These are not your mother’s patisseries. Four bakeries, four countries with the usual sweets—like cream puffs and fruit tarts—you find at all the Italian, German and Jewish bakeries of Long Island. But here you can try Korean Tacos, Colombian Arepas and Bombay Sandwiches.
Hot Breads
243 S. Broadway
516-470-0786
You wouldn’t think you’d have to describe a bakery as “vegetarian” but this Bombay-style Indian bake shop, a franchise, distinguishes itself with its signature Bombay Sandwich filled with potato, bell pepper and tomato by using soybean fiber for the “Chick-None” Kati Roll and the “Chick-None” Fiery Pizza. There are many sandwiches pressed on freshly baked white and brown bread and there are loaves of jalapeno bread to go. Grab a table and sip strong cups of owner/baker Ricky Jagtiani’s Madras coffee or Masala chai and choose from a long roster of chaats. His flaky puff pastries are filled with chunks of paneer cheese and the Aloo Capsicum Puff has an eye-opening filling of mashed potato seasoned with cumin and peppers.
La Parvita Bakery and Restaurant
251 W. Old Country Rd.
516-433-1681
This Colombian bakery has a roomful of tables and a large rotisserie filled with chickens on spits. A long case is filled with freshly baked pastries and breads and a full menu features steaks, sandwiches, hot dogs dressed with pineapple and even breakfast. But for something sweet I can’t stop ordering Sweet Corn Arepas, soft patties made of whole kernels perfect for a snack or with good Colombian coffee made with steamed milk. Get them with melted queso and you have a cheap lunch.
Kabir’s Bakery
131 N. Broadway
516-653-0011
This Bangladeshi baked goods chain makes all the products at a central bakery in Brooklyn and offer several items pre-packaged like the sugary Golapjam fritters in syrup and gooey milk balls called Rashgolla. Cookies, available by the pound with unusual names like Ovaltine and Salted, are blander than they sound. Nankhatai cookies, made with pistachio powder, stand out. Take home a box of Lascha Shemai, their version of shredded wheat. There are also Halal Chicken Samosas and since there is no prohibition in Bangladesh culture, beef patties.
Canaan Bread Bakery and Café at H&Y Mart
478 Plainview Rd.
516-931-1113
At the entrance to the Korean supermarket H&Y Mart, this outlet of the four-store Queens chain has panko-coated, fried and stuffed rolls called Korokes filled with curried beef or potato salad that make for a very unique snack. They’ve recently added three kinds of Korean tacos with wonton-like wrappers filled with lettuce and Caesar salad dressing. Choose from beef bulgogi, spicy pork or chicken and you’ll be instantly hooked. I also like the Tomato and Tuna Bread and wash it down with a peach smoothie. Big loaves of white bread share space with corn sticks and Baby Mandoo mini muffins. They have a full coffee menu with espresso, lattes and more, plus bubble tea and shaved ice with assorted fruits.
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