If you cannot imagine a morning without a croissant, elevenses without a biscuit, or an afternoon without the Swedish tradition of fika, then this guide is for you. Before your eyes is a must-have list for any bakery tourist, packed with all the fragrant, crunchy, and steaming spots in Kaunas where you can treat yourself to an Italian colazione or dive into a cinnamon bun on your way to a museum.
Bakery tourism is more than just a quick dose of carbs. It is a whole culture, whose followers are sensitive to genius loci, aesthetics, and recipes. Although this trend is only just taking off globally, pastry travellers can already be sorted into several subgroups based on their interests. That is exactly how we have listed our sinfully soft and melodically crunchy recommendations. See you in the queue?
Instagram-friendly
While taste is always important, for some travellers, looks are number one. If you are also the type to take a photo first and only then taste the pastry, this one’s for you.
If we were to look for one place to blame for the arrival of bakery tourism in Lithuania, it would be Habits Bakery and its chief magician, Dovydas Vaisovas. A pastry chef who is incredibly natural in front of the camera, he quickly proved to Kaunas and all of Lithuania that croissants go perfectly with fast cars, loud music, stylish looks, and a spark in the eyes. It is no surprise that a branch of this bakery has already opened in the capital, but the popularity of the Kaunas spot, located next to the Soboras (St. Michael the Archangel’s Church), has not waned one bit. A treat for you and your followers, and the breakfast menu is valid all day.
Other highly photogenic spots include Ali Šokoladinė, the architects of colourful, eye-catching desserts, and Kasdienybės Bakehouse, where every corner (and their creative communication!) is just begging to be in a picture.
From the History Books
There is a type of explorer for whom the most important thing is to find the original sources: the oldest and the first. In Kaunas, such pastry tourists flock to Spurginė, a small spot on Laisvės alėja where, for over 40 years, curd cheese or jam doughnuts have been prepared according to the same recipe, by the same women. Every year, they take a holiday for the entire month of July. This is an essential “Spurginė” tradition, which leads to an influx of locals and city guests in the autumn, all craving its aromas and flavours. Two more things to note: a wonderful historical interior and cash only payments.
Long before “sourdough”, “cronut”, or “brookie” entered the Kaunas lexicon, the bakery chain Prezo was already a household name. A black coffee and a tasty bite are just what is needed for the civil servant, business person, student, or academic, all of whom are equal in the morning queue.
Here’s a little secret for you. Bella Toscana is a mark of quality you have likely already enjoyed without even knowing it, as this bakery supplies many of the city’s cafes. For the full experience, however, we recommend seeking out their signature cakes and eclairs. You can find them at their own cosy little shops in the districts of Aleksotas, Žaliakalnis, and Gričiupis.
For the Seekers of Local Spirit
“From grain to bun” is the motto of Bundu bakery. And although its baristas do not plant the rye and wheat themselves, the flour for their famous round cinnamon sins or buckwheat biscuits is indeed milled right here in Kaunas, at the “Pranciškaus malūnas” mill on the other side of the Nemunas River. The city centre bakery, which attracts a stylish community and boasts a great soundtrack and interior, was founded by the miller’s granddaughter and her friends. It is a place that hosts not only afternoon DJ sets but also yoga classes, and you will not feel out of place if you pull out your knitting needles.
Another place with a distinctly Lithuanian flavour is the Biržų duonos café on Laisvės alėja. Although the name suggests that the tastes and recipes come from Northern Lithuania, the country is so small that it would be a sin not to enjoy the phenomenon of their legendary “skarelės” (square pastries) with currant jam. Be warned, though: they are so dangerously delicious that there will certainly be none left for your friends or family.
One more stop for those willing to go a few extra kilometres for the sake of authenticity is Bon Tost. This bakery is located in a unique Kaunas spot that cultivates a 90s and Y2K aura: the “Urmas” shopping town. Doughnuts here disappear faster than the first snow!
Focaccia, calzone, cornetto, amore…
Yes, yes, we understand. There is gastronomy, and then there are Italian traditions, and it is hard to compete with them. In this case, Kaunas chooses not to compete, but to graciously surrender. Having become home to dozens of pizzerias and two “Angolo Italiano” gelaterias, the city is delighted that the creators of the latter have now opened a bakery, Pastarella Forno. So, if a Roman holiday is not on the horizon, you can experience your own version of “la dolce vita” on Vilniaus Street in Kaunas. If the queue here is too long or the shelves are already empty, we also recommend the nearby Lucci Bakery.
On the Trail of the Beast of Kaunas
Since we have mentioned Vilniaus Street, let us talk a little more about the bakeries of Kaunas Old Town. They are all special because after dark, when the doors are closed to outsiders, the Beast of Kaunas stops by for a treat. During the day, you can hear its snoring near Kaunas Castle, but at night, the favourite spots of this guardian of city stories, surrounded by red brick walls, are Lucci Bakery and Mbakery. We hear it is also very fond of Pastarella Forno! You will discover more tastes of old Kaunas while wandering through the narrow, legend-filled streets. The most important thing is to get hungry enough.
For Souvenirs
If you cannot manage to bring home any “skarelės”, perhaps a box of eclairs or a whole cake would do? And do not listen to your relatives moaning about their diets. The staff at Mon Ami are attentive and caring, and their pastry recipes are of high quality and as healthy as possible for those who indulge.
The previously mentioned buckwheat flour biscuits with salt from Bundu (or simply flour from “Pranciškaus malūnas”!) would also make a great Kaunas souvenir. For the traditionalists, a bag of goodies from Spurginė is always a perfect choice, as well as a box of eclairs from Bella Toscana.
Workation, anyone?
Kaunas is a freelancer’s paradise, so you will feel right at home with your laptop in many cafés and bakeries. If you are not afraid of a few crumbs between the keys, the holy trinity of a bun, a coffee, and an Excel sheet is a perfect match for places like Kavalierius, Bundu, Habits (specifically the café, located about 150 metres from the bakery, which sells its products), Kasdienybės Bakehouse, or Biržų duona.
We hope these tips help you find your own bakery ritual in Kaunas. It’s the perfect way to not only enjoy a quick treat, but to plan your day, explore the city, and share your adventures. Want even more secret spots? You’ll have to visit us in person at the ‘Kaunas IN’ Tourist Information Centre for those.
