After enduring the long winter, March brings a host of scrumptious holidays that have Rhode Islanders doing a happy dance. From creative takes on zeppole to Purim cookies, Holi festivals to King Cakes, these restaurants and bakeries are ready to dish authentic and delicious delicacies.
You don’t need a special reason to go to Chaska, but when Holi – the Hindu festival of colors celebrating spring, love, new life – rolls around, it’s a must-visit. For a perfect Holi lunch or dinner, try the Butternut Squash Samosas, Mango Lassi (a frothy yogurt-based drink), and the Chicken Tikka Masala. Cranston, Chaska-USA.com
This popular restaurant on Hope Street also rolls out a week-long Holi celebration, this year running from March 18-25. Don’t miss out on traditional tikka dishes and dinner specials to choose from, along with a curated cocktail list, henna tattoos, festive leis, and more. Providence, IndiaRestaurant.com
Italian Americans aren’t the only ones who celebrate St. Joseph’s Day! Polish eateries do, too, offering steaming, handmade cheese and potato pierogis, makowiec (sweet poppy seed rolls), and pączki (Polish donuts). It’s a perfect excuse to indulge in pierogis and desserts. Woonsocket, Facebook: Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse
A King Cake, also known as a Baby Cake, is the sweetest way to bring a little bit of New Orleans to Rhode Island for Mardi Gras, and LaSalle has them at both locations. These wildly colorful and spongy cakes are topped with mini coins and beads, and one lucky eater will find the tiny plastic baby in their slice. Providence, LaSalleBakery.net
Purim – the Jewish holiday known for feasting – is a marvelous time to treat yourself to delectable hamantaschen cookies (known as “the cookie of Purim”). Maven’s actually bakes up these triangular filled pastries all year round, so if you find yourself craving them after this month, you can always go back for more. Pawtucket, MavensDeli.com
This bakery puts a new spin on zeppole season! They still have the traditional cream-filled versions, along with fun varieties including whipped cream and raspberry, chocolate cream, pistachio, ricotta cheese, and even a St. Paddy’s Day crossover – Irish cream. Your best bet is to try one of each! Johnston, TheOriginalItalianBakery.com
Locals wait all year for this bakery’s luscious, cream puff-style zeppole, prepared in the traditional style with house-made pastry shells. Want something a little different? They also have other flavors, including a decadent version filled with chocolate mousse. Smithfield, Facebook: Pastryland Bakery
Regulars wait all year for the return of the Irish soda bread at this family-owned bakery with two locations. This crusty bread is good enough to eat on its own, or add some sweet butter and a bowl of their hot soup. Dine in at either cafe, and grab a few to bring home. Middletown and Newport, ProvencalBakery.com
You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find great soda bread. Just motor over to SoCo Bread on Main Street and enjoy one or two with a hot cuppa coffee. The resourceful bakers serve up two versions: the OG and one with caraway seeds and unexpected notes of citrus and licorice.Wakefield, SouthCountyBread.com
Vienna plans to prepare their much-anticipated King Cakes for Fat Tuesday once again this year, and fans can’t wait to get their hands on these scrumptious colorful icing and cinnamon treats. It all pairs well with coffee or a French 75 back at home (because this is Mardi Gras, after all). Barrington, ViennaBakeryRI.com
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