London’s Historic Rinkoffs Bakery, Stepney Green Review

A local’s review of the historic Rinkoffs Bakery in Stepney Green, East London – one of the cutest rustic bakeries in London with unique pastries and desserts!

I almost missed the secret entrance through Mile End Road buildings the first time I was looking for Rinkoffs Bakery, close to Stepney Green Station.

But boy – whether you’re a lover of beautiful bakeries or historical sites, Rinkoffs Bakery has it all for us: it’s one of the most incredible places to have breakfast in London, and one I cannot stop raving about.

So, finally, today’s the day to share with you all my thoughts and photos of Rinkoffs, so you know to add it to your food bucket list!

London’s Historic Rinkoffs Bakery, Stepney Green Review

Should you have read guides and reviews here on The Working Line before, you may know I love finding places with a rich cultural and historical background, no matter whether I currently live in London or another city.

When it comes to food, the French woman in me doesn’t joke with bakeries; thankfully, London’s bakeries compete to offer the best croissants, pains au chocolat and other macarons.

I’ve truly never felt at a loss when looking for good coffee shops either.

If you’re visiting London for the first time, you’ll love to discover everything from mainstream to minimalist, and even pink cafes and bakeries.

Rinkoffs Bakery, established in 1911 by Hyman Rinkoff, a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant, is, however, a really rustic bakery.

The bakery is still family-run, and has been serving authentic Jewish baked goods for over a century – it’s a true piece of East London’s history, and a place you shouldn’t miss for cheap eats and really good food.

Rinkoffs Bakery, East London Review: How to Access It

The bakery’s location on Jubilee Street, just a short walk from Stepney Green Tube Station, makes it easily accessible for anyone exploring East London.

If you’re going to be spending a day in East London, nearby attractions include Victoria Park, a favorite spot for locals to relax, and the Whitechapel and Shoreditch markets and eateries.

Inside Rinkoffs Bakery, East London and a Bit of History

Originally founded on Old Montague Street, Rinkoffs Bakery was small but quickly garnered popularity for its authentic challah bread, a slightly sweet and braided bread traditionally eaten on Jewish Sabbath and holidays.

When Hyman Rinkoff arrived in London from Ukraine, he brought with him centuries-old baking traditions that soon, were embraced by the local Jewish population, once very strong in East London.

Although many Jewish families moved from the East End in the mid-20th century, Rinkoffs Bakery remained – serving, little by little, new waves of Londoners.

Rinkoffs Bakery, Stepney Green Review: On the Menu

The shelves at Rinkoffs Bakery brim with traditional baked goods; amazing beigels, challah, rye bread and standout, unique desserts like the crodough, a mix between a croissant and a doughnut.

London’s nothing if not instagrammable; whether you’re hunting for rustic bakeries or really delicious pastries or desserts, you shouldn’t miss out on Rinkoffs Bakery’s offerings.

Danish pastries are also available on the menu at Rinkoffs, as well as other pastries such as sweet loaves and rugelach, a Jewish treat made with nutty, jam-filled crescents.

Rinkoffs Bakery, Stepney Green Review: What I Ordered

What I ordered the last time I visited Rinkoffs Bakery is actually the same as I did years ago, when I first discovered the bakery: a crodough and mini Danishes.

I added to this a wonderful cup of steaming hot chai latte – it’s one of my favorite things to drink in London, and Rinkoffs serves one of the creamiest you could be dreaming of.

Rinkoffs Bakery crodough pastries come in various flavors, but my favorite there is peanut butter and jam – I can’t remember right now whether it was raspberry, blackcurrant or another kind of red fruit jelly.

However, I can say for sure that I did not need to order both the crodough and the Danishes, far from it: I didn’t even finish the crodough!

The Danishes I ordered were bite-size, and deliciously chewy, with a great icing-to-raisin ratio: these would be great little snacks to get a Rinkoffs and nibble on as you’re walking around London.

All the little foodie treats I ordered at Rinkoffs are quite affordable.

Even the beigels retail for about 3 or 4 pounds on average; if you’re visiting London on a budget or would just like to treat yourself on the cheap, that’s a great bakery to ivist.

London’s Historic Rinkoffs Bakery, Stepney Green Review

What’s interesting about Rinkoffs Bakery is that while it keeps delivering when it comes to traditional breads and sweet treats, it’s also filled with modern offerings.

Whether you’re on the lookout for red velvet cake, carrot cake or whole rainbow cakes, they have them on the menu.

It’s a place where you can taste the past and the present simultaneously.

It’s a place with an exterior that feels a bit like a vintage cafe/bakery, and an inside that transports you to the cutest bakery goods you could find in London – although it’s not fake, it’s endlessly traditional, genuine, and steeped in heritage.