Food is one aspect of culture that is almost universally accessible. For many traveling, trying different cuisines, especially street foods, is an exciting part of visiting a new country. The Czech Republic has its own unique kitchen, and although the popularity of street foods is still growing, there are some dishes that are well-known in the country.

One food that lures in tourists walking the streets of Prague is trdelník. This sweet treat is made of pastry shaped over a cylinder and cooked over hot coals before being rolled in toppings like sugar and nuts. It can be eaten as is but can often be found filled with ice cream. But don’t be fooled by this dessert. Although it may be popular amongst tourists, trdelník is decidedly not Czech in origin and may have come from Hungary or Romania.

However, smažený sýr, also called smažák, is a dish that both visitors and residents enjoy. It often is made with Gouda or Czech cheeses such as Hermelín or Niva and dredged in a batter before being fried in oil. It’s simple and delicious, with little need for context or explanation. It’s fried cheese. Smažák can be eaten by itself, but it’s also popular between bread slices with condiments like ketchup and tartar sauce.

Another snack that’s popular throughout Czechia are chlebíčky. These are a kind of open-faced sandwich that are not only made to be tasty but to be beautiful as well. White bread is layered with potato salad and topped with deli meats, cheeses, pickles, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs, but many variations exist. The versatility of chlebíčky makes them well-suited to be appetizers or a more substantial meal. They have a history dating back over a hundred years when Jan Paukert is credited with selling them in Prague at the beginning of the 20th century.

No list of popular Czech street foods would be complete without mentioning some sort of sausage, as the country is famous for the wide variety sold in the streets by vendors. Beef and pork klobása served with a slice of bread and mustard for dipping are popular staples for travelers and locals. Párek v rohlíku is also very wide-spread. It’s similar to a hot dog and served with condiments like ketchup and mustard, except the sausage is completely encased by a bread roll.

While street food may not be the majority of Czech cuisine, it does hold its place in the country’s culture. Whether a visitor or a permanent resident, the delicious foods that can be found walking the cities of the Czech Republic can be enjoyed.

Written by Erin Schachtner.