6 Best Bread Bakers In Nairobi

Steamy? Toasty? Sticky? Salty? Sweet? Whatever your taste is, Nairobi’s not a bad place to find your most coveted carb. You just need to know the right places to go…

1. Art Caffé Oval, Corner Ring Road Parklands and Jalaram Rd

We’d probably be hanged if we didn’t mention at least one of the coffee franchises in Nairobi. Therefore, in the category of coffee houses, our pick for tastiest, fresh bread has to go to Art Caffé. Choose between baguettes, olive ciabatta, rye, whole wheat bread and more. Their pastries are also rather palatable; so try their croissants, carrot cake and other sweet and savory delicacies while you’re at it.

Business hours: Mon - Sun, 7:30am to 11:00pm (later on weekends)

2. Tiramisu Bakery, Food Court at Village Market on Limuru Rd

Take a stroll along the back end of the food court, next to the butchery to find this petite patisserie. If the warm, tasty rolls and loaves aren’t enough for you, indulge in one of their many tantalizing tartlets and desserts.

Business hours: Mon - Thurs, 7:00am to 8:00pm and Fri - Sun, 7:00am to 9:00pm

3. Alexandre Chocolatier, Ground Floor at Yaya Centre on Argwings Kodhek Rd

This little nook has a lovely delicatessen type of display donning their impressive array of fresh, crunchy-looking bread. Choose from plain brown or white bread to baguettes and ciabattas. What is nice about this place is that you can grab a couple of goodies to fill your breads with if you please. Their lovely selection of cold cuts and marinated vegetables will definitely add that extra kick to any sandwich.

Business hours: Mon - Sun, 7:00am to 8:45pm

4. Café Tasse, Ground Floor at New Muthaiga Mall on Thigiri Ridge Rd

Nestled in a tiny shopping centre off Thigiri Ridge Rd and overlooking a huge playground lies this unassuming Café. Do not sleep on their rye breads and breakfast pastries, but the main thing to go for here is undoubtedly their soft pretzel. Yes, PRETZELS! These easily overlooked, salty delights are made fresh every morning and, if you get there early enough, are still warm to touch. Choose between the classic twisted soft pretzel or their mini pretzel bread. Either way, it’s pretty friggin delicious! Try get there between 8:00am and 9:00am when the goodies are just being brought out of the oven…

Business hours: Mon - Sun, 08:00am to 07:00pm

5. Shell Garage on Ring Road Westlands, in front of Sankara Hotel

I know this is EXTREMELY random—I had the same reaction when I was referred to the place. Our image of gas station bakeries is usually along the lines of the classic fly-infested, days-old, pepper steak pie display. But, when a number of people tell you something is good; AND you glance at a tinted Shell Garage mirror at 4am and see blurry bodies grinding away at what seems like food…you give the place a try. Known for their baguettes, soft loaves and buns, this little petrol station bakery is fast gaining popularity. Don’t get left behind.

Business hours: Mon - Sun, 08:00am to 06:00pm

6. Bella Luna Kitchen at Zucchini and Chandarana Food Plus

Although not a walk-in bakery, Bella Luna deserves a good mention. If you haven’t picked up one of their heavenly products at either of the abovementioned grocery stores, you’ve probably nibbled their stuff at one of the many hotels they supply to. The reason they’re all over the place is pretty simple: their baked goods are to die for! Bella Luna offers a unique range of products, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in Nairobi! Whether it’s their bagels or bagel chips, English muffins, biscotti, scones, cakes, cookies or knotted breads…you’ll always be extremely satisfied with their creations. Let’s also not forget the fact that I would probably cut off my left toe to get to their Crisp Breads. So…basically…find them…fast!

by Liz Maelane