Top Traditional Czech Desserts to Try in Prague

Czech desserts are often hearty and filling. Many recipes use local ingredients like poppy seeds, plums, and cottage cheese. You can find these treats in high-end cafes or small corner bakeries. Here are the best traditional Czech desserts to try in Prague right now.

• Best overall: Větrník
• Best for families: Palačinky
• Best for photos: Trdelník
• Best budget pick: Makový koláč

1. Name: Větrník Type: Pastry Why go: This is a giant cream puff filled with vanilla and caramel cream. It is topped with a thick caramel glaze. It is the king of Czech pastries. Best for: Caramel lovers. Where: Old Town or New Town cafes. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 80–120 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Share it with a friend because it is very large.
2. Name: Ovocné knedlíky Type: Experience Why go: These are fruit dumplings made from potato or curd dough. They are stuffed with whole strawberries, apricots, or plums. They come topped with melted butter and gingerbread crumbs. Best for: A sweet lunch. Where: Traditional restaurants like Lokál. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: 150–220 CZK. Getting there: Take the tram to Dlouhá třída. Tip: These are often served as a main course, not just dessert.
3. Name: Trdelník Type: Sight/Street food Why go: This is a dough ring grilled on a rotating spit. It is coated in sugar and walnuts. While modern versions have ice cream, the plain one is more traditional. Best for: Eating while walking. Where: Street stalls in Malá Strana. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: 70–150 CZK. Getting there: Walk across Charles Bridge. Tip: Look for stalls that bake them over real coals for better flavor.
4. Name: Medovník Type: Experience Why go: This is a classic honey cake with many thin layers. It has a smooth honey and nut cream between the layers. It is soft, sweet, and very popular in Central Europe. Best for: A rainy day treat. Where: Almost any cafe in the city. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: 70–110 CZK. Getting there: Easy to find near any Metro station. Tip: It pairs perfectly with a bitter Czech espresso.
5. Name: Makový koláč Type: Activity Why go: These are small round tarts topped with poppy seed paste. They often have a dollop of sweet cheese or plum jam in the center. They are a staple of Czech breakfasts. Best for: An authentic local snack. Where: Local bakeries (Pekařství). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: 25–45 CZK. Getting there: Look for neighborhood bakeries in Vinohrady. Tip: Buy them early in the morning when they are still warm.
6. Name: Buchty Type: Experience Why go: These are soft yeast buns baked close together so they pull apart. They are usually filled with plum jam or sweet curd. They are the ultimate Czech comfort food. Best for: A cozy morning snack. Where: Specialty bakeries like Kus Buchty. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 40–60 CZK. Getting there: Take the Metro to I.P. Pavlova. Tip: Try the ones filled with "povidla" (plum jam) for the most traditional taste.
7. Name: Rakvička Type: Experience Why go: The name means "little coffin" because of its shape. It is a hollow, crispy biscuit made from egg yolks and sugar. It is always topped with a tall peak of whipped cream. Best for: Trying something unique. Where: Traditional pastry shops (Cukrárna). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 40–70 CZK. Getting there: Visit a shop near the National Museum. Tip: The biscuit is very fragile, so eat it carefully with a spoon.
8. Name: Jablečný štrúdl Type: Sight Why go: While shared with neighbors, the Czech version of apple strudel is iconic. It features thin pastry filled with tart apples, cinnamon, and raisins. It is often served with a side of whipped cream. Best for: A classic afternoon break. Where: Cafes near Prague Castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 90–130 CZK. Getting there: Take Tram 22 to the Castle stop. Tip: Ask for it to be served warm (teplý).
9. Name: Laskonka Type: Experience Why go: This is a gluten-free meringue sandwich. The shells are made with coconut or walnuts. The middle is filled with a rich buttercream. Best for: A light, crispy bite. Where: Myšák or other historic patisseries. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: 60–90 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Wenceslas Square. Tip: These are quite sweet, so one is usually enough.
10. Name: Palačinky Type: Activity Why go: These are thin Czech crepes. They are typically rolled with fruit jam, chocolate, or sweet cheese. They are a favorite for children and families. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Garden cafes in Letná Park. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 100–160 CZK. Getting there: Take the tram to Letenské náměstí. Tip: Try them with fresh forest berries if they are in season.

Where to Find Authentic Sweet Treats in Prague

Finding the best traditional Czech desserts to try in Prague depends on where you look. For the most authentic experience, look for a "Cukrárna." This is a traditional sweet shop that specializes in cakes and pastries. These shops often have lower prices than modern tourist cafes. You can find many of these in residential areas like Vinohrady or Žižkov.

Historic cafes also offer a grand atmosphere for enjoying sweets. Places like Cafe Louvre or Cafe Savoy have served famous writers for decades. These spots are perfect for a long afternoon break. You can see more about the city's layout in this Prague city guide. Prices here will be higher, but the service is excellent.

If you want to save money, visit local farmers' markets. The Náplavka market on Saturdays often has fresh home-baked goods. You can buy traditional pastries directly from the people who make them. This is a great way to support local bakers. For more ideas on where to eat, read about what to eat in Prague for an authentic dinner.

Always check the official Visit Czechia website for food festival dates. Prague hosts several cake and coffee festivals throughout the year. These events are perfect for tasting many different desserts in one place. You might even find modern twists on old recipes during these festivals.

Tips for Enjoying Traditional Czech Desserts

When ordering desserts in Prague, keep a few things in mind. Most traditional shops expect you to pay in Czech Koruna (CZK). While many places take cards, smaller bakeries might only take cash. It is always helpful to have some small coins ready. Tipping is usually around 10 percent in sit-down cafes.

Coffee is the standard partner for any Czech dessert. Order a "Vídeňská káva" (Viennese coffee) for a classic experience. This is long black coffee topped with a thick layer of whipped cream. It matches the richness of cakes like Medovník or Větrník perfectly. You can also find great coffee spots on the official Prague.eu tourism portal.

Timing is also important for your sweet tour. Most bakeries open very early, around 7:00 AM. This is the best time to get fresh Buchty or Koláče. By late afternoon, the most popular items might be sold out. Plan your dessert stops as part of your 3 days in Prague itinerary to see the best of the city.