When it comes to food, New York City has an unparalleled reputation for offering some of the best cuisine in the world. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. One category of food that should not be overlooked is traditional bakeries. New York City is home to many bakeries that have been around for decades, offering delicious baked goods that will transport you back in time. In this article, we will discuss some traditional bakeries to try when in the Big Apple.
Orwasher’s Bakery
Orwasher’s Bakery has been a New York City institution since 1916, offering handmade artisanal bread and other baked goods. Their signature loaf is the Jewish rye, which is made using traditional techniques and baked in a brick oven. Orwasher’s Bakery also offers an array of pastries, including croissants, danishes, and muffins. In addition to their original location on the Upper East Side, they now have several locations throughout the city, making it easier to get your fix of their delicious baked goods.
Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is a fourth-generation family-owned business that has been serving New Yorkers since 1914. They are best known for their smoked fish, but their bakery offerings are also worth trying. Their babka is a must-try, with a sweet, chocolatey filling that is both rich and decadent. They also offer rugelach, challah, and other traditional Jewish baked goods.
Veniero’s
Located in the East Village, Veniero’s has been serving Italian pastries and desserts since 1894. Their cannoli is a must-try, with a crispy shell and sweet, creamy filling. They also offer a wide selection of cakes, cookies, and other pastries, all made with traditional Italian recipes. Veniero’s is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth after a long day of exploring the city.
Balthazar Bakery
Balthazar Bakery is a French-style bakery located in SoHo. Their bread is made using traditional techniques and baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior. Their croissants are also a must-try, with a buttery, flaky texture that is truly heavenly. Balthazar Bakery also offers a selection of pastries, cakes, and tarts that are sure to delight any pastry lover.
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is an Italian bakery located in Little Italy. They have been serving the community since 1892, offering an array of traditional Italian baked goods. Their cannoli is a must-try, with a sweet ricotta filling that is perfectly balanced with a crispy shell. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe also offers a selection of cakes, pastries, and cookies, all made with traditional Italian recipes.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel Bakery is best known for creating the Cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid that took the world by storm when it was introduced in 2013. While the Cronut is certainly worth trying, Dominique Ansel Bakery also offers a wide selection of other pastries and desserts. Their DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann) is a must-try, with a caramelized, flaky exterior and soft, buttery interior. Dominique Ansel Bakery also offers a selection of cakes, tarts, and other desserts that are both delicious and visually stunning.
Amy’s Bread
Amy’s Bread is a family-owned bakery that has been serving New Yorkers since 1992. They offer a wide selection of bread, including artisanal loaves, bagels, and rolls. Their sourdough bread is a must-try, with a tangy flavor and chewy texture that is perfect for sandwiches or toast. Amy’s Bread also offers a selection of pastries, cookies, and other sweet treats that are all made with natural ingredients and no preservatives.
Two Little Red Hens
Two Little Red Hens is a cozy bakery located on the Upper East Side. They specialize in cupcakes, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla to red velvet and salted caramel. Their banana bread is also a must-try, with a moist, fluffy texture and a delicious banana flavor. In addition to cupcakes and banana bread, Two Little Red Hens offers a selection of cookies, pies, and other baked goods that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery is famous for their cookies, which are thick, chewy, and filled with chunks of chocolate. Their signature cookie is the chocolate chip walnut, but they also offer other flavors such as oatmeal raisin and dark chocolate peanut butter. Levain Bakery also offers a selection of bread and pastries, but it’s their cookies that are the real standout.
Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe
Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe is a French-style bakery located in Greenwich Village. They specialize in classic French pastries, including croissants, macarons, and éclairs. Their mille-feuille, a traditional French pastry consisting of layers of puff pastry and pastry cream, is a must-try. Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe also offers a selection of cakes, tarts, and other desserts that are both beautiful and delicious.
In conclusion, New York City is home to many traditional bakeries that offer delicious baked goods that are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. From Jewish rye bread to Italian cannoli and French pastries, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these bakeries are definitely worth a visit. So next time you’re in the Big Apple, be sure to check out some of these traditional bakeries and indulge in their delicious offerings.
