If there’s one thing you’ll notice right off the bat when moving to Prague, it’s the total lack of diversity when it comes to food.

If you’re originally from the United States, you’ll be used to seeing at least 6 different kinds of breakfast cereals, a gourmet aisle (for less than $4) selection of instantly-microwavable food – pretty much choices and variations on everything imaginable.

In Prague, however, things work a bit differently. Especially with the communist regime recently tucked into its past, it’s clear to understand why there is such a lack of globalization when it comes to food.

After a year, the lack will not be so apparent and you’ll adjust to what’s available to you. You will no longer need many snackable things that you were once accustomed to or relied on – bagels, Doritos, “American cheese” or just mere ziplock bags of all things. You learn to try new things and to adopt new favorites instead.

However, when times get tough and you’re craving some familiar treats, there are a few places in the city that can definitely help you out. You’re not the only one who has been missing out on some go-to food that has always been available to you in the past.

Two of the major places I crown as kings for the sake of helping western expats to survive are:

The Candy Store

No – The Candy Store is not just a candy store. It’s a UK / USA chain that offers Prague the most popular snacks, drinks, comfort food and yes, some of the most well-known candy from these two countries.

This specialty shop sells sweet, salty and everything inbetween. Brands you’ve gotten addicted to like Jelly Belly, Doritos, Reese’s, Mrs. Freshley’s Pink Snowballs, Tootsie Rolls, Cheddar Goldfish, Snickers, Snyder’s Pretzels, Snapple, KitKat, Almond Joy, Pringles, Hubba Bubba, and more. They also have Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream, Dr. Pepper, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Pop Tarts, Arizona Iced Tea, Lucky Charms, Heinz Sauces, Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce, A&W Root beer, Rice Crispy Treats, Cliff Bars, and just about any other type of snack, soda and sauce you can imagine.

It’s a colourful cornucopia of the kind of stuff Americans and Brits will grab on the go and snack on wherever their busy life is taking them. Especially  when they need an extra little sugar rush to get them there.

On their website, you can see all the available locations.

Iceland

Next up is Iceland – and no, it’s not from Iceland. This is a UK chain that has definitely left a dent in our hearts because I wish I had known about it somewhere in the first year and a half of moving here.

This compact supermarket will supply you with everything you need when it comes to a heavenly microwavable experience.

Do you want a quick gourmet-home-like meal that can be ready in 6 minutes? They got your back. From healthy Asian cuisines, packages of garlic chicken, rice and lasagna dishes to Oreo cheesecakes at bargain prices. They even have your variety pack of childhood cereals.

Check it out their website.