Very soon there will be the Day of the Dead festivities in which we can enjoy the traditional bread of the dead, a very important dish in terms of history, tradition and design, as well as an indispensable element for any oblation.
The meaning of pan de muerto (bread of the dead) relates to life and death: its round shape represents this cycle and consists of a small sphere at the top center, symbolizing a skull, and four thin legs that represent bones placed in a cross shape in reference to the four directions of the universe or the four cardinal points in the Aztec calendar, related to the four main gods: Quetzalcóatl, Xipetotec, Tláloc and Tezcatlipoca.
To delight with this delicious bread and remember those who have left us, all of us at Michelleonbell ventured into the task of finding the best pan de muerto in Mexico City. From the more traditional breads with orange blossom essence, up to the more unique filled with matcha tea or hazelnut cream. Here is a list of our favorites for you to try.
Tout Chocolat
Located on the corner of Amsterdam and Ozuluama in Condesa, this small shop offers the best chocolates and desserts for the area’s neighbors. Here you will find an exquisite pan de muerto with dark chocolate (56% cacao) with an infusion of cacao seeds from Tabasco and spices, including star anise and vanilla from Papantla. If you are a fan of chocolate, this will become your favorite!
Avenida Amsterdam 154, Condesa Tel: 5211 9840
Amado
Within the distinguished Hyatt Regency in the heart of Polanco, the artisanal pastry and candy shop Amado offers one of the best bread of the dead in the city.
Its version has a noticeable butter and coarse sugar glaze, respecting the flavors and processes of the traditional recipe with an essence of orange, cinnamon
Campos Eliseos 204, Polanco Tel: 5083 1234
Lalo!
Chef Eduardo García offers a unique and delicious version at the renowned Lalo! This is a mandarin pan de muerto filled with figs, orange blossom and cream. If you have an adventurous palate, you must try this recipe!
Zacatecas 133, Roma Tel: 5564 3388
La Boheme
La Boheme has always been distinguished for offering the best French bakery and pastry shop, and this Day of the Dead will not be the exception. To add that French twist to their pan de muerto version, here you’ll be able to find one with lavender or one filled with lavender cream.
La Boheme has shops in Polanco, Roma and Las Lomas
Aromas
At the Aromas restaurant and bakery in Las Lomas de Chapultepec, guests can enjoy a delicious version filled with mascarpone cheesed and Nutella, or the traditional version if you prefer. You can find both in individual and large sizes to take home or enjoy right there.
Monte Everest 770, Lomas de Chapultepec Tel: 7313 9100
Garabatos
This 100% Mexican restaurant franchise couldn’t be left behind this season, this is why since mid-September it offers three types of pan de muerto: the traditional topped with sugar, the one filled with milk caramel or the Garabatos cream. Our favorite, without a doubt, was the last one with the Garabatos cream that contributes a unique and delicious taste.
Garabatos has shops in Polanco, Santa Fe, Reforma, Coyoacán, Perisur and Centro Histórico, in addition to kiosks at various shopping malls.
Catamundi
Catamundi, located at the heart of Polanquito, is distinguished for always offering innovative dishes. Inspired by the Dia de Muertos holiday, they decided to create a bread filled with matcha, a currently trending ingredient. In addition to this version, they also offer a traditional bread with a spider on top (instead of a skull), and their classic pan de muerto donuts that have become a favorite of the capital’s residents.
Alejandro Dumas 97, Polanco Tel: 52806681
Nugat
Nugat is a small shop within Centro Comercial Lilas, renowned for its excellent bakery goods made daily with high-quality ingredients. If you live nearby, you must try their spectacular pan de muerto, whether the traditional or chocolate-filled, you’ll love it!
Paseo de las Lilas 92, Bosques de las Lomas Tel: 52590511
Da Silva
We couldn’t forget to mention the pan de muerto from renowned Da Silva bakery, one of the favorites of the capital’s residents. If you prefer the traditional pan de muerto, this one will surely become one of your favorites.
Da Silva has shops at Polanco, Lomas, Interlomas, Centro Histórico, Santa Fe and Condesa
Bottega Culinaria
For the foodies who frequently visit Bottega Culinaria, we recommend trying the different varieties of pan de muerto they offer. Whether natural, marbled or filled with Nutella, chocolate or custard cream. Fresh and spongy, ideal to accompany your cup of coffee!
Bottega Culinaria has branch shops at Condesa, Bosques and Interlomas
