• Expands Staple Street space, introduces customisable salad bar

Paan Paan’s Staple Street outlet is a beloved neighbourhood bakery, known for its artisanal bread and savoury pastries that draw in loyal customers. Now, with the recent expansion of their outlet, founder Aboo Yusoof has added a new layer of excitement to Colombo’s ever-evolving food scene.

The Daily Morning Brunch had the pleasure of attending the opening of the newly expanded space, where an array of pastries greeted us, fresh out of the oven. The spread was as mouthwatering as you’d expect from Paan Paan – bite-sized versions of their famous Paris-Brest, cheese and tomato sandwiches, mini chicken pizzas, almond tarts, and a tempting selection of chicken bouchées, spicy chicken, and cheese tarts, all beautifully laid out, making it hard not to indulge.

As we sat down with Aboo, we couldn’t help but feel the cosy warmth that has always been a hallmark of this bakery, now extended into a brand-new upstairs section. Aboo’s passion for the craft was evident in every word as we spoke about this expansion and what it means for both the brand and the community.

When asked how the journey had been so far, Aboo said: “The downstairs has served us well. We’ve seen a great response from customers, but when I looked at the space upstairs, I knew there was potential for something more.”

He added: “We worked with the council to make sure everything was done right, and now we have this wonderful new area that can host events, provide extra seating, and even accommodate meetings or special gatherings. We also added more parking, which was much needed.”

As he spoke, it was clear that the vision for Paan Paan’s expansion wasn’t just about increasing their physical footprint but enhancing the overall experience for their customers. “We wanted to create a space that feels welcoming – somewhere people can come not just for great food, but to spend time with friends, relax, or even work if they need to.”

The upstairs area, which features more seating, is set to be a versatile space. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick lunch or planning a small event, the new layout caters to a variety of needs. With soft lighting, inviting interiors, and a view of the bustling streets below, the expanded outlet offers a comforting retreat from the urban chaos.

But what truly excites Aboo is the prospect of continuing to grow. “Yes, we are planning to expand even further,” he shared with a hint of excitement in his voice. “We’re still in the early stages of this, but there are so many possibilities. We’re always looking for ways to better serve our customers.”

One of the key additions to the new space is a salad bar, which Aboo is particularly enthusiastic about. “We noticed that people are becoming more health-conscious, and there’s a growing demand for healthier options. So, we decided to introduce a customisable salad bar,” he said. The concept is simple but effective – you pick the ingredients you want, build your salad, and it’s charged by weight.

“This allows customers to create exactly what they want, whether they’re looking for something light or a hearty meal. We’ve got a range of fresh ingredients, and we’re excited to see how people mix and match their salads,” Aboo added.

The customisable nature of the salad bar complements the rest of Paan Paan’s offerings, which have always been about giving customers high-quality options that suit their tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for one of their famous pastries or a fresh, healthy salad, the expanded menu offers something for everyone.

The downstairs bakery, which has become a staple in the area, continues to thrive. “The response downstairs has been wonderful, and I hope we see the same kind of enthusiasm for the new space,” Aboo reflected. With their new additions, it’s hard to imagine anything but success for the upstairs section, especially with the attention to detail that Paan Paan is known for.

It was clear that Paan Paan’s expansion is not just a physical growth but a continuation of their dedication to community and quality. With Aboo at the helm, the future looks bright for this local bakery, which has managed to balance tradition with innovation seamlessly. And for those who have yet to experience the warmth and charm of Paan Paan, now is the perfect time to drop by and see the magic of their new space for yourself.