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Food

Pan sobao

A soft, faintly sweet white bread that comes out of island bakeries several times a day. It is the base of local sandwiches, the tripleta included, and the bread that goes with morning coffee. Its cousin is pan de agua, crustier on the outside.

Example

If you walk into a bakery while the pan sobao is still warm, that is the moment to buy it rather than two hours later.

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Related terms

Frequently asked questions

How is it different from pan de agua?
Sobao carries more fat and sugar, so it is soft and slightly sweet. Pan de agua has a harder crust and a drier crumb.
When does it come out of the oven?
Bakeries bake in batches all day. Early morning and mid afternoon are the safest bets.

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