Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Prague’s Old Town you catch a whiff of something comfortingly familiar yet enticingly different. Navigating the medieval labyrinth of the Old Town Prague in search of its source, the sweet nutty aroma an irresistible olfactory temptation. A tube shaped sign above the shop points to its singular ware and signals that you have found what you’re looking for.
While Prague may best be known for beer and there are tons of great things to eat in Prague, but my favorite food find was the the trdelnik ( pronounced similarly to “turtleneck” but with an eastern European flair) a sweet pastry popular throughout Slovakia and the Czech Republic (including the town of Cesky Krumlov, a popular day trip from Prague). Cooked on a cylindrical spit known as a trdlo, which gives the treat its name, the yeasty dough is coated in sugar and nuts then roasted over an open flame.
There are several theories on the origin of the trdelnik but the most popular posits that the popularity of these pastries is attributed to Earl Jozsef Gvadanyi, a Hungarian general who settled in the town of Skalica, Slovakia at the end of the 18th century. The general employed a cook from Transylvania who brought the recipe from his homeland and the pastry soon became popular with the local aristocrats. Since 2007 Skalicky trdelník was designated as a PGI (protected geographical indication) in the European Union for the town of the Skalica but you’ll find the common term trdelnik used throughout the rest of Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
I’m a sucker for any European pastry and the trdelnik did not disappoint. The headiness of the yeast dough and the slightly caramelized sugar and nut coating fulfilled every craving I had for sweet, carby goodness. I found the trdelnik to be a fantastic combination of pretzel and dessert and indulged more than once during my time in Prague. The shape of the trdelnik reminded me of a cuff bracelet and I was certainly tempted to wear one one each wrist as a sort of Wonder Woman of pastry with super powers of deliciousness.
Related: The Most Instagrammable Places in Prague
Read more about Prague and the Czech Republic
Get travel tips and inspiration for Prague and the Czech Republic.
I love finding new foods in the places I explore and the trdelnik was a delicious discovery. After you’re done eating check out some other top things to do in Prague.
Sarah says
Now that’s something I could get behind.. doesn’t look very healthy, though!
Brianna says
It certainly was tasty! I eat quite healthfully at home so I’m ok with splurging on the road.
Dr.Ramesh Bajanaia says
yes…healthy products are found in bakery
Dr.Ramesh Bajanaia says
i mean hardly found in bakery!det was typo)
frankaboutcroatia says
I haven’t heard of or tasted the trdelnik yet. But it sounds delicious. I’ll make sure to taste it on my next visit to Prague. Would be curious to know if they make something similar in the region of Transylvania today. Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler. Hope to see you next week 🙂
Brianna says
I hadn’t heard of it prior to my trip to Prague, it was certainly a tasty surprise! Thanks for hosting the #SundayTraveler 🙂
Mackenzie Miller says
Those are so good. I also love smaženy sýr.
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with fried cheese, I’ll definitely have to check that out on my next trip to Prague.
Eileen says
This looks so so good, as I haven’t had breakfast yet! Sugar and sweets are appropriate for breakfast, right? 🙂
Brianna says
Certainly! Especially on Sunday 🙂
NZ Muse says
Yeah, those were pretty good, we also liked the smoked/roasted meat and all the potato dishes. NOM.
Brianna says
I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like
Mackenzie Miller says
I loved these too. But for some reason I’m in love with smazeny syr. Mayo and fried cheese on a bun shouldn’t be good. But it definitely is. But trdelnik is a perfect desert.
Brianna says
It was hard not to get one every time I passed a stand!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
My mouth is watering right now and remembering these tasty treats. We ate the trdelnik multiple times everyday during our 5 night stay in Prague. Just passing by one of the stands made us stop and watch them take it out of the put. Hail Earl Jozsef Gvadanyi for giving this delicious treat to the world.
Brianna says
I’ve actually thought about getting a trdolo to make these yummy treats at home.
James Clifton says
Wow!! That looks absolutely delicious. I saw some in Berlin but didn’t get the chance to try it. Looks like I’ll be going to Prague for something other than beer.
Brianna says
I’m sure they make a great hangover snack 🙂
Rashad Pharaon says
Oh, this looks so sinfully delicious. I think I’d gain ten pounds in Prague, all due to that trdelnik..
Brianna says
I was only in Prague for 3 days, I had these several times. So yummy!
Emily says
I tried this in England at Christmas, but they were calling it ‘chimney cake’. It was delicious – love the look of that cool little shop 🙂 Really want to go to Prague this Christmas!
Brianna says
Prague in the winter would be lovely, and cold! Be sure to bundle up.
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
I remember seeing those things in Prague and wondering what the hell they were…next time I’ll definitely try one!
Brianna says
Be warned, they are quite addictive!
Hannah says
sooo yummy. I tried them in Prague as well…could go for one right now after seeing your photos!
Brianna says
Me too! I developed a serious addiction to tredlenik while in Prague.
Alexandra C. says
The site looks so nice! 🙂 Yum these sound tasty! How funny… they do sort of look like Wonder Woman’s cuffs. 🙂 ‘Sugary-Carb Woman’? 😉 -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Brianna says
Protecting people everywhere from lackluster desserts 🙂
Amy says
Looks delicious! I missed that in Prague but had plenty of other amazing food and beer. It’s probably a good thing I didn’t come across it!
Brianna says
Prague was full of amazing eats.
Jessica (Barcelona Blonde) says
I couldn’t stop eating these in Prague. They are sooo good! I’m pretty sure we went to one of the same places, I recognize the photo with the explanation of what the trdelnik is.
Brianna says
At roughly 50 cents each it was hard to pass these up!
Anu @ Country Hopping Couple says
Trdlenik is one of the best pastry I ever tasted in European travel. I remember having them in Cesky Krumlov and when I think about it, the flavour and sugary sweet taste just lingers in my mouth all the time.
Brianna says
The yeasty dough with the slightly caramelized crunch of the sugar, there’s nothing better!
Alli says
Oh my gosh… I’m so hungry for one of those! It looks delicious! Pastry pretzel dessert . . . Mmm… I want to go to Prague so so badly!
Brianna says
It was pretty much a dessert pretzel, so yummy!
Jen Seligmann says
You had me a Prague but add that sugary sweet pastry and I want to go back now!
Brianna says
Magical city+ great dessert = return trip!
Samantha says
Mmm that looks delicious! I’m all about pastries!
Brianna says
They are certainly addictive!
Muriel says
Wow, I’ve never been to Prague but I want to get on the next plane just so I can try those! They look incredible. I’m all for trying local pastries — they always have the best stories.
Brianna says
You must visit Prague, and not just for the pastry! Though they do make a very strong case.
Bianca @itsallbee says
I have a terrible sweet tooth so this would be right up my alley! Gosh I have to visit Prague soon!
Brianna says
You can smell them from a block away, they are quite tempting!
IntrovertlyBubbly says
Sounds delicious and perfect for eating on the street
Brianna says
The are totally addictive!
Stephanie Mayo says
Thanks! This is what I’ll be eating when I finally visit Prague next spring!
Brianna says
They’re like the Cinnabon of Prague, the smell lures you in!
The GypsyNesters says
We loved the trdelník too! Also had amazing ham in the square. We are headed back to Prague in a couple of weeks so we will have to look for more.
Tracie Howe says
I love trying pastries in every country that I visit. Sometimes I get an unpleasant meat surprise if I’m uninformed though. It’s always nice to know what I should try. Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
These were so good, there’s no way I couldn’t share!
Marissa says
Yum! This sounds and looks delicious! It’s always fun to try the specialities in different countries when traveling!
Brianna says
Food is one of my favorite things about traveling 🙂
Elaine J. Masters says
Had no idea how big those were before the picture of you holding one. Looks amazing.
Brianna says
You really can’t resist their smell, its kind of the Czech version of Cinnabon
Gran Canaria Local says
We were rather partial to smaženy sýr, knedlik, and burcak when we were over in the Czech Republic.
Brianna says
So many tasty treats throughout the Czech Republic
Richelle says
Wow that looks so good! I’m definitely craving one. But I live in China and I never eat bread, so that might be part of the reason.
Brianna says
Even without bread I’m sure you’re having some amazing meals in China
Emma Hart says
I’ve never visited Prague but when I do this is definitely going on a list of foods to try! Ooh it’s sounds delicious!
Brianna says
I was surprised how much I loved Prague, definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Samantha Hussey says
Hee Hee 🙂 I have been living in Prague for two years now and have eaten my weight of those things! YUM!
Brianna says
I’m sure I’d be twice my size if I had daily access to those things lol.
Ben Warner says
I gotta agree with you here, and thanks for letting me know what the actual name of this pastry was (I couldn’t remember, I was in Prague 2 years back).
Also, god bless eastern Europe’s fantastic array of pastry treats!
Cheers,
Ben
http://www.HugePartyTravel.com
Brianna says
Cheers to that!
Laura says
The street food in Prague was a real highlight for me as well and sooo cheap – great for those on a budget
Laura x
Brianna says
Keilbasa and a tredlnik for 200 kroner- you can’t beat it!
Julez says
Awesome post! That’s a great addition to another (food) article on Prague I read earlier today. Damn, I guess now I really have to visit Prague soon.
But I love street food, so I really appreciate the tips. Thanks for the great article!
Brianna says
It’s definitely a good place to eat 🙂
Emily says
I love the image of you as a pastry Wonder Woman, providing delicious baked goods to those in need! Those trdelniks do look delicious – they remind me of funnel cakes which seem to crop up at German markets over here. I’ve not been to Prague yet, but when I do I’ll be sure to make A LOT of food memories 🙂
Brianna says
Mild mannered traveler by day…….
Muriel says
Pastries are one of my favorite things to eat when abroad. It seems like every European city (and actually, even Asia) has a good spread of bakeries and delicious pastries to offer.
Brianna says
People love their sweets 🙂
Adrian Ann says
I had one of these in Romania but it was called something different. I can’t, for the life of me, remember it. But they put sugar, nuts and chocolate on it as well. YUMMY! Pure sin but worth it!
Brianna says
Completely worth it!
Bárbara says
THE BEST SWEET OF PRAGUE! I love this city, but I didn’t learn the name of the trdelnik, thank yoooooou!
Brianna says
They are certainly addictive aren’t they?
Patti Morrow says
Like you, I am a sucker for European pastry. And American. And Asian. Well, you get my drift. Prague is still on my bucket list, and thanks to this story, I may have to move it closer to the top!
Brianna says
Prague is an absolutely gorgeous city-you’ll have a blast when you make it there.
Beth (Adventuring The Great Wide Somewhere) says
As if I needed more motivation to visit! These look delicious, and I love the board detailing its history and how it is made. I’m sure those cuffs wouldn’t for long – they look too tasty!
Brianna says
I could go for another tredlnik right about now!
Orana says
OH my goodness, this looks delicious. I would eat one right now!
Tristian says
It is good to learn something (for me). I have been in Prague but frankly I must have been blind 😉 because I haven’t seen trdelnik :(. I can only recommend you Knedliky 😉 from my last visit.
Brianna says
Hopefully you get a chance to try some tredlnik on your next visit 🙂
JJ Johnson says
I wonder if I’ll be able to bring some back with me 🙂 Looks so yummy!
Brianna says
I’m afraid not but definitely eat up while your there!
runawaybrit says
I was in Prague recently and saw these, but I didn’t have one because I don’t really need even more sugar in my life – they looked like a dangerous habit to acquire. Especially the ones that they used as ice-cream cones. Oh, man! So many calories 😀 I bet it was gooooood!
Brianna says
They are quite addictive;)
serrurier paris says
Thanks you !