Rush to these iconic Goan bakeries for a sweet treat
Goa's capital city, Panjim, is known for a lot of different things, be it iconic landmarks or modern attractions. But, did you know that it is also home to some of the best and oldest bakeries of Goa?
Today, we're here to take you on a sweet journey — a journey through the lanes of Panjim, exploring three of its legendary bakeries. These bakeries have stood the test of time, passing down cherished legacies from generation to generation.
Join us as we visit these havens of baked goods, and try their delicious treats.
1. MR BAKER
Mr Baker is a popular bakery in Panjim, just a few meters away from the famous Immaculate Conception Church. It is known for its authentically made, traditional Goan sweets.
"My grandfather, Pedro Vincent Vaz, started this bakery business in 1922. He was a 21-year-old youngster when he started his own bakery and we've been in the business since then," says Ninette, who now manages the outlet.
If you want to try local Goan desserts like bebinca, boll, dodol, bolinhas, perada and batica, or even local snacks like samosas and patties, head over to Mr Baker which has beautifully preserved the culinary practices and traditions of the State.
2. CAFE CENTRAL
Cafe Central is the centre of sweet and savoury delights in the capital city. Operating since the 1930s, the bakery is well-known among both the locals and tourists, who wish to try a slice of delectable local delicacies.
Among the desserts, their eggless chocolate cake and pastries are loved by many customers. Likewise, their savoury snacks, like cheese rissois and mushroom samosas, are so popular that they sell out within a few hours. The samosas offer a perfect combination of flavourful mushroom filling and a crispy exterior.
So, if you are looking for a wide array of sweet and savoury options, add Cafe Central to your Goa itinerary.
3. CONFEITARIA 31 DE JANEIRO
Located along the colourful lanes of Fontainhas, Panjim, Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro is a Goan-Portuguese bakery celebrating its 95th anniversary this year.
"It was started in the year 1930 by Andre Mascarenhas, my father-in-law and I've been running it for the last 28 years," says Gletta Mascarenhas, who runs the family bakery.
"We serve directly from the wood-fired oven, and we add no preservatives whatsoever in our food," she adds.
In addition to typical Goan sweets, the bakery offers tasty Swiss rolls, tarts and Portuguese delicacies like Pasteis de Nata, enough to please a hungry stomach.
These bakeries in Panjim promise a sweet time in Goa that's worth exploring and savouring.
If you want to take a virtual tour of the three bakeries, listen to the owners, learn their stories, and more importantly, check out the wide collection of baked goods, desserts, and snacks on offer, visit Gomantak Times YouTube channel and watch our latest video.