My food story : Trdelnik'ing in Praha

One of my most favorite destinations in the eastern Europe is Prague in the Czech Republic . I have been to this city so many times and each time , it feels straight out of a postcard to me. Be it summer or winter , the beauty of this city is unabashed and shines remarkably through its unique red tiled skyline or the lazy winding Vltava . My favorite spot to hang out here is in the small cafe's , outside the Municipal hall or behind the Intercontinental hotel . Old Town is steeped with history and tradition and it is here , where one can sit and watch the world pass by as you enjoy some good czech coffee or beer in the sun.

Old town square has its queer alleyways which anyone would love - a place where new meets the old and all the hustle bustle of localities and tourists bring life together . The narrow streets that connect the astronomical clock to the powder gate , are lined with multiple food experiences , which are a must do for anyone visiting this city . I never miss walking this route at my own pace to catch up on my food experiences and gather goodies for my home pantry . On some weekends , if you are lucky , you may also experience these impromptu makeshift outdoor markets , which showcase the best produce from the nearby area's and local farmers . Selling everything from freshly dug up potatoes , fried cheese , freshly baked Babovka ( another kind of cake ) to free-range eggs or even household plants or geraniums , these markets are the best place to know the Czech food culture first hand . These localites love to speak about their produce and if you can happen to find a English speaking friend , you sure are in for a wealth of knowledge !

Let me share with you that Czech food is very delicious and is maybe , the best in terms of comfort food in the whole of Europe . It is very addictive and in order to experience it in its best form , you may want to leave the calorie meter back at home ! Czech food is very high on flour-based sweets , including some melt in the mouth baked puddings, strudels, doughnuts and souffles , which are mostly either served before or after the roast meats . It was during my 1st visit here that i experienced the beauty of a Trdelnik .

A Trdelnik is more like a "a traditional Czech cake" - some people still say that it is not a origin food of Prague but it is this city which put it on the world food map . Very well describing their unique shape, they are also called “chimney cakes” and can be found in every touristy area for about 60 - 70 Kč each. These beauties taste similar to the spanish churro's and are baked in lovely spirals and doused in sugary - cinnamon . They can be filled with a variety of tasty things like chocolate or ice cream or a simple thick spread of caramel or Nutella ( basically - the best things ) and offer a great selection of fillings . All combinations are purely a dream ! It is also a joy to watch Trdelnik being baked as it is live cook - thick flour dough is hand coated in sugar and wrapped around a thick pole , which is then rotated slowly over a wood fire , until the sugar caramelizes over the outside to a nice golden-brown colour . This is then filled with a filling of choice.

Since old town is a maze of roads and alleyways , it may take you a while to find the right place for a good Trdelnik . Let me also warn you that there are multiple outlets and you need to use your discretion to shortlist the best one as there are ample options . For me , a particular bakery called Remeslná Pekárna Krusta was a great experience - I am not sure if this place still exists but it is my favorite , not only because it offer's the best fresh baked trdlos ( short of a trdelnik ) , but also as it offers other variety of baked good and great czech coffee . Be sure to experience this in Prague at your own pace ! It is surely one of the best experiences the city has to offer !