For the uninitiated, let me introduce you to babka, a sweet, braided bread cake hybrid made from…read moresoft yeast dough that is rolled with a filling such as chocolate or cinnamon. With its rich swirls and tender texture it is both decadent and comforting.
Babka has roots in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine. The name is thought to come from the Polish word babcia, meaning grandmother because of the pleated, skirt like shape of traditional versions. Bakers are said to have originally made babka by rolling leftover challah dough with fillings such as jam or cinnamon and baking it alongside the Sabbath bread. Chocolate versions became especially popular after Jewish immigrants brought the tradition to New York.
Bakey is a new kosher bakery and café specializing in babka. It opened its first South Florida location on July 14 in Hallandale Beach, in the former Bagel Cove space. The bakery was founded in Boston in 2021 by master baker and James Beard Award nominee Uri Scheft and Or Ohana. Scheft, a Danish-Israeli-born baker and cookbook author, is also the founder of Lehamim Bakery in Tel Aviv and co-founder of Breads Bakery in New York City, where he developed his famous chocolate babka.
Bakey's signature babka is baked fresh throughout the day, with at least half a dozen flavors available at any given time. Choices include pistachio, cinnamon, almond, marzipan and apple, along with the best seller chocolate. The bakery's philosophy is "the oven is always on" so customers can find freshly baked products any time of day. They sell fresh baked pastries and bread right up until they close.
While the babka is the star, there is much more to the menu. The café also serves dishes inspired by Israel and the Mediterranean. These include the Tunisian Sandwich, made with tuna, hard-boiled egg, potato, tomato, preserved lemon and harissa. Shakshuka comes with a challah roll baked on-site, while the Create Your Own menu allows diners to build a plate with ingredients such as eggs, cheeses, avocado, smoked salmon and olives. Bakey is certified kosher by the Orthodox Rabbinical Board of Broward and Palm Beach Counties, one of South Florida's major kosher supervising organizations.
I came specifically to try the chocolate babka. I was only going to get the smaller portion but at the last minute I sprang for the $20 loaf. I am so glad i did because after trying the Bakey babka you can never have enough. A frequent complaint about babka is that it can be dry and crumbly but you won't find that here. At Bakey they make their chocolate babka with butter, German hazelnut spread and dark chocolate for a rich, smooth and creamy filling. You can enjoy your food and drinks inside or on their spacious outdoor patio. Or just take it to go like I did.
Two additional South Florida locations are planned for Fort Lauderdale and Aventura but the dates and specific locations have not yet been announced. This location frequently has a line although it was worth the wait. Based on what I saw here, it is clear that South Florida wants more babka.
