Casa Egon: The Oldest Candy Store in the Canary Islands
Where candy embraces history and crosses cultures.
Confectionery and Cafe Taoro (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
Casa Egon, or to give it its full name, La Confitería y Café Taoro, has been producing handmade candy since 1916, blending flavors from the Canary Islands and Germany. What is the sweet history behind this famous store?
La Orotava
The town of La Orotava is located in the north of the island of Tenerife, on the slopes of Mount Teide, the summit of which is over two miles (3,718 m) high. Many would argue that La Orotava is one of the prettiest towns on the archipelago; its streets have always had a majestic air about them even since the conquest.
Francisco y Ángel Luis behind the counter (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
In 1916, the oldest candy store in the Canaries was established in this beautiful and historic enclave. Today, the essence of its time-honored business is still there: quality craftsmanship, following the original recipes, and infused with love.
Ángel Luis enjoying his break (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
We interviewed Ángel Luis, the great nephew of the candy store's founder who currently runs the business.
A story that begins far away
Egon Wende Bard was born in 1890 in the German city of Breslau in modern-day Poland. Egon trained as a confectioner and worked in the profession in his home city. In 1914, he joined a ship headed for the first German colonies in Africa.
Egon at the Altavista shelter in 1935 (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
“Casa Egon began by chance. In 1914, when the First World War broke out, Egon, the founder of the store, found himself in the seas around Tenerife, because the boat had to collect provisions before continuing on to Africa. He applied for political asylum and chose to stay in Tenerife.”
Passport (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
In 1916, Egon founded a small bakery in La Orotava, and a short while later opened the candy store Confitería Taoro. Once the store was established, he started to take on employees from the local area, one of whom would later become his wife: Luisa Rocío Báez.
Café and Pastry Shop "Taoro" down the street (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
Egon made a significant modification to the confectionery of La Orotava valley by adapting German recipes using the local ingredients in Tenerife. He introduced products, which, at that time, few people had had the opportunity to try.
In the kitchen (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
“Egon adapted well to our customs. He fell in love with our island. Whenever he got a bit of free time from the business, he would grab his camera and his stick, and hike around the island taking photographs. He was always a big fan of Tenerife.”
A family business spanning four generations
Egon and Luisa only had one son, who died when he was just a few days old. But the business continued via Luisa's nephew, Benigno, who has worked in the candy store since 1939.
Workers of the "Taoro" Confectionery and Café (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
“In 1939, my father, Benigno, began working there. After three or four days, Egon told my aunt Luisa: ‘I want Benigno to stay here with us,’ and that's why my father stayed in the business.”
Ángel Luis coming into the kitchen (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
Benigno passed the baton to Ángel, and today it is Ángel's son, Fran, who has taken up the reins, following in his father's footsteps along with two cousins, and hoping to have a couple more join them.
Hundred-year-old flavors
The main secret of the store is "preserving the essence and changing very little." Tradition and integrity are the hallmark of this commercial business.
Inside Casa Egon Restaurant (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
The candy store is the same one which many generations of locals have frequented, the coffeehouse has barely changed, and of course, the candy is still made using Egon's recipes.
Almond Sweets (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
“It's very simple. We have stuck with the original recipes. We have always remained true to our recipes, we have always used the best Canarian produce (almonds, flour); there is no other secret. We pour love into everything we do, and that's it.”
Cake in the making (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
Casa Egon makes almost 60 varieties of sweet treats: donuts, chocolate cakes, coffee cakes…
Millefeuille (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
However, millefeuille are one of the store's most legendary products. Made with pastry, egg yolks, and apricot jelly, they are usually the first to sell out.
A varied clientele
The prestige of Casa Egon is unwavering and today it is an obligatory pit stop for any tourist wishing to experience the north of Tenerife. People from all over the Canaries, as well as from the mainland and further afield, visit the store.
In the Kitchen (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
“Our customers come from every island. I know the islands, I've visited them all, and whenever I've traveled to an island, I've come across our customers.”
Terrace at Victoria Garden (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
“In peak season (between October and April), 50% of our customers in the cafe and restaurant are foreigners. We have a beautiful terrace which looks out onto Victoria Gardens, a famous location on the island of Tenerife where tourists love to sit and enjoy the natural landscape.”
Victoria Gardens, constructed in the 19th century by a French architect, follow a tiered structure over seven levels, where the gardens are overflowing with plants and there are also beautiful fountains.
A timeless institution
The product hasn't changed, and nor has the establishment. One of the hallmarks of Casa Egon is the fact it is still located in the 18th-century building where the business began.
Inside Casa Egon's Restaurant (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
The decor and furniture all add to the sense that this establishment has been frozen in time.
It was only in 2021 that the store was refurbished to expand the bakery, and a small door was created to link the bakery to the store.
Colourful buildings at La Orotava (2022-12)Cámaras de Comercio de Canarias
Egon's arrival on the island, and the whole history of this century of confectionery in the town, has been chronicled by Ángel Luis Rocío Pérez in his book Confitería y Café Taoro. Casa Egon. Negocio o Institución. (Confitería y Café Taoro. Casa Egon. Business or Institution), published in 1999.
Photographer: Diego Calvi
