House of Bread — Restaurant in Aurora

I'm an Armenian from DC and had read about this place in a few articles that happened to circulate throughout Armenian communities along the East Coast. So when my buddies planned a trip to Colorado for July 4th weekend, I immediately knew where we'd be heading for breakfast, especially after a gruelingly early flight and 2 hours of car rental trouble.

The smell of fresh dough captivated the parking lot as we pulled in. The place looks unassuming, but don't let that fool you. We walked in and, before even ordering, asked to meet the owner to let him know how 5 Armenians and 2 Persians from DC had heard about his bakery. Out walked Hakob, the most hospitable guy you'll meet in Denver. He was thrilled to have us, pulled two tables together, and made us feel right at home.

After a quick chat with Hakob, we decided to let him order for us, and we're so glad that we did. He started us off with Armenian Gata (a soft baked sweetbread) and some of the best Armenian Coffee (similar to an espresso) I've ever had. Now I've inhaled a lot of Gata in my life and always assumed that Los Angeles, the epicenter of Armenians in the US, boasts some of the best Gata outside of Armenia. But House of Bread puts LA's Gata game to complete shame. In fact, it's probably the closest replication of Gata you'll get to the real stuff in Armenia, if not better. Great way to start a morning!

What we were all really here for though was the Khachapuri; a doughy, eggy, cheesy, buttery, and piping hot personal pizza. Khachapuri is actually a Georgian dish, but Armenians eat it as well, and we like to put spins on it. Hakob's spins did not disappoint! Out came 7 Khachapuris: 2 regular, 2 with baked tomato, and 3 with basturma (seasoned, air-dried cured beef), each as delicious as the other to the point that it's worth coming back again and again and again for all three.

Hakob's Khachapuris are undeniably the real deal. I've had Khachapuri in Georgia. I've had Khachapuri in Armenia. I've had Khachapuri in DC, and I've had Khachapuri in LA. But none of them even come CLOSE to House of Bread's. Their egg-to-cheese-and-bread ratio is spot on. And the eggs? Cooked to absolute perfection; a gooey, spreadable yolk with soft but solid egg whites. Most places I've been to almost never seem to get both exactly right, but House of Bread does.

It doesn't end there. We ordered 20 Lahmajuns (freshly baked Armenian flatbread with minced beef and spices) to-go, along with another 2 loaves of Gata and a case of Nazook (similar to Gata but baked in pieces instead of loaves) for the remainder of our trip. None of it lasted more than two days. We wished we had ordered more.

I can't recommend this place enough; not because I'm Armenian, but because of the unbelievable quality you get for a reasonable price. If I had the chance to try everything else on their menu, I would. If you live in the area, or even if you don't, pay this place a visit (or two or three). It'll easily become one of your favorite no frills/comfort food/go-to spots in Denver; I guarantee it. Thank you, House of Bread for starting our trip off on the...

Nestled along South Parker Road in Denver, Colorado, House of Bread offers an authentic Armenian culinary experience that captivates both the palate and the senses. This family-owned bakery and café has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its traditional dishes and inviting atmosphere. 

One of the standout offerings is the Ajarski Khachapuri, a Georgian-inspired cheese bread that’s deeply rooted in Armenian cuisine. This dish features a freshly baked bread boat filled with a rich blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses, topped with two perfectly baked eggs. For an added twist, consider the variation with basturma, an Armenian-style cured beef, which introduces a savory depth to the already indulgent dish.  

Another must-try is the Lahmajun, often referred to as Armenian pizza. This thin, round flatbread is generously topped with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, herbs, and spices, then baked to a golden crisp. It’s a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal.  

For those seeking a hearty option, the Sini Mante is highly recommended. These mini open-faced beef dumplings are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with a side of garlic yogurt, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and delicious. 

Beyond these specialties, House of Bread boasts an impressive selection of freshly baked goods and pastries. From the crusty Matnakash, a traditional Armenian bread perfect for dipping, to sweet treats like baklava and honey cake, there’s something to satisfy every craving. 

The ambiance of House of Bread is warm and welcoming, reflecting the hospitality inherent in Armenian culture. The cozy interior, adorned with cultural touches, creates an inviting space where guests can relax and enjoy their meals. The friendly staff further enhance the experience, providing attentive service and sharing insights into the rich culinary traditions behind each dish.

In summary, House of Bread on South Parker Road stands out as a culinary gem in Denver, Colorado. With its authentic Armenian dishes, delightful baked goods, and charming atmosphere, it’s a destination that promises a memorable dining experience for all...

and so, guys, I’m glad that you are in Denver, although it’s a long way for me to travel to you, but now you are a great reason to visit Denver. and so is the atmosphere: oh, what a beautiful hall you have, it really demonstrates its cleanliness and newness (No Soviet stuff) special thanks for the authentic music, it created that same feeling of a Kakaz kitchen. and so about the food, I ordered: Adjarian Khachapuri 4.9/5. Megrelian Khachapuri 5/5. Lahmajun 4.8/5. Khinkali 5/5. potato cake 4.9/5. sausage in dough 5/5. and so in a little more detail: 1) Adjara-style khachapuri I haven’t eaten this for so long that I was delighted, the only thing I would like is for you to improve it a little, namely: I would like the dough to be like soft matnakash, but that’s how it is It was a little dense and still it did not spoil the impression and enjoyment, and there was a little cheese wrapped nicely under the sides of the baked goods. 2) Khinkali: it was the same, the juicy filling and the juice just flowed out. 3) I liked lahmajun, but it seemed to me that something was missing, I didn’t understand exactly what, perhaps I only took one flatbread. Next time I’ll take more to understand and give a review, otherwise they were light and tasty, I would have eaten a dozen if there was room left😅 in my stomach after such an order. 4) and so the Megrelian khachapuri is divided into 4 parts. I only ate one piece and it was great, I took the rest with me and finished it at home🤤. 5) potato cake: thank you for the taste of childhood. 6) sausage in dough: this is something that is not available in the USA. I really liked everything, healthy, nutritious and fresh from the oven. thank you for being. I don’t want to add more work for you, but I would be glad if you added it to the menu. NAZUK (I cooked it for my friends, they liked it because of the turmeric which gives this unforgettable taste), it’s also Charlotte🤤 and of course I would like to see dogwood compote. Thanks again and I’m really looking forward to that same shawarma. ...