Arguably one of the best things about this time of year is indulging in perfectly baked, fragrant hot cross buns, especially when served with a generous slab of butter.
From traditional buns that never disappoint and delectable chocolate twists on the classic, to donut-style buns and even some stuffed with Nutella, we've got the lowdown on all the best places to get your fix in the city centre.
Ima Cuisine | 53 Fort St
Considered amongst the best in Auckland, Ima's world-famous hot cross buns are handmade with freshly ground spices, sweetened with honey and topped with delicious custard. Pop in-store or order online to get your hands on one of Ima's hot cross buns - they now offer vegan hot cross bun options too! You can order your buns here.
Amano Bakery | 66-68 Tyler St
Amano's beloved original hot cross buns are made from sourdough, generously loaded with fruit, and finished with a citrus-spiced glaze. This year, they also have chocolate hot cross buns if you're that way inclined. They sell out quickly, buy a box online here so you don't miss out.
Mibo | 155 Beaumont Street
Mibo's glorious hot cross buns are a morning must-have! Indulge in their perfect blend of spiced dough and plump raisins, paired flawlessly with a top-tier cup of coffee. Your morning go-to just got even better.
The Pantry | 99 Halsey Street
Run, don't walk! The pantry has just realized hot cross bun wreaths! The perfect treat to bring to your family gatherings. The buns are packed with rum soaked raisins, currants and sultanas, and finished off with a citrus spiced rum sticky glaze.
Daily Bread | Galway Street, Britomart
Daily Bread's triple-award-winning hot cross buns, crafted entirely from scratch, have hit the shelves and we highly recommend stocking up. These more-ish buns are made with locally sourced flour, a unique blend of spices and fruit and Bay of Islands pineapple rum. Finally, they're slathered in Daily Bread's signature orange and cinnamon glaze made with fresh oranges from Gisborne.
The Pantry | 99 Halsey Street
Back for another year, The Pantry's hot cross donuts are next-level and need to be on your hot cross bun hit list. Bursting with flavor, these treats go beyond the traditional buns. Choose from their irresistible fillings: house-made whipped egg-based vanilla custard with a spiced orange glaze or a tantalising caramel-infused variation with a rich caramel glaze. Order them online here.
Giapo | 12 Gore Street
The legendary gluten free hot cross buns have returned for Easter—baked fresh every morning, packed with warm spices, and impossibly soft. Every year, they fly off the trays, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Scratch Bakers | 5 Graham Street
Scratch Bakers is a mecca for delicious, hand-crafted baked goods, so it comes with no surprise that their scrumptious hot cross buns hop out just as fast as they hop in! Fresh, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet! Savour either their classic or chocolate, take your pick!