Forget the usual croissants: a treat that doesn’t bite, it rolls out, has landed in Rome ! It’s called Kurtoskalacs, it comes straight from Hungary, and after sending Instagram and TikTok into a tailspin, it has finally arrived in Rome, in an unsuspected corner of Trastevere.
But beware: this is not the usual glossy pastry shop. The place is called Rullo Kurtoskalacs and it’s hidden in a location that smells of authentic Roman-ness.
Here’s everything you need to know about the only place that makes Kurtoskalacs in Rome before the line gets long.
Why is everyone on TikTok “rolling out” this steaming fireplace?
The secret of its success is all in the experience. Kurtoskalacs is not a static cake: it is a spiral of yeast dough, rolled on a wooden cylinder and baked over the fire until the outer sugar turns a crisp, amber caramel.
When you pick it up, it is still piping hot and smokes like a real chimney (in fact, the Hungarian name kürtő actually means chimney).
The real fun is grabbing a flap of it and unrolling it strip by strip: the inside remains soft and buttery, creating an addictive contrast with the outer crust.
It is the ultimate “comfort food” for your Roman walks.
Rullo: the “secret” address in Trastevere that you don’t expect
Bringing this magic to Rome was Vincenzo Sarno, a true enthusiast who decided to bet on the Hungarian dessert inside the historic Bar Baffo, right in front of Trastevere station.
At Rullo Kurtoskalacs, the atmosphere is that of an artisan laboratory where the scent of sugar and cinnamon invades you as soon as you enter.
Vincenzo has studied the best possible dough to offer a product that is not just “picture-perfect,” but really good. Each “roll” is about 17-18 cm tall-a generous size that makes it the ideal remedy against the stress of the day.
And trust us: once you start rolling it out, you won’t be able to stop.
A Kurtoskalacs for every taste
The amazing thing about this place is the variety. You can choose the simplicity of the basic roll for €4.50 or venture into the “special” versions that are pure enjoyment.
Here’s how you can create your own custom kurtoskalacs at Rullo:
- Choose the dough: classic or cocoa.
- Choose the topping: rainbow granola, coconut, Oreo, Lotus or the legendary cinnamon.
- Add filling: nutella, pistachio, white cream or the legendary Lotus cream.
From “Dubai Chocolate” to Jason De-Rullo: the addictive flavors.
As you can see, if you thought the classic cinnamon version was the only option, prepare to think again. At Rullo’s, they’ve created “Gourmet” versions of kurtoskalacs that are true strokes of genius:
- The Rullo Dubai Chocolate: it’s the most popular of the moment. A cocoa dough filled with kataifi dough, salted pistachio, tahina and a pinch of salt. It is the only place in Rome where you can eat it in this form.
- Jason De-Rullo: an homage to the pop star with an avalanche of Nutella and Oreo granola.
- Tiramisu-llo: a mix between Budapest and Rome with coffee, ladyfingers and a very fresh mascarpone cream.
- Conorullo: the summer version (and more) where the dessert turns into a cone filled with soft ice cream and creams of your choice.
- Rullo Barbie: Rullo’s latest creation, which you can try until Jan. 8. Sugar and beet powder with mascarpone special white cream filling.
You can also make up your ideal roller by starting with the dough (classic or cocoa) and adding creams such as pistachio, Lotus or white chocolate.
Prices, hours and the trick to finding your freshly baked treat
Hungry already? I hear you! But pay attention to one key detail: to enjoy your freshly made roll, hot and steaming, you have to go in the afternoon.
Address: Viale di Trastevere, 343, 00153 Rome (inside Bar Baffo).
Prices: basic rolls 4.50 €; with grits 5 €; creams +1 €; Special rolls 6 €.
Days and times:
- Mon: closed
- Tue/Thu/Sun: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Fri/Sat: 4 p.m. – midnight (perfect for an after-dinner drink in Trastevere!).
One last expert tip: Don’t forget to make the “scarpetta” with the cream left at the bottom of the roller. It’s the best part!