The bakery is a sacred place for paulistanos, where we start the day with a cup of coffee before work and meet up with friends after hours. Everyone goes there, even if it’s just to queue for bread! Recognizing the importance of this city heritage that is the bakery, we present readers with a curiosity: the oldest bakery in São Paulo.
Padaria Santa Tereza is a reference not only for those looking for warm bread, but also for those who want to experience part of the capital’s history. Actually, it’s fair to say the country’s history, as it also holds the title of the oldest bakery still in operation in Brazil.
Santa Tereza was a pioneer among Brazilian bakeries
The bakery was founded in 1872 by the Teixeira e Vaz family, of Portuguese origin. Initially, it operated on Rua Santa Tereza, so much so that it was named after the address. But it only remained there until 1947, when it moved to Praça João Mendes, a few meters from Praça da Sé.
Despite the move, the tradition remains alive to this day. From the original menu, the famous coxa creme remains. That’s why visiting São Paulo’s oldest bakery and not tasting the delicacy is almost like not having visited it at all.
The oldest bakery in the country preserves tradition and history in every detail
Entering Padaria Santa Tereza is like embarking on a journey back in time. Old photos decorate the environment and further reinforce the historical value of the space, which has stood for 153 years in one of São Paulo’s most emblematic areas.
In addition to the retro atmosphere, the bakery offers a privileged view of the Sé Cathedral, which transforms the simple act of having a coffee into a walk filled with culture and history. In other words, visiting São Paulo’s oldest bakery means having an authentic experience in the heart of the city center, tasting the tradition of São Paulo’s bakeries.
