By Ann Perepezko

Just because the fried cheese and goulash has grown on us doesn’t mean we don’t miss certain foods from America. Some of our homeland comforts don’t seem to hold the same importance among Czechs and have eluded existence in grocery stores and restaurants. While we’re all adjusting to Czech cuisine, you don’t have to wait to return to the United States to enjoy the items you crave. Here are some things that students thought didn’t exist in Prague but which have close-enough substitutes to hold us over for the next few months.

1. Chipotle
Although Chipotle Mexican Grill remains on the other side of the ocean, there are some restaurants in Prague with tasty Mexican food at reasonable prices. Whether you want a taco, fajita or burrito, Restaurant Cantina is the place to be. Boasting large portions and cozy atmosphere, this conveniently located restaurant cuts it close to the Chipotle standard.
Address: Ujezd 38, Prague 1. Phone: 257 317 173. http://www.restauracecantina.cz/default.asp?lng=eng

2. Rice and Beans
For vegetarians searching specifically for a meal of rice and beans, a place exists for this, too. Restaurant Amigos, located in Prague 2, offers traditional Mexican cuisine with rice and beans, as well as warm tortilla chips and, believe it or not, a pitcher of tap water for the table.
Address: Anny Letenské 16, Prague 2. Phone: 222 250 594. http://www.amigos.cz/en/

3. Korean Food
If you are craving Korean cuisine, try Koba Restaurant on Dušni 6. Koba offers a variety of moderate to spicy dishes, sushi, and even kimchi. Though a little on the pricier side, it has a good environment and is popular among expat Koreans.
Address: Dušní 6, Prague 1. Phone: 224 813 433. http://www.nelso.com/cz/place/432/

4. Vegetables Sides with Dinner at Restaurants
In America, we’re used to a splash of green on the side of our plates, whereas in Prague, meals tend to consist solely of meat, cheese and bread with the occasional lettuce leaf garnish. To find the food group that was forced on us as little kids but now doesn’t seem so bad, go to Bílý koníček. This restaurant and jazz club cooks meals accompanied by mushrooms, steamed vegetables, potatoes, or beans in addition, of course, to the starchy staples of Czech cuisine.
Address: Old Town Square 20, Prague 1. http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=1213

5. Deep Dish Pizza
Craving the pizza we could get back in New York or Chicago? Believe it or not Prague has the delicious and sought after deep dish pizza. Even the very name of the restaurant is promising–Chicago’s Famous Pizza. All you have to do is go to Michalská 13, Prague 1, or call 841 111 140 and you are minutes away from your choice of reasonably priced pizzas. http://www.chicago-pizza.cz/pizza/

6. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Want to make Mac and cheese, but don’t want to go through the hassle of slicing real cheese? Go to Culinaria, a grocery store in Prague that carries the American favorite, Kraft macaroni and cheese, among others, including Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
Address: Culinaria Praha, Skořepka 9, Prague 1. Phone: 775 314 955. http://www.culinaria.cz/

7. Hummus
Looking for hummus? Although Prague doesn’t have Pita Joe’s, it does have the rare and delicious pita spread. Located in Prague 1, Lehka Hlava offers low-priced hummus in addition to the variety of other Greek meals.
Address: Boršov 2/280, Prague 1. Phone/Reservation: 222 220 665. http://www.lehkahlava.cz/en_novinky.htm