Naples is a city that also tells its story through its sweets. Among them, rum baba is undoubtedly the most iconic: soft, fragrant, soaked in syrup, and irresistible in its simplicity. But perhaps not everyone knows that this cornerstone of Neapolitan pastry has international roots and a fascinating history that starts from Poland, passes through France, and arrives, in all its glory, at the counters of Neapolitan pastry shops.
🇵🇱 From Poland to France: the sweet journey of a king
Legend has it that everything begins with Stanislaus I of Poland, who found the traditional Alsatian Kouglof too dry. To soften it, he soaked it in sweet wine or Madeira, anticipating what would become the fundamental characteristic of baba: the syrup.
His trusted pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, perfected it to the point of opening a pastry shop in Paris that still exists today. Here, the first French versions were created, evolving in the nineteenth century with the Julien brothers, who introduced syrup flavored with citrus and spices, eliminating the raisins. The result was the savarin, dedicated to the famous gastronome Brillat-Savarin.
🇮🇹 Baba conquers Naples
Baba arrived in Naples with Maria Carolina of Austria, wife of Ferdinand I of Bourbon. With her came the French court chefs, the famous monsù, who spread this preparation first among the elites and then in the streets of the city.
Unlike the French savarin, which remains round and hollow in the center, the Neapolitan baba takes on a tall and slender shape, thanks to individual molds. This is how the sweet transforms from aristocratic to popular, becoming a symbol of the city.
✨ Where to taste baba and savarin in Naples
Those staying at Wanda B& B cannot miss trying both versions. Among the most renowned pastry shops, we recommend:
Salvatore Capparelli (via dei Tribunali) : sumptuous baba enriched with cream and sour cherries.
Scaturchio (piazza San Domenico Maggiore) : one of the most historic, perfect in its simplicity.
Pasticceria Carraturo (Porta Capuana) : among the oldest bakeries in the city, with legendary baba.
💡 Tip from Wanda B& B
Baba is not just a dessert, it is an experience that tells centuries of history and cultural influences. For guests who want to experience Naples with taste, we organize personalized gastronomic tours among the historic pastry shops in the city center and guided tastings with local experts.
