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Koblihy

What: Koblihy are beloved local pastries, similar to American doughnuts (though perhaps closer to Polish paczki): round and sweet and filled with fruity jam. Humble though they are, they make a memorable appearance in Prague’s literary history: In 1942’s colorful Saturnin, by Zdeněk Jirotka, the narrator views koblihy as an indicator of character, theorizing that while some people might only stare at a plate of doughnuts in a café, others might think of throwing them—and still others might actually do it. (Published during the Nazi occupation, the book’s reference to hurling doughnuts is seen as quietly anarchic.) While you ponder what category you fall into, chew on one of these sugary pillows of fried dough.

Where: Local bakery chain Michelské pekárny (multiple locations including Karmelitská 376/20, Malá Strana) is a good bet for koblihy and other sweet standards.

When: Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-7pm

Order: The powdered-sugar-topped, jam-filled kobliha (6,5 CZK) is the most traditional kind you can get; also pictured is a chocolate-drizzled variety. Inside they’re a bit drier than you might expect them to be (especially if you’re used to buttery American doughnuts), but all is well once you reach the fruity bit in the middle.

Alternatively: Most any bakery in Prague will carry some of these; we also saw them offered at the coffee-pastry street vendors you’ll sometimes see around bus stops.