10 Outstanding International Bakeries in Chicago to Try Right Now, Mapped

When plain ol' vanilla cake just won't do

by Jeffy Mai@jmai Oct 25, 2016, 9:50am CDT

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Delightful Pastries

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by Jeffy Mai@jmai Oct 25, 2016, 9:50am CDT

Chicago's dining scene is second to none, thanks in large part to the city's diversity. Many different cultures comprise our neighborhoods and with it, lots of variety when it comes to food. Sweets are no exception and while a slice of cake or some chunky chocolate chip cookies are always nice, there are also plenty of underrated treats to be discovered. Whether you grew up on egg tarts and pączki or are just trying them for the first time, these international bakeries offer traditional goodies that any first-generation grandmother would be proud of.

So the next time that sweet tooth craving comes calling, consult the list below and munch on something different. From Chinese and Indian to Mexican and Georgian, the dizzying array of delights comes from all corners of the globe. They're tasty, inexpensive and might even provide a much-needed sugar rush. It's a pretty sweet deal, no matter your background.

Argo Georgian Bakery

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Out in West Rogers Park, residents are savoring Georgian breads and pastries from this neighborhood gem. A traditional dome-shaped oven sits in the middle of the room, producing lots of simple but delicious carb-y snacks. Highlights include khachapuri, bread filled with cheeses; tapluna, a baklava-like pastry; and a medley of fruit pies.

2812 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, 60659

(773) 764-6322

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Chiu Quon Bakery and Dim Sum

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Head to this Chinatown bakery for the best bang-for-your-buck. Load up on an assortment of Chinese staples, ranging from sweet and savory buns to egg custard tarts, almond cookies, moon cakes and more. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll be amazed at how much a few dollars can buy. Two other locations in Uptown and McKinley Park.

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2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616

(773) 376-3839

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Delightful Pastries

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Every day is a good day for paczki at Delightful Pastries. The family-run bakery offers the best Polish doughnuts around—filled with flavors such as plum jelly, raspberry jelly and custard—along with a varied selection of European pastries and breads. They’re available year-round so you won’t have to wait until Fat Tuesday to satisfy that craving. Additional locations in the Chicago French Market and Jefferson Park.

5927 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL, 60630

(773) 545-7215

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Dinkel's Bakery

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Almost one century since opening its doors, Dinkel’s is still delighting customers with some of the finest baked goods in the city. The iconic bakery’s signature item is its stollen, a German fruit bread that’s soaked overnight in rum and brandy, glazed with melted butter and dusted with powdered sugar. Other treats include strudels and pfeffernuesse cookies, all of which can be shipped domestically to spread holiday cheer in the coming weeks.

3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60657

(773) 281-7300

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Middle East Bakery & Grocery & Café

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For more than 35 years, Middle East Bakery & Grocery has been a one stop shop in Andersonville. Keep the pantry stocked full of Middle Eastern foodstuffs and indulge that sweet tooth with baklava, cookies, cakes, candies and chocolates.

1512 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL, 60640

(773) 561-2224

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Nuevo Leon Bakery

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Not to be confused with the mainstay Mexican eatery that burned down last year, this Pilsen panaderia provides all kinds of sugar highs. Thanks to wallet-friendly prices, customers can order a quinceañera’s worth of goodies, including classics like pan dulce, flan, churros and tres leches cake. There’s also a number of vegan options available as well.

1634 W 18th St, Chicago, IL, 60608

(312) 243-5977

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Where to Buy Fresh Bread for Takeout or Delivery in Chicago

Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop

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Baklava is great but it’s not the be-all, end-all of Greek sweets. This cozy, mom-and-pop café has been around for decades and boasts an impressive mix of Grecian cookies, cakes and pastries. Branch out and try options like galaktoboureko, a milk custard dessert encased in filo; or kourabiethes, almond butter cookies. But if you must, the baklava’s pretty good too.

322 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL, 60661

(312) 454-1886

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Swedish Bakery

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Just about everything is drool-worthy at this popular Andersonville spot. Coffeecakes, Swedish cookies and lemon rolls are all superb, but the marzipan princess torte is a can’t-miss. This Scandinavian favorite is a layer cake is filled with whipped cream and vanilla custard and frosted in green marzipan.

5348 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640

(773) 561-8919

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Tahoora Sweets & Bakery

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Curries and samosas are likely the first things that spring to mind when it comes to Indian cuisine, but sweets are just as essential. Cool down from all of the spices with traditional specialties like gulab jamun (fried milk balls) and barfi (condensed milk and sugar confection in a variety of flavors).

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2345 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

(773) 743-7272

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Vanille Patisserie

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Even if you can’t take a trip to the City of Light, you can still experience its exquisite treats at this chic patisserie. Live like a Parisian and enjoy a beautiful collection of petit fours, cakes, croissants and macarons. Also located inside the Chicago French Market. Bon appétit.

2108 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614

(773) 868-4574

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