Iconic & Heritage Bakeries Trail Across Goa

By Nikita Toppo

Goa is known for its rich Portuguese heritage, and its bakeries are a part of it. Established across Goa and functioning for at least a century or more, the bakeries of Goa are must-visit spots for all. From freshly crafted breads to delicious cakes whipped up during Christmas, these bakeries serve it all up, and should be on your food trail across Goa for sure.

*Some restaurants listed in this trail serve non-vegetarian food, but have been added because they have good vegetarian options on their menu as well.

  • Mr Baker 1922

    Established in 1922, this heritage bakery in Goa is very popular among the locals. Located in a well-known area of Panjim, it is packed with customers during Christmas and other festivals. Mr Baker was started by Pedro Vincent Vaz in Moira and then they shifted to Mapusa and finally found the perfect spot in the Church Square area of Panjim. Some must-try delights of this bakery are croquettes, sausage pies, bebinca, and dodol.

  • Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro

    Located in Fontainhas, Panjim, this charming bakery was started in the 1930s by Andre Mascarenhas. Renowned for their baked bread and assorted cakes, they still use traditional wood-fire ovens for baking various dishes. Their vintage setting is also perfect for having a hot cup of coffee on a chilly day. Do try their Swiss rolls, plum cakes, wine biscuits, dodol, pinaca, doce, and bebinca.
  • JILA Bakers and Confectioners

    Located in South Goa, this bakery was set up in 1972 by Mr. Jose Antao. The name JILA comes from the first alphabet of his family members (Jose, Inacio, and Ludovina Antao). The best thing about them is that the bakery is still operating from home. So, you can relish the baked goods and desserts in an authentic village vibe. Some of JILA’s signature dishes are chocolate-custard eclairs, Geneva pastries, and apple strudel.
  • Cafe Central

    Located in Panjim, this is another bakery that was established in the 1930s. Cafe Central is very popular among the locals as well as tourists for tea-time snacks. Easy to locate, this bakery is renowned for its vegetable patties, rusk, cheese rissois, garlic bread, mushroom samosas, caramel custard, and the classic nankhatai.

  • Nicolau Bakery

    Starting in 1965, this is another heritage bakery in Goa. Initially, it was only limited to varieties of bread, but later they also got into serving biscuits, cakes, and many other baked items. Plum cakes are one of their most famous dishes, and this bakery also sells a range of cutlets, cookies, and local desserts like boll and bolinhas.
  • Cafe Tato’s

    This 100-year-old iconic cafe has a variety of vegetarian delights that will not only be loved by vegetarians but will also impress hardcore non-vegetarians. They are very popular for their delicious and fresh buns, along with the mix bhaji or mushroom bhaji that they serve with them. A very special snack that they serve is the mirchi bhaji—definitely a must-try. Dig into their veggies and enjoy the experience.
  • La Confiserie Bakery

    This heritage bakery was started in the year 1999 in the Candolim area close to Calangute. This is a go-to place for desserts and other baked goods among the locals. Though the outlet is a bit small the desserts they serve are definitely extraordinary. Do try their plum cake, banana cake, chocolate brownies and carrot cake.
  • Geeta Bakery

    Located in Panjim, this is another gem of Goa. It was established in 1948 and the bakery is a hit among the locals and tourists. Another good thing about them is they serve both eggless and egg-based cakes and biscuits. Some of their signature treats are egg patties, veg patties, cakes and chicken patties.
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