The Oldest Bakeries in the World
Love baked goods?
Whether it may be fresh bread, pastries, cookies, or anything else, these bakeries are not only famous for cooking up incredible baked goods, but also have so much history and heritage behind them, making them true icons in their countries.
Veniero’s, New York City, USA
Venieros first opened their doors in New York City way back in 1894, and even today, the bakery still offers a unique glimpse into old New York. Its patterned tiled floors and stained glass ceilings, enhanced by mirrored walls, will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time when you enter this shop.
This is a bakery with a heavy Italian influence. In fact, the founder has won several awards for his cakes and pastries, not only in New York but also in Rome and Bologna. You may have also seen this bakery featured on TV – from Good Morning America on ABC to Law & Order on NBC, this little shop has really made a name for itself.
Wondering what sort of baked goods they actually sell?
A few of their traditional Italian specialties include:
- Italian butter cookies
- Cannoli
- Tiramisu
- Biscotti
- Cheesecake
Although traditional baked goods are what they focus on, this bakery also stays ahead of the game when it comes to getting creative. Their lobster tails are a mix between a traditional cannoli and a croissant – something that every pastry lover needs to try!
After sampling as much as possible, walk off all of that sugar by taking a stroll around New York City. Don’t forget to stop off at one of our OROGOLD stores; you’ll find three in the city, and each one is perfect for giving your skin a little pick-me-up if you’ve been indulging in overly-sweet baked goods.
Backerei Hinkel, Dusseldorf, Germany
Having been established in 1891, Backerei Hinkel is now being run by fourth-generation members of the Hinkel family. Sustainable and artisanal sourdough production is their focus, but they also produce a wide range of other baked goods.
Pretty much everything you could imagine is baked on-site here, from dried fruit brioche to jam-filled donuts. They also serve up a variety of savory goods, including cheese whole wheat loaves, and stuffed bread twists.
Visit around the holidays, be it Easter or Christmas, and you’ll also find a wide range of festive baked goods, making this the go-to bakery for locals.
One thing to keep in mind if you plan on visiting…
Due to how popular this bakery is, expect to spend a bit of time queueing up before you are allowed in, especially during the times of this pandemic!
Zalatimo Sweets, Jerusalem, Israel
Established in 1860, Zalatimo Sweets began as a small pastry shop in Jerusalem’s Old City, with a sweet breakfast filo pastry called Mutabak being the shop’s specialty. Over time, the shop grew in popularity, until it expanded into an adjacent shop a few years later.
There are now 13 branches of Zalatimo Sweets, with most of these in Jordan. Their Middle Eastern pastries are now even being imported into the USA, where they are sold by Walmart.
Wondering what their Mutabak tastes like?
It’s sweet, warm, and crunchy, with a delicate powdered sugar topping. You can have it filled with toasted nuts or a tangy sheep’s cheese – either way, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find fresh Mutabak these days, meaning that most people flock to Zalatimo Sweets whenever they have a craving for this traditional pastry.
Conditori La Glace, Copenhagen, Denmark
Not only are they the oldest patisserie in Copenhagen, but Conditori La Glace also prides themselves on being the best. It was founded back in 1880, and has since been through six generations of the same family.
The interior of this bakery looks just like a traditional tearoom, taking you straight back in time. The vast array of cakes available here is enough to impress anyone, with some of their most popular ones being:
- The Sports Cake – this recipe was created in 1891 for a theater production called Sports Man. It features caramelized choux pastry, a macaroon layer at the bottom, and then a filling of whipped cream and crushed nougat
- HC Hat – this cake won the Cake of the Year contest in 2005, and it’s easy to see why. Its chocolate biscuit base is topped with a caramel mousse, along with a caramel ganache that has been infused with citrus
- Karen Blixen – this cake was inspired by Karen Blixen, a Danish author who had her own coffee farm in Africa. The recipe dates back to 1992, and consists of a chocolate bottom topped with a coffee mousse and a mocha truffle, along with toasted hazelnuts and chocolate decorations
If you’re interested in learning more about baking from the masters themselves, Conditori La Glace organizes courses that teach how to work with chocolate, as well as how to make their Sportskage (another of their delicious cakes). You can also attend lectures about the patisserie’s history and heritage.
Feeling thirsty?
Try the tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. This is the only place in Copenhagen that still serves these beverages from a pot, with refills on offer too. Many would say that this is a tradition well worth supporting!
Naegelin’s Bakery, Texas, USA
Famous for being the oldest bakery in Texas, Naegelin’s Bakery has been running since 1868. It is located in a 150-year old building, and many of its original features have been retained. You’ll even find a drive through window and a small retro-style patio here!
White bread was what the bakery was originally selling when they first opened, soon followed up by pumpernickel. After that, pastries became a focus, and the apple strudel produced here is famous for being one of the best in the world.
The ingredients used in these baked goods are locally-sourced, and the pastries and bread are always fresh. The opportunity to be able to sample a 150 year old recipe that still tastes amazing in this day and age is a great way to really take a step back into America’s past.
Can’t decide what to order?
Some of their must-try baked goods include:
- Apple strudel (go for cherry or peach if you aren’t an apple fan)
- Chocolate dip macaroon
- Black Forest double layer cake
- German chocolate pie
- Pretzel sticks
If you’re not able to visit the store, the bakery also offers two day shipping, meaning that you can enjoy their delicious baked goods no matter where in the country you may be!
Cafe Tortoni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
A historic, Parisian-style cafe, Cafe Tortoni was founded in Buenos Aires in 1858 by a French immigrant. It has moved locations just once since, and although it has not remained in the same family, the various owners over the years have all strived to retain this cafe’s historic charm.
While the baked goods here are always delectable, the cafe has also made a name for itself by being quite a trendy place to be. A number of celebrities have visited the cafe, which has also made an effort to involve itself in local art and culture. In the basement, you will find performances by jazz and tango musicians, along with poetry and book readings and contests. The cafe’s library, along with its traditional games room, adds to its old-time charm.
Hofbaeckerei Edegger-Tax, Graz, Austria
Hofbaeckerei Edegger-Tax is one of the oldest bakeries on this list, having been established way back in 1569. Although famous for its ornate wooden shop facade, which was hand-carved in 1896, what really sets this bakery apart is the high quality of their traditional baked goods.
There is a huge variety on offer here, from breads to pastries to cakes and cookies. For those wanting a bite of the past, this is the only bakery that sells the very same bread that was supplied to the House of Habsburg in Austria, which was one of the most influential royal houses in all of Europe.
Although this bakery specializes in traditional recipes, many of their long-time customers are celiac sufferers. As a result, the bakery has now come up with a full range of gluten-free products, which are proving to be extremely popular.
Boudin Bakery, San Francisco, USA
Recognized as being the oldest business in San Francisco that is still in operation, the Boudin Bakery has been around since 1849. They now have 29 locations around San Francisco, which should give you an idea of just how popular they have become!
What is this bakery known for?
They produce a variety of different baked goods, but sourdough is their specialty. They don’t use commercial yeast here, and instead have been using the same mother dough since they first began, giving you a distinct texture and flavor that you would never be able to find anywhere else.
In order to really showcase their talents, the bakery now serves up full meals that make use of their breads, from baguette burgers to sourdough pizzas.
If you would like to see some of their master bakers at work, head to the Boudin at the Wharf location – not only is this where you will find their famous cafe, but you will also be able to watch their breads being created through a 30 foot observation window. Even better, this is fitted out with a two-way intercom system, meaning that you can ask these master chefs any baking questions you may have.
Still want to learn more?
The bakery also has their own museum, free for people to tour. Learn more about San Francisco’s different emigrants, as well as how the bakery’s famous sourdough is actually made.
Once you have eaten your fill, head on over to the OROGOLD San Francisco store. All of those carbs won’t be doing your skin any favors, making this the perfect stop to give your skin a little TLC.
La Maison Stohrer, Paris, France
No list about bakeries would be complete without a mention of one in Paris, and La Maison Stohrer happens to be the oldest in the city. It was opened in 1730, and earned its reputation by being a favorite amongst royal families.
Creativity has always been important for this bakery – this is where Baba au Rhum was created – a brioche pastry that has been soaked in rum syrup and filled with candied fruits. There are now several different versions available, with this being one of their must-try pastries.
The bakery also has a restaurant that serves up an incredible savory spread of starters and mains, with breads, pastries, and baking-related cooking techniques taking center stage on the menu. Everything is made on-site and is always fresh, guaranteeing a delicious meal with each and every visit.
Baked goods play a huge part in many cultures and traditions around the world, making it important to support those older businesses that are trying their best to keep history alive. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a classic loaf, a visit to one of these bakeries will never disappoint.
