Xuixos of Girona: History, Tradition, & Where to Try Them Today

Mar 31

Written By Laura

**A wide variety of xuixos are available for you to try in Girona!**

What is a xuixo?

The xuixo (pronounced “shoo-shoo”) is one of Girona’s most iconic pastries. It’s made from a light brioche-style dough filled with pastry cream, then deep-fried and rolled in sugar.

The result is:

Crisp, golden exterior
Soft, airy dough
Creamy, rich filling

When done well, it’s surprisingly delicate—not heavy—despite being fried.

Where does the xuixo come from?

The xuixo is deeply tied to Girona’s identity, and like many great foods, its origin sits somewhere between history and legend.

One popular story says that in the early 20th century, a French pastry chef took refuge in Girona and shared a recipe with a local baker. The name “xuixo” is often said to come from the sound it makes when frying (“shui-shui”), though some link it to the French word choux.

Today, the xuixo is so emblematic of the region that it holds Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

The classic xuixo (and why it works)

The traditional version is all about balance:

Light, well-proofed dough → doesn’t absorb excess oil
Smooth pastry cream → rich but not overly sweet
Perfect frying → golden and dry, not greasy

A great xuixo should feel refined—almost elegant—rather than heavy.

Where to try xuixos in Girona today

Girona has many excellent pastry shops, but there’s also a new wave of creativity around the xuixo.

One of the most talked-about spots right now is Can Castelló, where the classic xuixo is being reimagined with modern fillings.

A standout: cheesecake-filled xuixos, made using artisan cheesecake with real cheese, from famed cheesecake bakery Jon Cake.

This version is especially interesting:

Traditional fried, sugar-coated exterior
Dense, creamy cheesecake interior
A more indulgent, contemporary flavor profile

Xuixos with JonCake cheesecake filling in front, and chocolate in back.

It’s a perfect example of how Girona’s food scene blends tradition with innovation.

A Rose Xuixo, made for Girona’s Temps de Flors

Tradition vs. innovation

The xuixo is quietly evolving:

Traditionalists → insist on classic pastry cream

Modern pastry chefs → experiment with chocolate, ratafia, and cheesecake

Girona embraces both. You can have a perfectly classic xuixo in the morning—and a reinvented one in the afternoon.

Local tips

Try it freshly made, ideally still slightly warm
Pair it with coffee rather than eating it on the go
Don’t judge it by a mediocre one—quality varies a lot

Final thought

The xuixo isn’t just a pastry—it’s a small piece of Girona’s identity.

From its legendary origins to modern interpretations like the cheesecake version at Can Castelló, it continues to evolve while staying unmistakably local.

If you’re visiting Girona, trying a good xuixo isn’t optional—it’s essential.

👉 Give El Xuixo de Can Castelló a try at Carrer de l'Argenteria, 7. 17004 Girona