Mallorca captivates not just with its coves and mountains, but also with its menu of flavors. Here, getting lost is easy... and delicious. Of all the island's culinary treasures, the ensaimada is the one that shines in every shop window and graces every Sunday table. It’s not just a pastry: it’s the star guest at celebrations and the most common souvenir packed in suitcases heading home. But be warned, not all spirals tell the same story in their layers.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to find the perfect place to buy ensaimadas in Mallorca, where to find the best ones, and how to choose one that honors tradition. Get comfortable and join us on a tour of the best bakeries—the search for the best ensaimada in Mallorca starts here!
The ensaimada: Anatomy of a Mallorcan icon
The ensaimada de Mallorca isn't just a pastry; it's an institution. Its origins, though shrouded in mystery with theories pointing to Arab or Jewish influences, were solidified in the 17th century as a fundamental part of the island's celebrations and daily life. What began as a festive delicacy has become the quintessential breakfast and the sweetest gesture of welcome or farewell.
The secret to a top-tier ensaimada isn't a magic formula, but rather patience and high-quality ingredients. The dough is made with strong flour, water, sugar, eggs, and the component that gives it its name and character: saïm (pork lard). The preparation process is an art form: stretching the dough until it's nearly transparent, generously slathering it with saïm, rolling it up, and coiling it into its unmistakable spiral shape. Afterward, a slow and careful fermentation does the rest before it’s baked to a perfect golden brown.
And how do you distinguish a masterpiece from a mere imitation? Look for these 3 details:
- Appearance: It should have a subtle, non-greasy shine, a well-defined spiral, and a fine, even layer of powdered sugar added just before serving.
- Texture: When you pull it apart, it should separate into thin, flaky layers. It’s light, airy, and melts in your mouth with a sponginess that reveals a proper fermentation.
- Flavor: Balance is key. A touch of sweetness that allows you to appreciate the deep, characteristic flavor of the saïm without being heavy. If it only tastes like sugar, that's a bad sign.
The 10 best bakeries to buy ensaimadas in Mallorca
Here begins the foodie tour, a selection of bakeries where the ensaimada de Mallorca is much more than just a recipe. Each has its own philosophy and a story worth telling, so put on your imaginary apron, and let's go from one bakery to the next!
1. Forn Can Joan de s'Aigo
Founded in 1700, Can Joan de s'Aigo is the oldest of the Mallorcan bakeries and part of Palma's DNA. Over the years, it has become the hub for lovers of traditional pastries. Today, its art nouveau-style rooms, with marble and mirrors that look like they're straight out of a fairy tale, welcome both locals and curious visitors seeking a classic experience.
The ensaimadas here are made following the original recipe: long proofing times, hand-kneaded dough, and authentic Mallorcan saïm. The "lisa" (plain) is their crown jewel, although the ones filled with angel hair pasta (sweet pumpkin filling) or cream are worth the pilgrimage. A classic ritual: ordering a freshly baked ensaimada with a hot chocolate or almond ice cream. What makes them unique is the fusion of living history and flavor that has endured for over three centuries without losing an ounce of charm.
2. Fornet de la Soca
If there's one bakery that has elevated the ensaimada to the status of an edible monument and is an ideal place to buy an ensaimada in Mallorca, it's Fornet de la Soca. Led by Tomeu Arbona, a culinary researcher and a true champion of local tradition, this bakery is known for reviving ancestral recipes and native products that were nearly forgotten.
Their ensaimadas are distinguished by the use of Mallorcan flours like xeixa and deep fermentations that enhance texture and aroma. Here, the ensaimada is never "industrial": everything is done on a small scale, with care and without rush. Besides the classic, they surprise with unique fillings like local cottage cheese, organic sobrasada, or even savory variations that go off-script. Their commitment to biodiversity and historic recipes turns every bite into a journey to the past.
3. Forn Sant Francesc
Forn Sant Francesc achieved a milestone: in 2017, it was awarded the title of the world's best ensaimada. A family business with a youthful spirit, they meticulously manage the long fermentation process, and the result is plain to see (and taste): an airy dough and a nearly perfect flaky texture.
What's special about this bakery is its commitment to innovation built on a foundation of tradition. Their menu ranges from the pure "lisa" for purists to surprising filled versions—chocolate, nougat, hazelnut cream—that are never cloying. The bakery is small, but their ensaimadas travel, as they have a deservedly popular shipping system. Family commitment and the pursuit of excellence in every piece are their best secret ingredient.
4. Forn Fondo
Forn Fondo is one of those centuries-old, distinguished bakeries, famous for its display case full of artisanal sweets and its history-rich atmosphere. Here, each pastry is made following recipes passed down through generations, prioritizing quality ingredients and detailed craftsmanship.
Their classic ensaimada is the star of the counter, but they also surprise with versions filled with angel hair pasta and cream. What sets Forn Fondo apart is its ability to maintain excellence in every piece despite high demand, and the care with which the staff guides each customer to find their ideal ensaimada. To walk in and buy here is to become part of a lifelong Palma tradition.
5. Forn de Sant Jordi
This temple of pastry, active for over a hundred years, is the definition of a neighborhood bakery with soul, where the focus is on preserving the essence of artisanal craft.
Their "lisa" ensaimada is a local benchmark, so highly regarded that many locals use it as the standard to judge all others. They make traditional filled varieties, but what sets them apart is their consistent quality: long fermentations, a soft yet firm dough, and no extra additives. There's no secret formula, just generations of work and respect for tradition. The trusting atmosphere and friendly service also add to its appeal.
6. Forn Can Tòfol
If you have a big family (or lots of hungry friends!), Can Tòfol is paradise. This southern bakery is famous for its large-format ensaimadas, which are juicy and manage to stay tender even when they're XXL.
Can Tòfol embraces bold combinations, from the famous toasted cream ensaimada to the one with sobrasada and honey, where sweetness mixes with the spicy, savory flavor of the local sausage. All their creations rest for the necessary hours, and the dough is made according to tradition, with no shortcuts. Here, innovation serves flavor and family: many gatherings and parties in Campos revolve around one of their superlative ensaimadas.
7. Forn i Pastisseria Gelabert
This bakery, in the rural heart of Mallorca, is famous for its ability to capture tradition in every bite. The star is the ensaimada with angel hair pasta, with a filling cooked in-house using a recipe they guard like a treasure.
Their dough ferments slowly and unhurriedly, resulting in a tender and aromatic texture. The key differentiator is their use of local raw materials: fresh eggs, sugar, and local flour. Additionally, the bakery maintains a traditional line in its decor and service, turning the purchase into a personal, small-town experience where everyone knows each other.
8. Horno Santo Cristo
Few bakeries are as well-known outside the island as Santo Cristo. It's a favorite among visitors because it has successfully adapted the product for travelers: their ensaimadas are prepared to remain pristine during transport, with sturdy packaging and various presentation options.
The dough stays consistent and juicy, even after crossing half the world. They offer options from the classic to chocolate, cream, or even sobrasada, all suitable for packing in a suitcase. The main added value is logistics: you can buy in-store, at the airport, or order from abroad. The confidence of knowing they'll arrive home in perfect condition is, today, their best selling point.
9. Forn de la Pau
This great little bakery almost goes unnoticed, but it's a treasure for lovers of authentic flavors. As specialists in sourdough, they manage to give their ensaimada a slight tang that is highly appreciated by connoisseurs and almost impossible to find in other bakeries.
The bakery is family-run and its production is limited, which allows them to control quality to the fullest. Their minimalist ensaimada, with hardly any filling, is the favorite of those seeking the "old-fashioned" flavor, without any frills. Moreover, the personal service and discreet atmosphere will make you feel like part of the neighborhood, even if you're just passing through.
10. Pastisseria Pomar
The people at Pomar are master pastry chefs renowned for their versatility. Although their most famous product is the apricot coca, the ensaimada holds a special place on their counter thanks to their crème brûlée version: a delicate pastry crowned with a thin layer of pastry cream and sugar torched to an irresistible caramelized crust.
They also make ensaimadas filled with angel hair pasta and whipped cream, with the same almost scientific technique they apply to all their pastries. The meticulousness of their workshop and the relentless pursuit of balance between sweetness, texture, and presentation have put them on everyone's lips (literally).
Hotels VIVA: The perfect rest after your ensaimada tour
After touring the island and discovering the best places to buy ensaimadas in Mallorca, you deserve accommodation that lives up to the experience. At Hotels VIVA, we offer the perfect space to relax after a day full of flavor and tradition. Imagine returning to our refreshing pools or resting in modern, cozy rooms after buying that box of ensaimadas you'll take home as the best souvenir.
We think of every detail: activities and clubs for the little ones, relaxation zones in our Wellness & Spa centers, and all-inclusive options so you only have to worry about enjoying yourself. Our prime locations make exploring and, of course, buying local specialties, easy and convenient.
Make your visit a complete journey: after your tour of bakeries, stay at Hotels VIVA and experience Mallorca with all the comfort and services you deserve. Book now and let us ensure your experience on the island is unforgettable.
