Trdelnik cooking over an open flame in the streets of Prague.Īccording to food historians, Count Josef Gvadanyi, a Hungarian general, settled in the town of Skalica, on what is now the border between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, in the 18th century, bringing with him a Transylvanian cook who had a tasty recipe for kurtsoskalacs in his repertoire. Trdelnik is one of the most common pastries to find on Prague’s streets - in fact, three-dimensional invitations to try the rolled pastry hang from storefronts throughout the city, particularly in the tourist neighborhoods.īut while Prague is famous for its trdelnik, the pastry was originally known as kurtsoskalacs and hailed from Szekely Land, Transylvania - home of the Szekely Hungarians.
Prague’s pastries are far from unique, but as I discovered them, I noticed not only the ways in which they are linked to those of neighboring countries but also the characteristics that make them stand out. The former Austro-Hungarian Empire was home to many modern Central European countries, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and the recipes for these classic pastries were passed from family to family, town to town. While this may be surprising to some, more used to hearing of pastry tales from Vienna and Budapest, it is for good reason. I was recently in Prague - which may be better known for its bridge, its clock and its beer - but it’s just as tasty a destination for pastry lovers. There are many great pastry destinations in Europe, and I live in one of them ( Paris).īut sometimes you just need to deviate from macarons and croissants - and sometimes, it’s the most unlikely destinations that offer the tastiest treats.
Living in Europe has many perks, but the one that still makes living here seem like a dream, even after eight years, is the fact that other European destinations are so close that you can jump right over for any old reason… like, let’s say, to try out some pastry.
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