Hungry Ghost Bread

Really really tiny space. We fit maybe four people in line. It was super hot inside, and I backed up against a shelf to make room for someone coming in, and there was a sharp piece of old metal wire at ankle level. It cut into my ankle. Im off to get a tetanus shot, and I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome so my achilles is really painful and feels loose right now. I wish I hadn’t come. I wish they had a better method of point of sale. This is stressful and small. The cookies was ridiculously delicious. And they seem like people trying to do good in the world, but, especially as a disabled person, I don’t feel safe in a super tight space and clearly I wasn’t . I had a thought! What about a sign that says one person allowed at a time (or two or three, whatever but just a clear limit so it isn’t so crowded)? That would prevent such a thing from happening and it would make sure the door stays closed which they said was very important.

This is one of those very special places that makes a community. High quality breads, a delightful garden and gathering space out front, and big hearted owners! One of my treasured memories from about 15 years ago was when I had stoped in to warm up during a cold snap (you can always bet on it being toasty in there!) on my walk home with my two year old after a morning at the Northampton parents center. Jonathan offered me a free loaf hot out of the oven to warm us up, and I was so touched by that simple gesture of compassion. I tucked that paper bag with the warm loaf right into the carrier between us and it made all the difference.

One of the most amazing bakeries I've ever stepped foot into. The breads and pastries are amazing and some of the best I've ever tried. Jonathan, Cheryl and their team have created a beautiful, magic place I will dream of revisiting.

A funky little bakery with first rate sourdough bread. Had the batard, rosemary boule, and the 2 seed challah. All were flavorful, a treat to the eye, and beautifully baked.

Great bread and great vibes. How they keep the bread at 7$/loaf I don’t know.

i never take photos because it never last but i have been a die hard ghost bread fan. cannot wait for the cookbook! always get one of every loaf and must try almost every pastry, everything they make is phenomenal and leaves the mouth watering. love taking friends or family here , it’s an absolute institution and i wish i lived in northampton for this!!! the pork bun though!?!? whaaaaat!!!!!

Beautiful and Delicious breads and pies. They post daily menu on FB

Lovely and delicious. Worth it to drive all the way from Lowell! The breads had a nice crispy crust, good and chewy inside. The pastry we tried was buttery, flaky but not disintegrating, lots of tender layers. I tried a chocolate chipotle cookie: it wasn't too sweet and had a nice smoky warm flavor. We also tried the potato herb bread and it was so good and flavorful - the whole drive home the car was filled with the scent of garlic and rosemary and fresh bread. The garden outside is pretty and interesting as well but - go there for the bread!

Really impressed by Hungry Ghost Bread! My friend and I stopped in randomly and I'm very glad that we did. It was mainly a bakery, with a small counter and one employee at the front, where you place your order. All the breads looked amazing, but I decided to just go with a pretzel, since I was just looking for a little snack. I know it's hard to base a review off a pretzel alone, but wowza, that pretzel was delicious! It was clear that the ingredients were top notch. If you're looking for more of a café vibe, you're not going to find it here. But if you're looking for some great baked goods, look no further!

I have a vague memory of good bread from here. But the past 5 times I've tried, they have no bread. Zero loaves. I have come all different hours. I call first to make sure they have bread, then I arrive ten minutes later, and no bread. One day, I drove by, and they had a big sign saying "YES" outside. But once inside, the answer was NO. All the 5 star reviews are correct, the bread is amazing. But they have serious production problems, and there are other excellent choices in town. Avoid Hungry Ghost, or you'll just stay hungry.

The father, the son and the hungry ghost. Every Friday is Good Friday when the Colonel Buckwheat has risen. Great pizza too when it's available.

How did I find out about Hungry Ghost Bread you ask? The smell was wafting deliciously down the street as I was walking over to the car. We look up and see that there's a bakery and wander over out of curiosity. You can't see much from the window, but just enough to see a couple of people kneading dough and huge oven nearby. I'm not exaggerating that this probably is some of the best bread I've ever tasted. The only other time I had bread this good was in Europe. I had the battard but I'm sure its all good. Also tried their vegan cookie and the molasses cookie, all delicious. If you go to their website it seems you can volunteer or sign up for a fee to learn how to make bread here which I think is a great thing to learn especially as prices for goods rise. Worth a visit; absolutely addictive.

Possibly the best bread I've ever tasted. And I really, really like bread. Goes stale in about 30 seconds, but that isn't a problem, and it's impossible to be any other way (with real product); you want "fresh for a month," buy Wonder bread.

The baked goods here are just incredible. My friend introduced this place to me when I arrived here for school. I'll always be grateful for her for doing that but my waistline sure isn't lol. The food is amazing and the staff are really kind. It's in a pretty good location too.

Cute little bakery with an adorable entrance, name & logo! Incredibly delicious chipotle chocolate cookie! Oh my word!! A bit sweeter than I'd like but holy tomato! Twas good! The staff seemed friendly & actually volunteered information for further investigation of their bakery at the farmer's market. Nice spot! It would be a favorite if I lived in Noho!

Hungry Ghost was recommended to me by a Northampton local. They warned me to make sure I got there early enough because it's a closed when sold-out situation. I got there before they opened and loved that I got to sit amongst an incredible wildflower garden just outside their door. I ordered a buttermilk biscuit, a french batard, and a country loaf. They were warm, had an impeccable crust and I couldn't wait to get some butter on them all. I do wish they had some instruction regarding care of keeping the bread especially since they are provided in paper bags. But I'd love some technique on how to ensure softness. They're missing a star from me, mainly since even being in line before opening there were still menu items that weren't available and it was requested I come back for them. I'm not local to the area so doing so is definitely trickier and felt unfortunate since I had made sure to not miss out on their product but still missed out after all. Here's to the next time. I here those cowboy cookies is where its at.

If size of operation and abundance of product indicated TASTE & QUALITY, this would be a different review. Hungry Ghost is small and artisan as it gets. The grounds are beautiful (in that sorta spooky New England way) and the smell of bread lured my partner and i into the building. Who are we kidding, HGB was our destination in our GPS haha but when we arrived, they had a sign that indicated more bread would be ready at 2:30. We walked around for a bit and returned to an almost already sold out array of loaves. We got a sourdough and at it out of a brown bag like wineos will definitely go back.

What a delicious little window to buy bread and pastries from! Great selection of delicious cookies, biscuits etc. and many types of homemade loafs! We grabbed rye and it is divine

Spectacular bakery. Deep flavor to the bread like nothing I've ever had. Other items like biscuits and pretzels are also great.

NOT gluten free. They advertise as gf, but not a dedicated gf facility. Everything is shared.

Get there quickly they sell out! Bread is so good, biscuits and cookies are also great. I really want to try the pizza.

Walk in here and you'll drown in the smell of bread and freshly baked goodies. The chocolate chip cookies ($3 for a huuuuge one) and the coconut cookies ($1.25 for a small one) are TO DIE FOR. I've also had a loaf of challah bread which was delicious. Try their sourdough. YUM. And they sell pizza by the slice during their evening hours. *praise hand emojis* Basically, try everything here. Call in advance to secure a loaf or pop by early in the morning before they've sold much. Take advantage of the beautiful seating outside amongst their free growing gardens during the warmer months. Delightful food, beautiful breads, kind humans behind the counters. What's not to love?

The best bread I've eaten in many years. In fact, I can't remember ever enjoying a loaf of bread as much as the one I just purchased.

Best bread, period. No matter which you choose!!! It's so good I'm bringing some back to my family next time we visit northern Jersey, a mecca for food, but you won't find Hungry Ghost-quality bread there

Incredibly delicious bread, feels like a portal into the old days of Northampton, love this place!

Just The Best. Nothing but great things to say. Fantastic baked goods, fair prices, friendly people. I love this bakery and am thankful I don't live in Northampton. I would be a human scone.

The Hungry Ghost has bread like you would get in the south of France in the spring. No one does bread better in the valley. These people are true artists.

Excellent bread -- I particularly recommend their rosemary loaves -- but at $7 a pop, pretty dern pricey even for Northampton. I've taken to getting their loaves instead at the Tuesday farmers' market between Thorne's and the parking garage, where with the doubling of SNAP benefits, I can get a loaf for effectively $3.50.

Best bread (and molasses cookies) ever! Our son lives nearby and whenever we visit it is a must that we stop in to Hungry Ghost to get some loaves to take home with us to PA. Wish I lived closer!

I was so longing to purchase a loaf of French Batard. After making the short trek to their bakery, I purchased a chocolate chip cookie and vegan cookie, both of which were delicious. As my wife, son, and I were enjoying our cookie, it came to me that I should share the loaf with my son who lives in New Haven. I took my my loaf in it's brown bag back to the employee and asked if she could cut it in half so that I could share a half with my son. The employee said she could not cut it. No problem. I asked for a second bag which she kindly gave me. I began to cut the loaf with my hands when a man, I am assuming the baker, who perhaps is even the owner, began chastising me for breaking the bread in half. I told him I just wanted to share the loaf with my son. He didn't care about my wishes as a customer. Instead, he continued to tell me that I was wrong for breaking the bread, especially in front of him. I repeated my wish for sharing the bread with my son. But he continued to insult me. I told him I could no longer enjoy the loaf and left the two halves on the counter. I am one who does not believe the customer is always right, but this man's insults were unprofessional. Their bread is absolutely delicious. If you are in the area, by all means, go and purchase a loaf of their French Batard. Just don't tear off a piece in front them.

The reputation of Hungry Ghost Bread precedes it, however since I only come to Noho a couple of time a year to visit my in-laws, I often find that I go the entire stay without dropping by to pick up a loaf of bread and then miss having it for years on end. I was determined that this trip would be different! Yesterday I came by too late and all the bread was sold out, so today I came by mid day on an extended dog walk. I ended up with a loaf of French Batard and a loaf of Country...oh my goodness!!!!! How have I not been coming here EVERY trip! The Batard was perfectly crunchy on the outside and chewy in the inside, while the country (covered in sesame seeds was still warm!!! Is there anything better than fresh bread that is still warm??!! I think not. I raced home and promptly plated olive oil and balsamic, tapenade, goat cheese and brie to have a lunch time feast. Get there early and get the bread fresh and you won't need anything else in the world!!! This is the bread that picnic breads under blue sky and warm sun are made of!

This is among the best bread bakeries ever in existence. I recommend their cowboy cookies, rye and challah breads, and do NOT FORGET TO PAY. The are using an inline honor system for payment after you have your goods.

You have to get there earlier to get your choice of breads. We got there late, and the only bread left was the whole wheat fougasse with beets and coriander. I would have never chosen this bread in a million years at a store, but I'm glad this was the only type left. It forced me to try something outside my comfort zone, and the bread was amazing. Every bite kept us wanting more. Next time we are in Northampton, we are going to try to get there early just to make it here to try some of the other stuff. They clearly take pride in their bread.

I stopped here unexpectedly while in the area. I saw people standing outside and thought I better check this out. I'm glad I did, it was late afternoon on a Saturday so slim pickings but I snagged two loafs. 9 grain and a French round hard crust soft on the inside. I will be back!

I was impressed by everything I ordered here, but especially by the vegan cowboy cookie. When I buy a cowboy cookie, I expect something substantial. Here they add whole almonds. Don't forget to heat up your pretzel. A microwave will do.

We have been known to drive 45 minutes just for the cookies, and we don't even smoke. You may see us scuttling to our car so we can rip apart a loaf - any loaf - by the handful as quickly as possible. Sometimes I drive to Noho with a stick of butter in the front seat just for this reason. Out-of-state visitors now request their bread to accompany our dinners. There is nothing here that isn't transendental. This is not a good thing, because I am now disappointed when I eat most other bread. Love the Bread and Puppet vibe.

Hungry Ghost is a Mecca that all gluten enthusiasts must pay homage to at least once in their lives. In addition to some of the best quality breads and baked treats you'll ever have the pleasure of eating, their ethics and mindful presence sets a tone that is intuitive and inclusive. Support this business and the satiation of your cravings.

I have only tried the rye bread. It was excellent. Apparently making good rye bread is too hard for most bakeries? All I know is it's hard to find. But "hungry ghost"? Troubling...

This part of Hampshire County is bakery central. However, The Ghost, as it is familiarly called, is the best. The other baked goods are superb as well. I've actually given pastries to coworkers as birthday presents.

I have been coming to Hungry Ghost Bread every time I visit Northampton. I love the area, and I ESPECIALLY love coming here. The staff are so friendly, covid regulations have always been nicer followed, the baked goods are absolutely delicious!! Additionally, they accommodate allergies and dietary preferences, offering vegan and gluten-free goods that are just as good. If you come to Northampton, stop for some cookies for the road.

The bread is to die for! Truly amazing texture and taste. Each loaf is a masterpiece haha so much so that my Dad always has me grab multiple loaves for him before I leave for home.

I thoroughly enjoy Hungry Ghost bakery products. I found this wonderful bakery as I was searching for bakeries which use proper fermentation and ancient grains. I refuse to eat most of what passes for 'bread' in our supermarkets. When I am eating Hungry Ghost bread, I feel good about the carbs I am eating because they are good for me! I have had the Hat Trick, Eight Grain, Country and Rosemary breads and I love them all. I look forward to trying all of their breads and pastries! I highly and regularly recommend Hungry Ghost!

The batard is life changing. Amazingly earthly crunchy, and flavorful for what is basically flour water and salt. Also enjoyed a biscuit with egg cooked inside. The boules were less successful with me; tried the 8 seed and "Colonel Buck" made with buckwheat and a bran soaker. Interesting, but not the magnificence of the batard. You must call ahead and reserve your order as they will sell out. Note that the daily specials on the website are out of date. Ask for the current list when you call.

Cute location with a garden out front and a beautiful mural. Selection of small-batch whole wheat bread, pastries, and pizza. Even in the evening there were still a few options left, although if you want the full selection make sure to go early.

This is probably the best bread I have had in Massachusetts. Really good cookies too. Get the Colonel Buckwheat, it's phenomenal!

Are they worth driving an hour round trip? Absolutely! We love their rosemary, olive & semolina, potato and thyme, spiced sweet rolls, and especially their buttermilk biscuits. They don't have everything on a daily basis, so be sure to check their baking calendar. I just wish there was a way to know ahead of time what they're out of and what's still in stock. Doesn't matter, if they don't have what I am craving, they always seem to have something new worth trying.

This place has amazing products and the staff were super friendly (4 visits I'm basing this on). Food: I've had a variety of different products that they offer from savory handpies, cookies, bread, biscuits, almond cinnamon bear claw, egg in a biscuit...you get the point...I've ran the gamut of their offerings. My personal favorites thus far are the chocolate rye cookies and their savory hand pies. I haven't really explored all of their bread offerings and most of the loaves I'm interested in are only available in the afternoon, which means I would need to make a separate trip since I'm up that way in the mornings for the most part. Staff/Ambiance: What can I say it feels like a bakery. They have standing room only so don't think you'll be enjoying your product inside the establishment. The staff have always been friendly and helpful, they even gave me some sourdough starter so I didn't have to go through the 5 day process to make my own (class act guys). Overall: Definitely worth a visit. Plenty of variety to choose from and all of their bread is made their sourdough starter. I can't wait to try their specialty breads and pizzas. They also do a good job updating their instagram page so be sure to check that out.

On the bread alone -- YUM! Really good hard on the outside, soft on the inside bread. We got a Challah and it was a great quality. But it was not really challah in the sense that I've known. So, not quite sure to make of that. Plus service was just kinda there. Felt rushed and impersonal. Can you recommend something? Can you interact? Can you seem thankful for the business? A smile? So, down a star. And it's nothing to speak of inside. You're taking this to go.....

Big fan of the chocolate chipotle cookie, savory tarts, banana tarts, chocolate chip cookies.. so much 2 choose from.. Many years ago I had their pizza and was disappointed but after a few year hiatus from eating their pizza I can say with certainty they upped their game. They really know what they're doing!

Love the bread. Basically fantastic Luckily didn't go there too much or I'd weigh 5000 pounds.

I had to go in here and see what all the fuss was about! 5 stars maybe not... but 4 is not enough. The French bread was magnifique. It was a little larger of a loaf than what I am used to in France but wow - the taste was there. AND it is actually still good to eat a few days later if wrapped with any level of care (not like the knock off higher end breads at the grocery store which is stale in a day or two). I also bought a chocolate cookie. REALLY good. I had an immediate flashback to my Grandmothers cookies that was so unexpected I was "moved". Must have been an old Yankee recipe or style of chocolate chip cookie. I will go back for sure. Yes, this is a hipster kind of place but pretty much most of Northampton is. I leave you with this, "le pain est parfait, bon appetit."

I LOVE Hungry Ghost. But lately they burn the pizza every damn time. It is so, so irritating. Once I even asked them to please undercook it. BURNED. My favorite pizza, but I think I'm kind of done with them. :(

Holy cow. May be the best bread I've ever had. Warm from the oven. Got delicious molasses cookie too. So sad I do not live near this bakery. Absolutely worth a special trip!

This place is small but they have some great baked goods! I got their chocolate cookie and ham-cheese croissant. The cookie was big, soft and chewy. Even after the next day, it was still chewy. The croissant was flaky and you can taste the butter in it. It was absolutely delicious! Service was great! They are a bit pricey though.

There are no words to express how much we love this bread! A fun location with the most delicious treats. Don't pass this by. Kind and patient staff told us all about each kind of bread and each was so unique and special. They taste just as good as they sound. The biscuits are out of this world! Definitely a new part of our road trip routine.

Amazing pastries and bread!!!!!!! Love the banana cream tart especially. This is definitely one of our favorite bakeries to go to.

Yelp says they close at 8pm, the store sign says 7pm, but they're closed at 6pm with no explanation. FYI