After a 5 week hiatus, Gopan is back this week.

  While we all dabbled in the fine art of baking during the various lockdowns (an art form I'm personally hopeless at) the first Japanese owned and operated bakery was born. In the midst of the pandemic, when many found themselves stuck in Ireland, unable to travel home, Michiko began baking Japanese goodies, and delivering them to her friends. She found that this lifted both her spirits, and her friends' in a time where the world was unrecognisable. Not long after, Michiko launched her own bakery, Gopan. https://www.instagram.com/p/CauAEHOs3ij/ On the Gopan website, Michiko explains why she started her business:

"After experiencing a lockdown where it was difficult to find things to enjoy, I started Gopan in hopes that I could bring a little happiness to those who felt homesick, missed traveling or just wanted to try something new during a time where we were limited in what we could do."

In the short time it's been open, Gopan has made quite the impact. They have a zero waste policy, so all orders must be preorders. Gopan is also environmentally conscious, and so uses no plastic packaging. You can order via the website HERE, or send them a direct message on their Instagram. They do a range of goodies, including curry pan (curry filled bread), melon pan (melon flavoured bread), sausage rolls, bacon epi, and much more. Gopan also does weekly specials which are worth checking out. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2I5RGsWsJ/ Gopan closed five weeks ago but it officially reopens the week of the 11th April. They are based on the Killarney Road in Bray, and open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They also deliver to Dublin (which is great news for me). Header image via Instagram/gopan_ie READ ON: Drive-thru coffee in Ireland - the ultimate guide