What is a Christmas sweet “Panettone”?
When it comes to festive sweets, panettone is a must-have during Christmas in Northern Italy. This delightful cake hails from Milan and resembles a rich pound cake filled with dried fruits. As Christmas approaches, you’ll find panettone adorning the shelves of bakeries, supermarkets, and pastry shops everywhere. Its beautifully packaged boxes, often tied with ribbons, make it look like a Christmas gift. Panettone is quite large, a bit bigger than the traditional Christmas cakes you might find in Japan. Thankfully, some shops offer smaller versions for those wanting to enjoy a bite without overdoing it. Interestingly, in central and southern Italy, they enjoy a similar cake called “Pandoro.” This sweet treat shares some characteristics with panettone but lacks the dried fruit.
When do Italians Enjoy Panettone?
Although panettone is a Christmas sweet, many Italians don’t limit themselves to enjoying it only on Christmas Day. Throughout December, it serves as a delightful snack or dessert after meals. In Milan’s cafes, It’s common to see people enjoying panettone alongside their afternoon coffee. At home, families often purchase large panettone cakes and share them as they eagerly anticipate Christmas.
Where to Buy Delicious Panettone in Milan
1. Cova
Situated on Via Montenapoleone, home to high-end boutiques, Cova is renowned as one of the finest patisseries in the city. They also have a cozy café where you can enjoy a slice of panettone.
Via Monte Napoleone, 8, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
See on Google Map
2. Vergani
Vergani is a traditional patisserie established in 1944 in Milan, renowned for its panettone. The shop features a retro, rustic atmosphere that adds to its charm. They offer a variety of panettone flavors, including classic, mixed berry, pear and chocolate, as well as apricot and pear.
Vergani
Corso di Porta Romana, 51, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
See on Google Map
In Tokyo
Panettone is gradually spreading to Japan, and you can find it at department stores and shops that handle imported foods. In Tokyo, try the authentic panettone at Eataly and Princi.
１. Eataly
Eataly is a grocery store that is very popular with both locals and tourists in Milan. There are also two stores in Tokyo.
Eataly
| Address |
Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 |
| Website | https://www.eataly.co.jp/ |
2. Princi
Milan’s bakery Prince opened its stores in Tokyo in 2019. You can also eat authentic panettone here.
Princi Daikanyama
| Address |
Japan, 〒150-0033 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sarugakucho, 16−15 Daikanyama T-SITE N4 |
| Website | https://www.princi.co.jp/ |
Read more
The best 5 instagrammable cafes in Milan