trdelník

Trdelník is a sweet pastry that has become a popular street food in many Central European countries, particularly the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is made from rolled dough, wrapped around a stick, grilled, and then topped with sugar and walnut mixture.

The dough is typically made from flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and eggs. It is then thinly rolled out and wrapped spirally around a wooden or metal spit called a "trdlo". The spit is then placed over an open flame or in a special oven and rotated until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. As it cooks, it is coated in a mixture of sugar and ground walnuts, which caramelize and create a crispy, sweet exterior.

While trdelník is strongly associated with Czech and Slovak cuisine, its exact origins are debated. Some sources suggest it may have roots in Hungarian cuisine, specifically from the Kürtőskalács, another spit cake. Regardless of its precise birthplace, trdelník has gained significant popularity in recent decades, especially in tourist areas, where it is often sold from street vendors. It is frequently enjoyed warm, sometimes filled with ice cream or whipped cream. The aroma of baking trdelník is a common and inviting scent in many European city centers.