Lakshmi G Sardesai
Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro is nestled in a quiet corner of the heritage Latin quarter, Fontainhas, in Panjim.
It has been serving Ponjekars (Panjimites) ever since it was established on January 31, 1930, when the Portuguese were ruling Goa.
The legacy of baking bread the traditional way in a wood-fired earthen oven (locally known as forn) continues to date.
Be it paos or pastries, the staff here make everything to perfection. Work starts at 4 in the morning, much before the cock crows.
Bread, biscuits or cakes - most of the items are made traditionally by using local ingredients, and machinery is not used much.
Gletta Mascarenhas is a third-generation entrepreneur who is keeping this baking tradition alive and has been at it for the last 25 years.
Over the years, the bakery has undergone several changes to its interiors.
And this postcard-perfect picture of the ambience will entice anyone to visit this place to get a feel of Europe.
The completely renovated interiors too will make you visit Confeitaria again and again.