Updated: Aug 2026

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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 when I embarked on a dessert trail organized by a friend, Kuheli of @thefoodietrails, that I decided to write about some of the best bakeries in Panjim that 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 goods.

Best Bakeries in Panjim

1. 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.

P.S. Since my last visit, they’ve expanded to items beyond traditional Goan snacks and desserts. Items such as kunafa cheesecake, salted caramel tarts, butter croissants and dozens of other items. This is one of those rare spots in Goa where you will also find Bolo de Laranja (orange cake) and Bolo de Coco (coconut cake) in addition to the classic and extremely rare, Bolo Sans Rival (cashew and meringue cake). They have also expanded their seating indoors.

2. Café Bodega (Altinho)

One of the best hangout spots among all the bakeries 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.

3. 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. Over the years, though, the size of their patties have shrunk considerably – ‘shrinkflation?’ Perhaps!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Mr. Baker (Panjim)

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.

7. Padaria Prazeres (Caranzalem)

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 focaccia 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.

Finding a seat here is next to impossible as tourists flock to Padaria Prazeres all the time and their limited seating does not even remotely suffice the crowd they see.  Nevertheless, everything you try here will leave you wanting more.

8. Nanbai (Caranzalem)

Tucked away in Campal Colony, Nanbai Bakery & Dessert Café is a modern gem in Panjim, blending local Goan flavors with global flair in a cozy, welcoming setting. Founded by a passionate local baker, Nanbai is celebrated for its innovative offerings like chorizo puffs, mushroom babka French toast, and buttery croissants with a perfect web-like texture.

I tried the Confit Chicken Croissant, the Ham, Bacon, and Cheese Baguette, plus the Bread Pudding and Tiramisu. I’m a sweet-tooth kinda person, but I enjoyed the savouries more here – fresh, flaky croissants, great bread, and fillings that were generous on both quality and quantity. The Bread Pudding edged out the Tiramisu, and the shakes beat the coffee. It’s an idyllic place to catch up with friends or work out of – the a/c section has well-spaced tables (bring your mobile hotspot). They’re open until 10 PM, making it a good stop for a light dinner too.

 

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9. Cafe Central (Panjim)

Cafe Central, a Panjim institution since 1933, is not your typical sit-down cafe but a bustling takeaway bakery that’s a cornerstone of Goan culinary heritage. Located on Dr. Pissurlekar Road, this iconic spot is renowned for its freshly baked goods, from an array of cookies and traditional Goan sweets like kaju laddoos to savory delights like vegetable patties, cheese rissoles, and their legendary egg puffs and mushroom samosas.

The mushroom samosas, in particular, are a local obsession – crispy, flavorful, and often sold out by mid-afternoon, especially at the Panjim outlet. The egg puffs’ flaky perfection and the samosas’ rich filling are cult-favourites, but you need to time your visit right. The Porvorim outlet, while convenient, rarely has puffs or samosas available in the second half of the day, as limited stock vanishes quickly. Cafe Central’s no-frills, grab-and-go setup draws crowds daily, so arriving before 4:30 PM is key to snagging these treats

What’s your favourite among these bakeries in Panjim?

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

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience and food that spans beyond bakes, my guide on the best cafes in Panjim will help. 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!