Essential Czech words for the foods you find at the Christmas market

What authentic Czech foods will you find at the Christmas markets? Whether you’re strolling across Prague’s Old Town Square or visiting a smaller local market, tempting aromas are coming from every stall.

But not all of the foods on offer at these fairy-light-adorned food stalls are authentically Czech. The origins of trdelník, of course, have been debated for years. And while this cinnamon funnel cake is ubiquitous among tourists, it's actually not of Czech origin. We won't fault you for having one anyway.

Lángos, another doughy creation, is common seasonal treat that’s not traditionally Czech (read more here) but is readily available at the holidays at Christmas markets.

One of the true symbols of Czech Christmas markets is svařák – mulled wine, most commonly spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Its name comes from the Czech verb svařit, meaning “to boil” or “to mull.”

If you prefer sweeter sips, be sure to try vaječný likér (informally called vaječňák), a thick, smooth, creamy liqueur made from eggs, milk, and sugar, similar to what's called "eggnog" in English. The name literally originates from the Czech word "vajíčka" (meaning eggs).

Another classic winter warmer is horká medovina, a hot honey-based alcoholic drink. The word medovina is derived from med (honey), a term Slavs used long before the Czech state even existed.

As for food, no Czech Christmas market would be complete without klobása – a traditional sausage, usually grilled and served with bread.

A beloved winter favorite is also bramborák, a crispy fried potato pancake with garlic and marjoram. Its variation made with sauerkraut is called zelňák.

Unexpected but no less Czech: Carp fries (kapří hranolky). If you want to try the Christmas carp tradition in an easier-to-consume, more modern way, dig in. Šneci (snails) can be indulged at the Old Town Christmas markets and have been a part of the Christmas menu since the First Republic, and are making a comeback.

And of course, the fish soup (rybí polévka) is served annually by the mayor of Prague on Dec. 24 in the Old Town market.

And finally, something sweet: perníček. This spiced honey pastry has a long history, and its name is linked to the old Czech word for “pepper,” as pepper was once used in the seasoning of early perníček (gingerbread). You can also buy Christmas cookies (cukroví) from many stalls, beautifully decorated in the Czech style.