A Pastry Shop Born from War
The story of the oldest pastry shop in the Canary Islands does not begin with a business strategy or a gastronomic trend, but with a war, an unexpected journey, and a young German pastry chef who ended up finding his permanent home in Tenerife. More than a century later, Casa Egón, in the Tenerife municipality of La Orotava, is still making sweets from recipes that have been passed down through the generations since 1916.
An Unexpected New Home in Tenerife
The origin of Casa Egón dates back to 1914, when Egon Alfred Wende Bard, a young German pastry chef, stopped in the Canaries during a voyage. The outbreak of the First World War completely changed his plans. Unable to return to his country, he settled in Tenerife, where he requested political asylum and decided to start a new life. This iconic establishment has now passed through four generations of the same family and continues to attract locals and tourists who discover a piece of living history within its walls.
Century-Old Recipes and New Surprises
The great-grandchildren of its founder are the ones currently running Casa Egón. The shop has maintained its pastry-making tradition with century-old recipes, while also incorporating new creations that surprise visitors. What started as a small family workshop has become a cultural and gastronomic symbol of Tenerife, a place that preserves the essence of European patisserie adapted to the Canarian palate. Today, part of the premises is also dedicated to a restaurant, which offers wine from its own vineyard.
A Viral Visit and Timeless Treats
The shop’s history has recently been rediscovered by new audiences thanks to a visit from content creator Corina (@Corina2G), who shared her experience on social media after trying some of its most traditional products. She ordered a selection that included the popular apricot mille-feuille, the glazed ‘rosca’, a pistachio-filled puff pastry, and the classic almond sweets. She described the pastries as “incredible”, not just for their “brutal” flavour but also for their generous size. The affordable prices also catch the attention of those who come to try them.
A Living Legacy in La Orotava
Casa Egón is located at number 5 Calle León in La Orotava, on a narrow slope traversed daily by everyone looking for a good dessert or a sweet treat at any time of day. It preserves the atmosphere of the confectioners of yesteryear, with wooden display cases, a family feel, and the sensation of entering a place where every sweet has a century-old story.
More than a hundred years after its founding, Casa Egón is not just a pastry shop, but a meeting point and a must-visit in La Orotava, where tradition, history, and flavour combine in every bite.
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