First of all, if no one has told you about the Iranian Cukrászda (bakery) at Nagy Diófa 32, then I’m sorry. But I’m about to right that wrong. This hole in the wall hiding out in one of Budapest’s less photogenic streets is a treasure box.
This place is my guilty pleasure, my sweet spot, my Friday reward (*whispers* my everything).
Nestled in the 7th district, you may have passed this bakery without knowing it on your way to Szimpla Kert or other sights of the Jewish Quarter. But if you take the time to step inside, the first thing that hits you is a sense of abundance. Not an abundance of space, necessarily–in fact it would be a squish to fit more than six people in front of the cases–but rather an abundance of flavors and textures that are waiting to make themselves known to you.
The cases seem to almost be overflowing: Flaky baklava practically dripping with syrup. Layered cakes filled with cream. And a dozen other things I’d never seen before. It’s my first time in, and the owner greets me with a gift–something like a shortbread cookie pressed in the shape of a flower. It melts on my tongue. I wish I knew the name of the spices dancing through my senses. Annnnnd after that…I kind of blacked out. I just knew I wanted to try as much as I could at once within reason, haha. Cut to a very happy Denae walking home with her styrofoam takeaway box, almost too full to close. Part of the satisfied glow around me came from the bargain of it all! All of my impulse sugar buying only set me back about 1000 HUF ($3.60). And even though Iranian Cukrászda may be cheap, that’s not at all reflected in the quality of the treats.
Of course I’d love to think that I’d stumbled upon some unknown gem of the city, but the second time I swung by there was a line out the door. And I’m glad! This unassuming bakery is the kind of secret that’s meant to be shared. And don’t worry–no matter how long the line, there’s still plenty of baklava for all. 🙂
You can find the Iranian bakery at Nagy Diófa u. 32, 1072.
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