A Taste of Prague, Finally Here at Home

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By Rhea B. Peñaflor

Some loves stay with you forever—and for me, one of those loves is Trdelník.

I still remember the very first time I tasted it back in 2009, when I was studying in Prague.

The warmth, the cinnamon, the comfort it brought on cold days—Trdelník became one of those simple joys that stayed in my heart long after I left Europe.

Fast forward, I bumped into it at Century Mall, and I felt that same joy all over again as KROUŽEK | Circle of Craft, the first-ever Trdelník store in the Philippines, finally opened its doors.

Behind this milestone is Lorren Dianne Ramel Kriso, a Filipina wellness advocate and entrepreneur married to Czech hotel and resort builder Daniel Kriso, whose story is as heartfelt as the craft she brings to life.

After surviving a life-threatening medical crisis, Lorren rebuilt her world around wellness, intention, and conscious living.

That philosophy now defines KROUŽEK—from clean ingredients to the live baking method that honors Czech tradition.

The flavors feel like a meeting of cultures: the classic cinnamon with apple strudel transported me back to Prague instantly, while the minatamis na saging with jackfruit and gluten-free sago felt beautifully local—warm, honest, and thoughtfully crafted.

Even the team behind the counter reflects Lorren’s values, including a deaf staff member whose presence adds to the store’s spirit of inclusivity and heart.

As someone passionate about community development and well-being, Lorren’s vision—here and in her healing spaces in Bali—deeply resonates with me. Her work reminds us that joy, healing, and craft can coexist beautifully.

And as I walked out of KROUŽEK today, one thought made me smile the most:
I won’t be missing Trdelník anymore—because it finally came home to me.