Soft, sweet and dusted with sugar, pan de muerto, the bread of the dead, is a traditional Mexican bread made for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The bread’s round shape represents the circle of life, and it’s topped with small dough strips to look like bones.
In Atlanta, bakeries and restaurants are serving the seasonal bread in time for the holiday, celebrated Nov. 1 and 2. Here’s where to find some of the best loaves in the city.
📍 Mendoza Cafe y Vino
This Latina-owned coffee shop has quickly become a meeting point for those seeking not just the flavors of Latin America, but also the vibe and community. On Day of the Dead, Latino culture is at the forefront. In collaboration with Mexican pastry chef Ricky Saucedo, who uses a traditional recipe, Mendoza offers pan de muerto for purchase through Tuesday.
426 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. mendozacafevino.com
📍 The Chastain
Yes, who would have thought this upscale American restaurant in Buckhead would have some of the most delicious traditional Latin American breads and pastries in Atlanta, including pan de muerto? Year-round, Argentine executive pastry chef Christian Castillo delights Atlanta by sprinkling his Latin culture into his robust French menu. His pan de muerto is hands down one of the best, made with high-quality ingredients and with the perfect moisture for such dense bread. Pan de muerto is available for purchase at The Chastain during breakfast at the Café and during lunch hours through Sunday.
4320 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. thechastainatl.com
📍 El Super Pan
Dip your pan de muerto in hot chocolate — as it should be done — at El Super Pan’s Day of the Dead Brunch and Catrinas event at The Battery Atlanta location on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For this special occasion, the menu will also feature pozole, a Mexican stew traditionally served during the season.
455 Legends Place SE, Atlanta. elsuperpan.com/the-battery
☠️ Read more: Where to buy pan de muerto in Atlanta.