What a way to start the day (CC photo by andresmh courtesy of Flickr)

It just doesn’t get better than coffee with a side of pan dulce, fresh from the best panederias in Mexico. Above, a shop has been set up outside a train station in Chiapas offering coffee, pan dulce, arroz con leche and tamales. That’s the type of breakfast that will keep you smiling all day. Pan dulce has become one of the most common breakfast items and after dinner treats that throughout Mexico, and now, even extending into the U.S.

Choosing pan dulce (CC photo by Dolanh courtesy of Flickr)

Each town in Mexico seems to specialize in its own specific type of pan dulce. Like many foods of Mexico, towns and even families, put a special twist that differentiates their culinary treat from one another. Here, locals choose their favorites at a bread stall in Zihuatanejo in Guerrero, Mexico.

All shapes and sizes (CC photo by Fd courtesy of Flickr)

Regardless of which town you visit, the recipe for Pan Dulce is simple. A sweet yeast bread that comes in varying shapes and decorated with many different toppings. Colorful dessert toppings include the traditional conchas with bright pink, brown and yellow topping to pan dulce with a simple sugar coating or rainbow sprinkles. Even the simple mantecadas (shown below), which lack a topping, are one of the richest and most decadent breads you’ll ever experience.

Up close with mantecada (CC photo by El_Enigma courtesy of Flickr)

From Hermosilo to Puebla, and everywhere in between, pan dulce can be found in some form and is bound to be delicious. A must have with a side of coffee or hot chocolate, Pan dulce is perfect as an after meal treat or a simple breakfast food. When in Mexico, add pan dulce to your shopping list and indulge in this gorgeous sweet bread.