When I was younger, I wished I had more than 4 people in my family so that I’d have more birthdays to celebrate.
And more cake to enjoy throughout the year.
It wasn’t until I started earning my own money that I realized that I don’t need to wait for a birthday (or any celebration) to enjoy a scrumptious cake! In my books, cake equals happiness. But call me spoiled, I don’t settle for off-the-shelf cakes or those from popular cake franchises. There are so many North Goa homebakers to try.
Best North Goa Home Bakers
The cakes baked by home bakers always taste better! Maybe it’s the extra love that goes into it. Or more realistically, it’s that they don’t use low-quality ingredients and scrimp on the good stuff, as big bakeries do. All that butter, real chocolate ganache, cheese, Belgian chocolate – yum, yum, yum!
Whether you are looking for party desserts or having a random afternoon craving, you’ll find that desserts baked by some of Goa’s most talented home bakers rise to the occasion. They are made in smaller batches or on order, prepared fresh and with plenty of love and care. I’ve been ordering from these lovely ladies for a while now, and this is my list of the best home bakers in North Goa:
Cakes and Doilies, Panjim
Cakes and Doilies, run by Desiree Braganca is the place to go to when you want a cake for those special celebrations. She has mastered the art of creating some of the most elegant and sophisticated wedding and birthday cake designs and is a whiz at custom cakes. I’d definitely vouch for her Lemon Almond Cake, Red Velvet Cake, and Chocolate and Salted Caramel Cake (yes, I’ve tried them all!) This home baker in Goa operates from Santa Cruz in Panjim and is FSSAI registered as well. Apart from her gorgeous cakes that taste even better than they look, she specializes in cakesicles, cookies, macarons, and cupcakes.
Mona’s Pantry, Assagao
I’m not kidding when I say that I’ve agonized over which cake to order from Mona’s Pantry, Assagao. Her Instagram feed is a visual delight and she specializes in aesthetic artisan desserts such as Tres Leches, Red Velvet Cakes, Crepe Layer Cakes, Cheesecakes, tarts, tortes, truffles and so much more! The home baker, UK-born Mona Nolavalia, is living her lifelong dream of pursuing baking and it shows in her art. Her desserts are incomparable in both taste and appearance. They are bound to have you drooling over them. You can also pick up her desserts from On The Go, Porvorim, which is run by her husband, Marco.
Golden Chantilly, Caranzalem
Inspired by the French town of Chantilly, Golden Chantilly is run by a PR-professional-turned-home baker Ericka Fernandes in Panjim. The baker specializes in exquisite French confections such as Cajo Verrine, Noisette, Caramel Entremet, and Signature Dome. Each of her creations is made with immense attention to detail and the finest ingredients, and slicing into them will reveal the intricacy of every layer and texture that you taste.
While there are hundreds of home bakers in Goa, Ericka from Golden Chantilly is perhaps the only one who aces whimsical Parisian-style desserts, and these are yet to catch on in a big way in Goa. I adore everything I’ve tried from Golden Chantilly – right from the desserts mentioned above, to her sinful eclairs and the Bolo Sans Rival I ordered for Mum’s last birthday.
Baked Bliss
Baked Bliss specializes in custom cakes, hamper creations, and dessert table setups. The home baker has a strong focuses on aesthetics along with quality and taste, aiming to create some of the prettiest delicacies. You can’t help but notice the finesse that every treat possesses! The gift boxes by Baked Bliss Goa are ideal for gifting friends and family for birthdays, festivals and more – and if you are looking to enhance the look of an event, Baked Bliss will be there to save the day. They have pickup points in Panjim, Margao, and Sanvordem.
Moka, Siolim
You know I absolutely love a cake when I order it for my own birthday! Moka Siolim’s Gondoraj Lime Cheesecake was definitely one of the highlights of my special day. This silky cheesecake of my dreams was light, sweet, and livened up by that fresh lime zing, on a buttery base. The jungle-like garden cafe in Siolim run by Chef Moumita, has a menu comprising of cheesecake – Blueberry, Strawberry, Espresso, Salted Caramel, Irish Cream, Mulled Wine, and more, all on a chocolate-cheese base. Keep an eye out on their page for their limited-time-only desserts that they keep putting out – from Nankhatai to Creme Brulee, Mango Coconut Panna Cotta to Gajar Halwa Cheesecake and most recently, their exclusive dessert tasting menu.
Gayle’s Secret Recipes
While renowned for her delectable cakes, Gayle’s expertise extends far beyond the realm of sweetness. Her extensive repertoire includes an array of mouthwatering cakes such as the crowd-favorite Lemon and Blueberry which I ordered for my recent birthday, as well as tantalizing tea cakes like orange almond and coffee walnut. When it comes to desserts, Gayle knows how to satisfy every sweet tooth. From baked lemon pudding to coffee caramel custard, spiced apple crumble to the irresistible impossible pudding pie to delightful confections, including dark chocolate walnut rocks, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, and delectable roll-ups, she does it all.
If you have an event or gathering that requires savory excellence, look no further than Gayle’s Secret Recipes. Her savory offerings are nothing short of sublime. From tantalizing puffs to delectable crostinis, finger sandwiches to delightful forminhas, Gayle’s selection of snacks will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Her catering services also extend to salads, pastas, pulaos, lasagna, and pies, ensuring that every aspect of your occasion is brimming with flavor. Whether you’re seeking a dessert table to enchant your guests, a caterer to elevate your small party, or a skilled chef on demand for an intimate gathering, Gayle’s Secret Recipes is your ultimate culinary companion.
Zaria’s Bakehub
Zaria’s Bakehub is a haven for cake and cupcake enthusiasts, offering a delightful range of options, including custom designs, classic favorites, and seasonal specialties. But Zaria’s talents don’t stop there – she also crafts heavenly cheesecakes, irresistible eclairs, delectable donuts, delicate macarons, heavenly cookies, delightful tea cakes, tempting cakesicles, rich brownies, and tantalizing tarts.
Innovative and enterprising, she constantly innovates and she’s also launched cronuts, berliners, and cinnamon rolls. Zaria’s Bakehub truly comes alive during festivals, where Zaria’s expertise shines bright. She curates special menus that capture the essence of the occasion, complete with thoughtfully crafted hampers and themed edible gifts. Whether it’s Christmas, Diwali, or any other festive celebration, Zaria’s Bakehub adds an extra touch of joy to the festivities. I tried 3-4 of her Christmas goodies this Christmas (2023) and among them, the rich and fudgy tin cake stole the show.
I hope this blog post encourages you to support these fabulous home bakers in Goa and support local businesses in general. I’ll be sure to tell you when there’s another cake that takes my heart away! Until then, happy eating!