up in a European family, so my growing up years were… umm… different from the rest of my peers. But one thing we all shared in common were kolaches!! There is a rather large Czech population in Texas, so we are exposed more to Czech culture than other parts of the USA. So, when you travel to the Czech Republic and have a kolach, it’s a big deal as a Texan. I’m not talking about the savoury ones with sausage - those are called klobasnik and are primarily in the States, not the Czech Republic. No, these are sweet treats that have fruit or custard/cheese in the centre and can be eaten with your hands. They can come in many flavours with their rich, brioche-like bread.
#3 - Marlenka
Photo Credit: Lezzet
This unassuming dessert is not one to miss. You can find its other verison, medovnik, which is similar, but it is cut into triangle cake servings and is a little denser. Marlenka, on the other hand, is cut into rectangles and is more spongy than medovnik. Marlenka is honey cake, and it is perfect for those who want something mildly sweet after a meal or with coffee. Although medovnik is easier to find, we prefer marlenka because of its more “cakey” texture. It definitely deserves a spot on our list!
#4 - Strudl
Not to be confused with strudel in Germany and Austria, strudl is more of the Czech answer to the classic treat. What’s different about their take is its thickness. Tradtional strudel is thin and light. Czech strudl is a little thicker and has more filling. I don’t know if this is another difference, but I never saw Czech strudl with cream like in Austria or Germany. I could be wrong, but it’s just an observation I made. You can find strudl all over Czech bakeries with flavours ranging from spiced apple, berry, walnut, and poppy seeds.
#5 - Palačinky
Palačinky is a very thin Czech pancake. They are similar to French crepes and are usually drizzled with chocolate, yogurt, and berries, although you can find multiple toppings to choose from. You can find these at bakeries, food stands, cafes, and restaurants. Depending on where you buy them, they can either be really good or really bad. We recommend trying them in multiple locations and settings so you make sure you’ve tried at least one good one. One indicator of them being good, like the first dessert on this list, is they have to be fresh and warm (as least that’s what the locals told us). Have fresh fruit instead of canned fruit and share with friends. This is definitely a sharable dessert, so enjoy it with a couple of coffees or teas and you’ll be set.
