Soul Kitchen has been hands-down my luckiest find in Minsk so far. This family-run bakery is literally a hidden gem and it takes even the locals some effort and time to find it. But at the end of your quest you’ll be rewarded with the best handmade macarons, Basque cheesecakes and other heavenly pastry.

The place is located in the basement of an old Soviet-style cube-shaped office building not far from the Victory Square. Go through the main entrance (the brown plastic door) past the front desk, turn right and follow the small ‘Soul Kitchen’ signs with directions on the walls. Yeah, it doesn’t sound like a usual drop-in dessert cafe in one of the hip streets of Minsk but it’s 100% worth it. The place itself is very friendly and heart-warming. And so are the owners.

The signature desserts are the macarons, fluffy and chewy on the inside, with an eggshell-like crust on the outside and the magnificent airy choux pastry filled with light cream. But I guarantee you’ll fall in love with everything here: from the tarts with seasonal berries and fruits to the spongy madeleine cakes.

My top picks are the pistachio choux pastry and salted caramel macarons. Despite the other exotic flavour combos, it’s something I just can’t help passing by.

Find some time, set out on this adventure and Soul Kitchen will make it worthwhile!