Romanian Easter traditions. Where to buy cozonac

One of the Romanian culinary heritage embodies the warmth of tradition and the richness of flavor: cozonac, a sweet bread which holds a special place in the hearts and homes of Romanians, symbolizing familial bonds, festive occasions, and the artistry of baking passed down through generations.

Made especially for the Romanian celebrations, cozonac is a staple during holidays such as Easter and Christmas, where families gather to share in its deliciousness and create cherished memories. Its preparation is a labor of love, often involving a meticulous process of kneading dough, layering with fillings of nuts, cocoa, dried fruits, and walnuts patiently waiting as it rises to perfection.

As many traditional dishes, the art of making cozonac is a time-honored tradition passed down from grandmothers to mothers, each adding their unique touch and secret ingredients. In a recent survey held by Colliers, Cozonac retains the star Christmas dessert of Romania, and most probably, it’s the same case for the Easter period.

If you are new to this local delicacy, Business Review made a list of bakeries where you can try the best cozonac in Bucharest. The recommendations are artisanal bakeries, so hurry up to place your order.

Where to find the best cozonaci in Bucharest

For classic fillings, try out:

Casa del Pan (89 Polonă Street)
Ana Pan network
Zexe Braserie (65 Blvd. Aviatorilor)
Pâinea lui Dumnezeu Bakery (50 Gheorghe Ionescu Sisești Road)
Brutăria cu Maia (42 Maior Campeanu Alexandru Street)
Sweet Oclock (8 Ramuri Tei Street, near Kaufland Barbu Văcărescu)
Grain Trip (16 Nerva Traian Street)
Băcănia Rod ( 38 Blvd. Ion Mihalache, Galeriile Titan -6A Liviu Rebreanu and 238 Calea Văcărești) or online

Zexe Braserie

Painea lui Dumnezeu

Sweet Oclock

Grain Trip

Bacania Rod

Pain Plaisir

Casa del Pan

For babka lovers:

Angeline Cakes Boutique (59 Dr. Iacob Felix) with chocolate or pistacchio filling
Brutaria Maria Ioana (Piata Obor, 4 Ziduri Mosi – first floor) – for babka and classic cozonac
Atelierul de Tarte (20 Blvd. Ion Mihalache)

Angelica Cake Boutique

Brutaria Maria Ioana

Atelierul de Tarte

For those interested in raw-vegan-gluten free cozonac delish:

Pain Plaisir network – for classic & vegan cozonac
Rawmantic (224A Gheorghe Sisești) – for raw-vegan cozonac with chocolate and wallnuts
L’Amande Desserts sans Gluten (93-95 Lanariei St.) – for gluten free cozonac
CHEDO Gluten Free (12A Sergent Constantin Ghercu) – for gluten free cozonac

Pain Plaisir