If the coffee culture in Budapest is more than generous, the same cannot be said about an exquisite pastry culture, but there are three bakeries that will make you smile, your taste buds jump, your day much better, and your weight a few grams of butter heavier. There are the three that locals love, and I completely understand why.

Alma Nomad Bakery

The day before leaving Hungary, we went for a glass of wine at the Kreinbacher Estate offices in Budapest and as we were talking about foods we have tried and liked and our plans for our last day, Gabor asked us if we'd been to a fantastic bakery just 5 minutes away from their offices. “No,” was my answer, but “Yes, I will” was my plan. He told me to be there on Saturday morning at 9:15 to be the first one there when they open the doors 9:30. I walked 40 minutes from our hotel and waited for something good. The street was filled with the aromas of sugar, butter, and flour as the owners finished baking the last pastries and people began queuing behind me. I went in first, amazed by the beautiful work of Timi and Joaquin. The place is super small (no seating), the tastes are grand, the textures luxurious, and the feeling everything you ever dreamed of. If you can, take a moment and sit outside and enjoy the Saturday buzz and a slow coffee with a croissant. Address: Budapest Vitkovics Mihály utca 3-5, Kamermayer Károly tér 1. Alma Nomad Bakery

Butter Brothers

Famous for its coffee, it is also renowned for its baked goods – buttery croissants, caramel-ly pain au noix, freshly bakes sourdough bread. and other tempting pastries. Simple, yet made with precision and love. Have a cappuccino and a pain aux noixand enjoy the buzz that locals like to create there as they come for coffee, fresh pastries, and some soup for lunch. Adrress: Budapest, Lónyay u. 22. Butter Brothers

Artizan Budapest

If you ask locals where to go for a good croissant and bread, this will be one of the most popular answers – Artizan Bakery. Located just in the center, it is beautiful inside and outside, offering freshly baked goods such as croissants, cardamom buns (with a delightful twist), bread and things to eat there at the cafe. Another “must visit” in Budapest, the same as the first two. Address: Budapest, Hold u. 3, 1054. Artizan Bakery