Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by
Table of Contents
From Paris to Mexico
Bread, pastries, and sweets are more than just nourishment for the body; they’re expressions of culture, history, and creativity. In every corner of the world, bakeries have mastered the art of turning humble ingredients into delectable delights that captivate the senses.
When it comes to the best, this year Parissian bakery Au Levain des Pyrénées boulangerie and baker Tharshan Selvarajah won the 30th annual “Grand Prix de la Baguette de Traditional Francaise de la Ville De Paris,” baguette competition. Each year there are different baking competitions around the world – who knows maybe your local bakery will win next year?
From traditional mum-and-dad shops to innovative artisanal spaces, the best bakeries in the world offer a unique glimpse into local culture and tradition, as told through food. Let’s discuss some of the world’s best bakeries and what makes them unique.
1. Poilâne – Paris, France
Our journey begins in the heart of Paris, a city renowned for its culinary prowess. Poilâne, a family-owned bakery that has been operating since 1932, is an icon in the world of artisanal bread.
Their signature loaf, the miche, is a rustic round sourdough masterpiece with a thick, golden crust and a tender, flavorful crumb. Poilâne’s commitment to traditional baking methods and their emphasis on quality ingredients has earned them a global following.
Location: they have stores right across Paris, including: Saint Germain des Prés, Eiffel Tower, Lévis, Marais, Buttes Chaumont, and Elizabeth Street.
2. Dominique Ansel Bakery – New York City, USA
Crossing the Atlantic, we find ourselves in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Dominique Ansel Bakery is a name synonymous with innovation and whimsical treats.
The Cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid, took the bakery to international fame. Beyond the Cronut, Dominique Ansel’s bakery offers a diverse range of pastries that blend French techniques with American flavours, all served in an inviting and stylish atmosphere.
You can find Dominique Ansel Bakery at 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, United States
3. Kandagawa Bakery – Tokyo, Japan
Nestled within the residential charm of Waseda, this bakery remains tucked just a stone’s throw away from the idyllic Kanda River.
The assortment of freshly baked delights presented here possesses an ethereal quality that gracefully shifts with the changing seasons. Amidst these culinary treasures, you’ll also discover a selection of staples, including the ever-beloved shokupan, or Japanese milk bread, and artisanal baguettes that boast a satisfyingly crusty exterior.
Should you seek to explore the more intriguing realms of the bakery’s offerings, indulgence beckons in the form of their exquisite matcha anpan. This creation, a masterpiece, intertwines twists of matcha-infused bean paste amidst layers of tender, snowy-white bread. As autumn paints the world with its vibrant hues, the chestnut coffee brioche emerges as a tantalising essential, enticing visitors with its seasonal charm.
Breaking away from convention, the bakery’s rendition of the classic bacon epi takes an artful twist. It unfolds as a delightful manifestation featuring savoury sausages harmonised with the grainy allure of mustard. For those embracing the pleasures of breakfast, a daily ritual, a surprising revelation awaits in the form of French toast.
You can find Kandagawa Bakery at 1-11-14 Takada, Toshima Tokyo.
4. Breads Bakery – Tel Aviv, Israel
Venturing to the Middle East, we discover Breads Bakery in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv.
Known for its exceptional challah, rugelach, and babka, this bakery honours traditional Jewish baked goods while infusing them with a modern twist. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries wafts through the air, inviting locals and visitors alike to savour the rich heritage of Jewish cuisine.
You can also find Nutella-filled babkas, potato and shakshuka focaccia, and chocolate rugelach amongst many other treats that are pulled out of the oven on a regular basis
You can find Breads Bakery at Yad Harutsim St 14, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
5. The Small Town Pie Co – Melbourne, Australia
The Small Town Pie Co. offers a delectable selection of pies, including options like chicken and leek, Aussie meat, Guinness beef, Moroccan lamb, and lamb and rosemary pies. Additionally, the menu features sausage rolls and Cornish pasties. Diners have the choice to enjoy these savoury offerings on-site, served warm, or to take them home for family enjoyment.
Find the Small Town Pie Co. at South Melbourne Market.
6. La Panadería Rosetta – Mexico City, Mexico
Our culinary expedition takes us to Mexico City, where La Panadería Rosetta has earned its place among the world’s best bakeries. Renowned for its freshly baked bread and delightful pastries, this bakery seamlessly combines Mexican flavours and techniques with a European touch. The conchas, a sweet bread adorned with intricate patterns, are a particular favourite among locals and tourists alike.
You can find La Panadería Rosetta at Colima 179, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.
7. Tartine Bakery – San Francisco, USA
Returning to the United States, we find ourselves in San Francisco at Tartine Bakery. With an unwavering commitment to using organic, locally sourced ingredients, Tartine produces bread that is the epitome of artisanal excellence.
Their country loaf, characterised by its chewy crust and open crumb structure, has become a staple for bread enthusiasts seeking the perfect slice.
Tartine Bakery is located at 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States.
8. Du Pain et des Idées – Paris, France
Our final destination brings us back to Paris, where Du Pain et des Idées has been enchanting patrons since 2002.
This bakery is celebrated for its fusion of tradition and innovation, resulting in an array of pastries that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. The escargot pistache et chocolat, a spiral pastry filled with pistachio and chocolate, is a testament to the bakery’s ability to elevate classic concepts.
Du Pain et des Idées is located at 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France.
Baking Tips
Here are six essential baking tips to help you achieve successful and delicious baked goods:
- Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for accurate weights, especially for ingredients like flour, which can be compacted or aerated. Even a slight variation in measurements can impact the final outcome of your baked goods.
- Most recipes call for ingredients like butter, eggs, and dairy to be at room temperature. This allows for proper incorporation and even distribution of ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter or dough. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven textures and affect the rise of your baked goods.
- Always preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe before placing your baked goods inside. This ensures that your items bake evenly from the start and helps achieve the desired texture and doneness.
- Baking is a step-by-step process, so it’s important to follow the recipe instructions closely. Each step, from mixing to baking time, plays a role in the final outcome. Skipping or altering steps can lead to unexpected results.
- Baking times can vary depending on your oven’s calibration and the size of your baked goods. To check for doneness, use visual cues (golden-brown color), touch (a gentle press should spring back), and a toothpick or cake tester (it should come out clean from the centre). Avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can affect the temperature and evenness of baking.
- If you’re a baker by trade, you may want to find out about using premade dough that you bake fresh. The hard work is taken out of the baking process, allowing you to spend more time baking up custom creations that your customers will love, all while making your baking process easier!
A Baked Journey of Flavor and Culture
As we conclude our journey through the world’s best bakeries, it becomes evident that these establishments are more than places to purchase baked goods; they are gateways to culture, tradition, and culinary innovation. From the intricate patterns on Mexican conchas to the flaky layers of a French croissant, each bakery tells a story that transcends borders and languages.
Whether you’re in pursuit of the perfect baguette, a sweet treat that defies expectations, or simply a moment of culinary delight, the best bakeries in the world offer an unforgettable experience.
Apart from this, if you want to know about Tantalizing Tastes with Stop & Shop Bakery’s Assortments then please visit our Lifestyle category
