As HRT and Poslovni write, in addition to morning hygiene, some people cannot imagine their mornings without fresh pastries from the nearby neighborhood bakeries. One such has been in operation in Zagreb’s Nova Vesa for almost a hundred years. It is unique in many ways, and they are most proud of the bread baked in a wood-fired steam oven. However, after almost a century, the bakery is closing its doors. On the last day of this year, the smells of far-known rolls, pretzels, cocktail pastries, and various breads will stop spreading from Zagreb’s oldest artisan bakery.
What did the citizens say to that? “One of the symbols of the Upper Town is retiring and closing. It’s unfortunate”, said Mario.
“I think it’s the only artisan bakery that really stands out,” said Martina.
“Everyone is nice and kind; we are practically a family,” Jadranko said.
The bakery was opened in 1925
The bakery is unique in many ways. The recipes have stayed the same since it was opened in 1925. It stood out for its quality and flavours; they say the secret lies in the old wood-fired brick oven. Even though he is counting down to retirement, the boss Miroslav Trajković continues to work with the same enthusiasm but admits to mixed feelings.
“On the one hand, it’s difficult, and on the other hand, you can’t come to terms with the fact that it will be closed. It has to come to an end. I achieved what I could achieve. Everything has its own why and how, but I am closing the business. Enough is enough; 50 years of service is a lot,” said Miroslav Trajković, owner of the oldest bakery in Zagreb.
More than 200 kg of bakery products every day
His grandfather started the bakery business, which his father and mother then carried on. Every day they produced more than 200 kilograms of bakery products. Owner Miroslav Trajković adds that the city center is not what it used to be, nor is the neighborhood; he says, the traffic that used to be there is not there anymore.
Craftsmanship in the old part of the city is slowly dying out, and when the doors of Zagreb’s oldest bakeries close and the ovens are turned off, only memories of the old flavours will remain.
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