Mama's Bakery & Cakery

For residents across Southern California, the search for truly authentic and fresh baked goods often leads to the vibrant, family-run bakeries that dot the landscape of the San Gabriel Valley. In Pasadena, one such culinary treasure stands out: Mama's Bakery & Cakery. This local establishment is not just a place to buy bread; it is a dedicated bakery that brings the warmth and traditional flavors of Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine right to the heart of the community. Known for its commitment to daily fresh baking and its unique, heartfelt atmosphere, Mama's Bakery has cemented its reputation as a must-visit spot on Washington Boulevard.

Mama's Bakery specializes in a delightful array of both savory and sweet items that cater to a wide range of tastes, from a quick solo breakfast to large family gatherings. While the name suggests a focus on cakes and pastries, a deeper look reveals that its true fame lies in its savory flatbreads and pastries, with customers enthusiastically proclaiming they have “the best lahmajune ever!” The ambiance of the shop, described by a reviewer as feeling "like someone’s living room with local art on the walls," highlights the personalized, community-focused experience. It offers a refreshing break from large commercial chains, prioritizing genuine flavor and welcoming service, including an owner who personally steps out to thank customers—a very heartfelt touch that makes patrons feel valued.

As a local institution, the bakery serves as a cultural hub where traditional recipes are honored and prepared with care. The extensive menu, featuring everything from savory pastries like Cheese Boreg and Spinach Boreg to freezer-ready meals like Manti and Kufta, showcases the rich diversity of the region's cuisine. Whether you are stocking up for a weekend feast or simply grabbing a fresh Tahini Bread for a daily snack, Mama's Bakery & Cakery promises a product that is made with dedication. This blend of authentic baked goods, warm community atmosphere, and convenient location makes it a quintessential stop for Pasadena residents looking for high-quality, freshly baked goods with a distinct, delicious flavor profile.

Location and Accessibility

Mama's Bakery & Cakery is perfectly positioned in a convenient and accessible area of Pasadena, making it easy for California locals to swing by for a quick, delicious stop.

The bakery’s location is: 2379 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA. Situated on East Washington Boulevard, the bakery is part of a dynamic neighborhood landscape, ensuring visibility and easy navigation for regular customers and first-time visitors alike.

The business is optimized for customer convenience, with its primary service option being Takeout, which is ideal for a fast-paced California lifestyle. The shop is structured to facilitate a Quick Visit, allowing customers to efficiently pick up their daily fresh bread and other treats. Furthermore, Mama's Bakery ensures inclusive access, offering essential Accessibility features, including a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and a dedicated Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot. This attention to convenience and accessibility reinforces its role as a welcoming neighborhood spot for all residents.

Services Offered

As a specialized bakery, Mama's Bakery & Cakery offers a deep and varied menu centered around authentic baked goods and related traditional foods, categorized across savory and sweet sections, along with convenient frozen meal options.

• Savory Boreg: Flaky, layered pastries filled with traditional ingredients. Options include Cheese Boreg ($12.00) and Spinach Boreg ($12.00), as well as larger, single-serving portions of Large Spicy Cheese Boreg ($5.00) and Large Cheese Boreg ($5.00). Sefiha is also available, providing a savory meat pie option.
• Traditional Flatbreads: The bakery is most famous for its array of thin, pizza-like flatbreads. The highly-praised Lahmajune (Armenian 'pizza') is available individually ($2.00) or in a convenient 6 Pack ($13.00). Other options include Manaesh and 6 Pack Mini Manaesh, 6 Pack Maaesh, and 5 Pack Mohamara, providing a rich variety of spiced and topped flatbreads. Manaesh Chips are also offered ($5.00).
• Dessert & Sweet Breads: A selection of traditional and contemporary sweet treats. This includes the distinct Tahini Bread, the popular Gata (a sweet Armenian coffee cake), and more modern indulgences like Dubai Chocolate and Dubai Mini Heart Chocolate.
• Frozen Meals: For customers looking to take traditional meals home, the freezer selection includes Manti Plate ($30.00) and Small Manti Plate ($18.00), which are small dumplings often served in broth or with yogurt. Other frozen options are Sini Kufta and Kufta ($18.00).
• Beverages: A simple selection of drinks to accompany the pastries, featuring the culturally significant Armenian Coffee, along with Soda, Bottle Water ($1.00), the mineral water Jermuk ($1.50), Vanilla Frape ($2.25), and Yogurt.
• Community and Art: The shop hosts occasional open-mic evenings and displays local art on its walls, positioning it as a supportive hub for community engagement and local artists, enriching the overall experience beyond the food.

Features / Highlights

Mama's Bakery & Cakery is distinguished by several key features that resonate strongly with the local Californian clientele, blending authentic flavors with a supportive community environment.

• Pasadena's Best Lahmajune: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The "best lahmajune ever" is a key draw, appealing to those seeking authentic, high-quality Armenian flatbread. The affordable price point ($2.00 per Lahmajune) makes it an accessible daily treat.
• Authentic Armenian and Middle Eastern Specialties: The menu is a treasure trove of regional specialties, including a wide array of Boreg, Manaesh, Gata, and the convenient frozen Manti and Kufta, which cater to both immediate and planned dining needs.
• Heartfelt Customer Service: The welcoming atmosphere and the owner's practice of personally thanking customers create a warm, memorable experience that fosters loyalty in the neighborhood.
• Freshly Baked Daily: Customer satisfaction stems from the fact that the bakery is a true "neighbourhood spot baking bread daily," guaranteeing freshness in every bite, from the core flatbreads to the specialty Tahini Bread.
• Community-Focused Vibe: The interior doubles as a communal space, featuring local art and hosting open-mic nights. This focus elevates the shop from a simple food stop to a true cultural and social gathering point.
• Full Accessibility for All Patrons: The provision of a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ensures that all members of the Pasadena community can easily access and enjoy the bakery’s fresh offerings.

Contact Information

To ensure a seamless visit or to inquire about a large order of their famous flatbreads or boregs, here is the contact information for Mama's Bakery & Cakery:

Address: 2379 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA

Phone: (626) 791-1122

What is Worth Choosing

For a local California user seeking an authentic and high-quality experience at Mama's Bakery & Cakery, a few key items are absolutely essential to try, showcasing the best of this neighborhood gem. The number one choice, highly recommended by local patrons, is the Lahmajune. Described as the "best ever," this savory flatbread is perfectly sized for a light lunch or a generous snack, and at $2.00 each, it's an incredible value. We recommend purchasing a single to try, or the 6 Pack Lahmajune for sharing with family or for a convenient, ready-to-eat option throughout the week.

Your second essential choice should be one of the bakery's signature pastries, specifically the Tahini Bread or one of the Boregs. The Tahini Bread is an excellent example of a traditional, subtly sweet item that pairs perfectly with a cup of Armenian Coffee. For a savory and satisfying experience, the Large Spicy Cheese Boreg ($5.00) is a robust hand-held pastry that serves as a fulfilling meal, combining flaky crust with flavorful filling.

Finally, for those who appreciate the convenience of traditional cooking at home, the Manti Plate from the frozen section is a valuable choice. Being able to take home a pre-prepared, authentic Armenian dish like Manti—tiny, boat-shaped dumplings—is a service highly valued by busy local residents. Mama's Bakery & Cakery’s commitment to providing both a delightful in-shop experience and convenient take-home solutions for authentic food makes it a consistently worthwhile destination in Pasadena.

Mama's Bakery & Cakery

2379 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA