I love baked goods. You love baked goods! And lucky for us, there are many bakeries in Panjim serving up sugar, spice and everything nice for when those carb cravings are too damn real.

Over the years, I’ve visited several bakeries in our capital city. But it was quite recently that I embarked on a dessert trail organized by a friend, Kuheli of @thefoodietrails, when I decided to write about some of the best bakeries I’ve been to before and on that day. While our trail comprised of both, bakeries and cafes, I’ve narrowed my post down to only bakeries, and cafes baking their own goods.

Best Bakeries in Panjim

Confetaria 31 De Janeiro (Altinho)

Located in a tiny alleyway near the Panjim Church, this hole-in-the-wall bakery will take you on a trip back in time with a little imagination. The name of the establishment indicates the day it was founded all the way back in 1930 by the current owner’s father-in-law. Inside, there is just about enough space for the glass display case, smudged with the fingerprints of patrons indicating how much bebinca, swiss rolls, patties, dodol and bolinha they’d like. Three is a crowd, at this bakery in Panjim and there are limited seats to sit on outside, for when the weather isn’t too sultry.

Café Bodega (Altinho)

One of the best hangout spots in Panjim, Café Al Fresco, aka Café Bodega is located in a gorgeous restored mansion that is also an art gallery on Altinho hill. Pull up a chair in the open-air courtyard (they have covered seating along the edges, too) and tuck into some waffles, pancakes, sandwiches or eggs cooked your way. They are well known for their desserts in Panjim, and you can’t go wrong with the Miso Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake or the Red Velvet Cupcake. Overall, this bakery-cum-café in Panjim is a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and a book (or your laptop as they have free wi-fi), while taking in its artsy vibe. On most days, service is quick.

Meraki Cafe and Kitchen (Althinho)

You may find this to be more of a cafe than a bakery, but the talented home baker who runs Meraki Cafe and Kitchen in Goa makes the most fabulous cakes and baked goodies! From the hard-to-find Bolo Sans Rival to Coconut Cake and Basbousa to exquisite Christmas Puddings, you should have this intimate little spot on your list of places to visit in Panjim. I haven’t tried their meals yet, but I have heard people raving about their Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Galinha Grelhado (grilled chicken), spaghetti and meatballs and more. Everything has a personal touch – but I especially love the turquoise and gold walls!

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Perfect Bakery (Ozari)

Yet another tiny bakery, but one of Panjim’s oldest ones. The goodies from Perfect Bakery are worth travelling for. You’ll find the flakiest of patties (the kind that is embarrassing to eat in public because you’ll end up with crumbs all over your face), and melt-in-your-mouth good cheese straws that you won’t be able to stop munching on. You may not be able to hang out at this bakery in Goa due to the lack of space. It’s advisable to carry your purchases back home or do what I do and eat them in the car – they’re that irresistible.

Truffles (Caranzalem)

Truffles is one of the best cake shops in Panjim, and one of the very few places in Goa selling great macarons in dozens of flavours. Their Hazlenut Crunch cake is a hot favourite and for good reason – the way it crackles as you eat it is delightful. Truffles in Panjim has a variety of unique products (whiskey cupcakes, for one!), guilty pleasures (rum balls, doughnuts and more), savouries and beautiful-looking cakes on order on their Instagram Page. You can also order many of their treats at their other outlet, Sugar Flower in Patto.

Geeta Bakery (Panjim)

Famous for its cakes, pastries, snacks and savouries, Geeta Bakery is an iconic and extremely affordable bakery in Panjim, located very close to the church. At this 80+-year-old bakery, patrons can only get takeaways, as there is no space to sit. Try their Bolinhas, macarons, patties and rolls.  Their cookies and wafers make for great evening snacks. This is one of those spots that has a loyal fan base of customers – both Goans as well as tourists.

7^th Heaven (Caranzalem)

A relatively new entrant in Panjim, 7^th Heaven claims to have a fresh cake ready in 7 minutes. The ambience is bright, well-air-conditioned and spacious and the display case gleams with all sorts of colourful cakes, however, taste-wise, I didn’t find it up to the mark. I honestly won’t be going back, but I’ll leave it to you to try them out and decide for yourselves.

Mr. Baker – Mr. Baker was established in 1922 and is one of Goa’s oldest dining spots. The bakery is still run by the owners, and I can bet you’ll always be greeted with a smile when you enter. From savouries like patties, croquettes, chops and rissois to sweets like jammies and bebinca – you’ll find an assortment of delights in their glass display cases. I also tried the Ghons here, and if you like this Goan sweet, I’d highly recommend you get it from The Goan Kitchen as it’s much better than the sugary version served here.

Padaria Prazeres (Caranzalem)

There are bakeries, and then there is Padaria Prazeres way up high in a league of its own. A newcomer in comparison to all the bakeries in this list, Padaria Prazeres has jumped its way into being the most popular place to pick up baked goodies. Made fresh all through the day, you can take your pick from foccacia bread, donuts, berliners, palmier biscuits, snacks, sandwiches – you name it! Their Pasteis de Nata is uber popular and gets wiped out before your eyes. Whether you dine in at their cozy cafe with limited seating or takeaway (remember to pre-order), this spot is worth a visit.

Drop me a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram when you relish the goodies from these amazing bakeries in Panjim.

For more great cafes and bakeries in Goa, check out my posts on Artisan Backerei in Candolim, I’ve also written about some great restaurants in McLeod Ganj, in case you’re planning a trip up north.

More from Goa coming up in the next post! See ya then!