Caldense Bakery - Mississauga

Have just recently moved to a doctor's in this small mall and noticed this little Portuguese chain bakery which is usually more popular in the City of Toronto.... read more Have just recently moved to a doctor's in this small mall and noticed this little Portuguese chain bakery which is usually more popular in the City of Toronto. Went in for some very reasonably priced sandwiches on some fresh, crunchy buns. Melted Gruyere cheese with...ham on a panini bun was nicely oozing flavour for under $5 and a tasty steak sandwich on a crunchy bun for $6.95. A full range of breads, buns and baking all looking luscious! And, of course, the obligatory flaky Portuguese custard tarts for $1.25. A lovely change from our traditional habits of coffee and cardboard bagels at you-know-where.

The highlight of a good bakery from Caldense Bakery is their croissants. With a wide variety of options from ham and cheese to sweet egg, it's easy to get distr... read more The highlight of a good bakery from Caldense Bakery is their croissants. With a wide variety of options from ham and cheese to sweet egg, it's easy to get distracted. However, a good croissant should be crispy on the outside and light and flaky on the inside. While you shouldn't expect Parisian quality for $3 in Mississauga, Caldense Bakery is known for their dense bread with high quality chocolate. Unfortunately, my experiences at this bakery consisted of subpar, thick croissants with low quality chocolate and overly sweet almond filling. The issue may stem from bad lamination of the dough or improper shaping. Adding lemon to the almond paste filling could help improve the flavor. Despite their visually appealing pastries, it seems Caldense Bakery prioritizes style over taste. For a more personalized service, try Molisana. For cheaper baked goods, visit Tim Hortons. For high quality baked goods, French Corner Patisserie and Danish Pastry House are better options. Caldense Bakery may excel in Portuguese pastries, but they seem to struggle to find their niche in the crowded market.

The tart itself was generously filled and larger than I expected. I appreciated the crust, which was well-made, but I found some parts a bit tough to bite into,... read more The tart itself was generously filled and larger than I expected. I appreciated the crust, which was well-made, but I found some parts a bit tough to bite into, making it somewhat challenging to chew at times. However, the filling was fresh and delicious; it’s definitely a tart I would recommend to others! I even bought three more to take home for later. **ATMOSPHERE:** The shop has a medium size, with around ten tables for dining. Most patrons seemed to be there for a quick coffee and dessert, so many finished and left shortly after. There was a large TV at the back displaying a local news broadcast. The ambiance felt cozy and spacious, allowing customers to enjoy their items without feeling rushed. When I visited, there weren't many people, so it was pleasantly quiet. **SERVICE:** The woman behind the counter was very welcoming and patiently answered all my questions about the menu items. She was knowledgeable about the products and it was evident that she enjoys her work. I really appreciated her excellent service! **COST:** 4 Portuguese Tarts: $1.30 each x 4 = $5.20 (tax included) **WOULD YOU RETURN?** Absolutely! I am eager to try more desserts and some of their lunch offerings. The service was fantastic!

I visited in the early evening and ordered two Portuguese tarts from a sizable selection of pastries. The staff were warm and friendly, suggesting other items I... read more I visited in the early evening and ordered two Portuguese tarts from a sizable selection of pastries. The staff were warm and friendly, suggesting other items I might enjoy. They did a great job describing the tempting goodies I pointed out. These tarts are quite generous in size—definitely larger than the egg tarts I usually get from Chinese bakeries. The crust had a wonderfully buttery texture, perfectly balancing crispiness and softness. Biting into it was a joy. The custard was sweet but not overly eggy or sugary. It had a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, enhanced by a lovely hint of burnt sugar caramelization on top. At just $1.20 each, I consider them a real bargain, especially compared to other bakeries that charge $1.75 for a tart. I can't wait to return and try more items from this place. It’s definitely a winner in my book!

Located in a cozy corner of the Shoppers plaza just north of Eglinton and Creditview, this European-style bakery was easy to find. There was plenty of parking a... read more Located in a cozy corner of the Shoppers plaza just north of Eglinton and Creditview, this European-style bakery was easy to find. There was plenty of parking available, although it was a bit tight in some spots due to trucks unloading nearby. The storefront stood out from a distance, unlike many cafes in Toronto, featuring a series of glass windows that let in a good amount of natural light. Inside, half of the space was dedicated to plastic tables and chairs, while the other half housed the cashier and storage area, hot water dispensers, and two large display cases: one for baked goods and the other for beautifully decorated pastries.