While we've previously put together a selection of traditional chocolate rolls, the Hungarian kakaós csiga, Cinnahaven isn't just offering a slight twist on the classic pastry. What you get here is more akin to a delicious, wasp's nest-style yeasted dough creation – basically, it's cinnamon-wrapped hedonism in every bite.
The tiny shop is filled with a sweet aroma you can smell from afar. Once there, the sticky swirls, generously topped with creams and sometimes fruit, tempt you through the all-glass front. Though small, the shop is tasteful, and the sight of the rolls being prepared right in front of you is perhaps its most appealing feature. Watching those fragrant trays bake, resistance is futile.
The road to cinnamon rolls
The journey to cinnamon rolls began with Nóra Erdélyi, who'd been experimenting with recipes since her early teens. Following a lifestyle change, she realised her joy lay in making sweet treats as gifts. A former handball player, Nóra's sporting background instilled in her a love of teamwork, which spurred her ambition to start her own business. After exploring different paths, she found her direction. She discovered the cinnamon roll shop concept through American and Viennese websites and, in December, took the plunge to create her own, with a well-tested recipe ready to be refined.
The roll focus
While Budapest has seen similar fluffy rolls before, Cinnahaven is the first to focus solely on this treat as its main offering. The key to their deliciousness is freshness. While they're great for takeaway in their smart boxes, the best experience is definitely eating them warm, soon after buying, perhaps with their excellent light-roast Goosebumps coffee.
The rolls are priced at HUF 1,900 (currently HUF 1,800 as an intro offer), with seven varieties available. They plan to expand the selection, including food allergy-friendly options. As they're constantly baking fresh batches, a particular flavour might not always be ready, but whatever they have is worth trying!
During our visit, we sampled the pistachio and strawberry rolls, and the dulce de leche is definitely on our list for next time. The pistachio roll was a rich indulgence with pistachio cream cheese frosting, white chocolate, and pistachio pieces. The strawberry roll offered a lighter sweetness with fresh fruit, a touch of jam, and cream cheese. The dough was light, fresh, warm, and extremely fluffy.
Located near the bustling Blaha Lujza térin central Budapest, the city's hustle fades away as you enjoy these beautiful and delicious cinnamon rolls. Cinnahaven has plans for expansion, potentially even internationally, so their comforting and tasty rolls might be popping up in more places soon.
Roll and coffee together: from HUF 2,800
CONTACT
Cinnahaven
(Cover photo: Szabó Gábor – We Love Budapest)
