Essen Bakery

Located in the heart of South Philadelphia, Essen Bakery is a cozy neighborhood spot where a big city can feel like a small town. Our bakery is a reflection of our heritage and passion for traditional baking, with a modern twist. Our story began when our founder, Chef Tova du Plessis, decided to return to her roots and open her first bakery. With years of experience in some of America's most iconic restaurants, she brought her technical training and love for baking to create a unique and delicious experience for our customers.

Our Philosophy

At Essen Bakery, we believe that baking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating a sense of community and warmth. We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to craft our baked goods. From traditional European breads to creative pastries, every item on our menu is made from scratch daily. Whether you're in the mood for a classic babka or a sweet challah, we have something for every palate.

Menu

Our menu is designed to transport you to a simpler time, when baking was an art form and every pastry was a labor of love. Our signature items include our award-winning babkas, loaded with rich fillings and topped with a crispy streusel; our signature challahs, available in a variety of flavors and perfect for Shabbat or any special occasion; and our freshly baked breads, perfect for sandwiches or just snacking. We also offer a variety of sweet treats, including our famous cookies and brownies.

Services

At Essen Bakery, we're committed to making your special occasions even more memorable. Our catering services offer a range of options to suit your needs, from bagel and sandwich trays to our award-winning pastries. Whether you're hosting a wedding, a corporate event, or just a get-together with friends and family, we've got you covered. And with our nationwide shipping capabilities through Goldbelly, you can enjoy our baked goods from anywhere in the country.

Subscriptions

Join the Essen Bakery family and enjoy the convenience of our subscription services. Our TGIF Challahs subscription service offers delicious challahs delivered right to your doorstep, as low as $30 a month. And with our Be A Yenta service, you'll receive exclusive updates and news about our bakery, straight to your inbox.