Byegone restaurants in Mexico City / Konditori, international food and fine Danish pastries

By Alejandro Pohlenz

Although the word "konditori" is of Swedish origin, it is also used in Denmark and Norway. The translation into Spanish would sound something like this: "place where cakes are served". The phrase is related to the tradition (involuntary rhyme) of the Nordic countries of having a pastry and a coffee in a "relaxed social environment". The first Konditori in Mexico City was started by a Danish couple named Aerenlud, before I was born, in 1953. There is an extraordinary photograph from that time.

Konditori Insurgentes Sur

The Insurgentes branch, which is the one I knew, was born in the 70s. In total, in its peak moments, Konditori had 4 branches. They said it was one of the favorite places of celebrities and politicians (I don't know: I never saw anyone I knew, other than my relatives). According to the owners, Konditori offered "European gastronomy served with love, passion and dedication". What I remember about the Insurgentes location, next to Parque Hundido, are the brunches and, especially, the eggs benedict, which were spectacular.

Konditori is disappearing

The Konditori restaurant-cafe began to fade little by little, in the mid-2010s, that is, it survived almost 60 years. The Insurgentes branch turned off the lights definitively in 2016: "no specific reason has been given (for its disappearance) (...) (It is believed that it was due to) possible economic difficulties".

Anyway, I think it had become an icon, especially in the vicinity of Mixcoac, San Pedro de los Pinos and Del Valle. Now, that place has been transformed into a "botanero" (bar with snacks) and Konditori only survives virtually in our minds. By the way, there is a Konditori in Chihuahua and, of course, in Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Address: Génova 61, Zona Rosa, Colonia Juárez; Insurgentes Sur 1267, CDMX

PERMANENTLY CLOSED