Discovering Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro: Goa’s 95-Year-Old Bakery
- Arishma Gomes
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever searched for “Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro” or wondered where to find truly nostalgic, old-world bakery vibes in Goa, this is your guide. Nestled in the heart of Panjim’s heritage Latin Quarter, this bakery is more than just a place to grab a quick bite. It’s a slice of Goan-Portuguese history, baked fresh over a wood-fired oven since 1930.
Whether you’re a tourist looking for authentic local flavours, a history lover, or simply craving good bread and sweets, a visit to Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro should be on your Goa itinerary.
A Legacy Forged in Dough and Wood Fire
Founded in 1930 by Andre Mascarenhas, the bakery started with basic breads and local Goan staples.
Over the decades, the recipes passed down through the Mascarenhas family have been preserved with great care. Today, it's run by Gletta Mascarenhas (and family), who continue the tradition of wood-fired baking and preservative-free recipes.
Their original wood-fired oven, large enough for a person to step inside, still handles the morning bread batches and evening cakes/pastries. It’s a living heritage that gives every bake a unique flavour no machine can replicate.
What to Try: From Goan Classics to Nostalgic Treats
Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro offers a mix of Goan-Portuguese heritage bakes and timeless bakery treats — many of which you might not find elsewhere:
Traditional Goan breads: like pão / poye — a must-try for anyone wanting “authentic Goan breakfast.”
Sweets & desserts: layered bebinca, doce de grao, pinag (coconut & jaggery sweet), serradura, dodól, and other nostalgic Goan-Portuguese desserts.
European-style cakes & pastries: their Swiss rolls, plum/walnut/date cakes, butter-cream cakes, and even creative wood-fired twists on baked goods that mix tradition with modern taste.
Savoury snacks: from patties and quiches to sandwiches and other bakery-style snacks — ideal for a quick bite while wandering through Panjim.
Many locals and travellers swear by the aroma of fresh bakes early in the morning, or the nostalgia of tasting Goan-Portuguese sweets that evoke simpler times.
Where It Is & How to Visit
Location: In the heritage Quarter of Fontainhas, in Panjim on Rua 31 de Janeiro (hence the bakery’s name).
Ambience: Think narrow cobblestone alleys, pastel-coloured old Portuguese houses, and the wood-smoke aroma from the oven. Perfect for a quiet, nostalgic stroll — especially if you enjoy history or photography.
Best time to visit: Early morning, when the breads come straight out of the oven — for the freshest taste. Many items sell out quickly.
Why Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro Deserves More Attention
It’s not just a bakery, it's a living heritage site of Goan-Portuguese culinary culture. The traditional wood-fired oven, time-tested recipes, and family legacy make it rare in modern Goa.
It offers authentic, preservative-free baking, a contrast to much of today’s commercialised bakery fare.
For travellers and locals, it’s a sensory and cultural experience: from the smell of wood fire to the taste of bebinca, to the ambience of heritage lanes and old-world charm.
It’s affordable yet timeless, meaning both tourists and locals (families, elder Goans, nostalgic youth) can enjoy a treat or a meal without overspending.
Final Thoughts
If you believe food is more than fuel, if you see it as history, memory, comfort, then Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro is a place you must visit. It’s not just a bakery, but a living legacy: wood-fire ovens, family recipes, nostalgia, flavour, and stories baked into every loaf.
Next time you’re in Panjim, make your way to Fontainhas. Grab a fresh bread, a sweet treat, and let your taste buds travel through time.
