A taste of home: Hungarian pastry shops in the US

For Hungarians living abroad and those curious about Hungarian culture, pastry shops and cafés offer a nostalgic taste of home. These establishments are not just places to enjoy traditional desserts but also serve as cultural hubs. Here, we explore two iconic Hungarian pastry shops in the United States.

Hungarian Pastry Shop (New York City)

Nestled in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, the Hungarian Pastry Shop has been a cultural landmark since 1961. Founded by a Hungarian-Jewish immigrant couple, it has retained its authentic charm through decades of change, the official website of the shop writes. Now owned by Philip Binioris, the shop is renowned for its cozy, literary atmosphere and traditional pastries like krémes, rétes (strudel), and Rigó Jancsi.

According to HungarianHub, what makes this café unique is its deliberate lack of Wi-Fi, encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings. Writers and students from nearby Columbia University often frequent the shop to work on projects, with some even penning entire books here. The warm lighting and European-style pastries make it a favorite for both locals and tourists seeking a slice of Hungary in New York.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hungarian Pastry Shop NYC (@hungarianpastryshopnyc)

Zingerman’s Bakehouse (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Though not exclusively Hungarian, Zingerman’s Bakehouse has been celebrating Hungarian culinary traditions for over a decade. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this artisan bakery is part of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. Their offerings include authentic Hungarian desserts like bejgli (walnut or poppy seed rolls) and dobos torta (layered sponge cake with caramel topping).