Driving down the serpentine lanes of Loutolim, we were in search of Jila Bakers, whose Chocolate Eclairs are a sought out delicacy among the local folks in South Goa . A chance conversation with a colleague triggered a desire to taste the eclairs made by these local bakers. Started in the early seventies, this family run bakery in Ambora, have chosen to remain a home based affair. They neither advertise nor supply their confectionery elsewhere. Only a desire to taste their products can lead you there!
It’s not often that you come across an old fashioned home bakery such as this. A small board outside displays the name. Don’t expect to see a display counter or menu outside. The main door is usually open and someone will come out to meet you. If you’re visiting, then you usually know what to buy!
Their signature dessert the chocolate eclair can be described as a profiterole. A mildly sweet dessert, it’s a pastry filled with creamy custard and has a chocolate drizzling on top. They are not overly sweet or creamy and for many it’s hard to stop at eating one – not surprising that they are sold by the dozen!
They have a small range of baked goodies as well. The Geneva cake, a chewy cashew – almond flavoured pastry is delectable and the apple strudel is flavourful. The sugary melting moments (a meringue biscuit) are popular as well. While the eclairs are best eaten fresh or within a day the other confectionery have a longer shelf life.
If you’re a foodie with a sweet tooth, Jila Bakers would make an interesting stop.
Further down the road is a local restaurant named House No.2 (said to be the second house built in Loutolim). Combine both and you have a food trail laid out for the day!
Postcard Tales 