- Authenticity rating: 5/5
Locals love this cozy coffee shop for its signature cardamom and cinnamon buns and a line of patrons wishing to savor them. The hype (absolutely righteous) stems from the fact that these treats are baked exclusively on weekends and in limited quantities. In addition to classic, there're vegan options on offer. So if you feel like putting in some effort for your Fika moment, that’s where you can get comfortable with a cup of specialty coffee.
- Authenticity rating: 5/5
It has been some time since Bushe bakeries became a symbol of St. Petersburg, particularly among tourists, due to their poetic aesthetics and numerous branches in the city center. While the first thing that may come to mind upon hearing the name might be the raspberry venzel, they also offer, according to our expert, one of the most authentic Swedish buns. Their version is a delicate cardamom brioche, elegantly glazed with apricot syrup.
- Authenticity rating: 3/5
The affordable Volchek’s bakeries need no introduction – over 150 of their locations in St. Petersburg and the surrounding suburbs speak for themselves. Among the variety of baked goods, there is the delightful treat we’re searching for. This roll, however, differs slightly from its Swedish counterpart. Shaped like a snail shell, it features a moist, syrup-soaked texture. It’s perfect when enjoyed over a cup of tea to balance out the sweetness.
Credit: James Butterly (@jamesbutterly) via Unsplash
- Authenticity rating: 3/5
Another take on the cinnamon bun comes from the USA and is served at the global Cinnabon franchise. Here’s the recipe: the dough rolls are filled with cinnamon and cream, baked to perfection, and then frosted with a mix of powdered sugar and cream cheese. On display, you’ll find buns big and small, from the original ones to those topped with caramel, nuts, or chocolate. Go for it if you crave a delicious sugar bomb!
- Authenticity rating: depends on your craving
The assortment at this well-known bakery features not one, but two delightful cinnamon-spruced options. The first is the authentic bun topped with an apricot glaze, reminiscent of those from Bushe. The other is a variation on the classic Cinnabon, aptly named the Tsekhobon (all rights reserved). What’s your mood for today? Choose your fighter! Regardless of which you select, you'll be rewarded with a burst of vivid flavor.
Do it yourself!
Another option for cinnamon lovers is, of course, baking the famous bun yourself. Here’s our tried and tested recipe:
Mix 120 ml of milk with 4 g of active dry yeast and 1 tsp of sugar. Leave it for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix 300 g of flour with 60 g of sugar and a pinch of salt. Then add an egg, 45 g of melted butter, the milk-yeast mixture, and make dough – first with a spatula, then, once everything is properly mixed, with your hands. Knead the dough until it feels smooth, then put it in a bowl, cover it with a wrap, and leave it in a warm place for an hour.
Once an hour has passed, roll out the dough, butter it, sprinkle it with some sugar and cinnamon, and roll it up. Now cut the roll into buns, cover them with a wrap again and leave for half an hour. After that, they’ll be ready for baking – set your oven to 185° and bake them for around 20-25 minutes.
Did you know that St. Petersburg is the city of bakeries? Read our story to learn more about the phenomenon.
