Vasana Bakery, Nugegoda Branch

Vasana Bakery, Nugegoda 

This bakery outlet opened recently without much fanfare. Located on Stanley Tillekeratne Mawatha, between the Railway Station and the Post Office, and opposite ARPICO, Vasana Bakery is a modern take on the conventional bakery showroom.

When I first visited Vasana Bakery, there was quite a long queue. Out of curiosity I went closer to find out. That was when I found the reason it was attracting crowds. Prices of the bakery products were so low, they were more or less half the usual price at other bakeries. (The pictures were taken on my fourth visit.)

As for the size, they were the same size as the normal buns. For instance Fish Bun which usually retails from Rs. 30/= to Rs. 50/= at other bakeries, is sold for ........wait for it.......               Rs. 15!!! Believe it or not, the same is true of other products as well.

Seeni sambol bun - Rs. 15, Boiled Egg Bun Rs. 25, sponge cake Rs. 20, Cup cakes Rs. 25, Apple cake Rs. 20 etc.

In the afternoon, when a new set is produced, a new type of bun - which they call an omelet bun (selling for Rs 35) is available.

Its a circular bun, about 7 inches in diameter made like a pizza (no cheese) with a sprinkling of vegetables on top and covered with 'Bulls Eye'. That is, an egg is broken straight on to the bun without beating. It is seasoned and baked, the egg yolk stands on a side like the sun shining.

The gentleman, standing by the showcase is the Manager, a soft spoken unassuming person. They take cake orders for any type of cake or size. The other staff manning the outlet are quite friendly people.

In this age, when cunning shop keepers, manufacturers and bakers sell a product at a higher price claiming high costs while reducing the size of the product, this bakery stands out in the crowd as being the one that sells good quality bakery products at affordable prices.

I call this a modern version of a traditional bakery for two reasons, They retain the conventional feel by having all displayed in showcases (no self service), and they handle food items with disposable gloves. Modern westernised bakeries handle food with tongs. The informal manner, gives the local people the impression that attention is given to hygiene. This is NOT an upmarket city bakery. A person from the Rural areas should also be allowed to improve and this is a huge step in that direction.

I would recommend this place for the humbleness of the people working, for selling products at budget friendly prices and also for the range of products one can find only at a traditional bakery.