A Nice Discovery in Kentlands: Hot Breads

When my feet keeps circling around purposelessly, I know they are leading me to some special place. A morning that began at the small Kentlands farmer’s market without anything finding its way to my canvas bag, was followed by a search for a gas station in fear of being stranded. Just as I was about to give up, but still letting my instincts lead me, I noticed the bright colors of the station across the street. When I pulled up to the station, I saw the real reason for my tires leading me in this direction: “Hot Breads Bakery”

Despite the curiosity of my brain, I managed to satisfy my gas tank first. And as soon as I could, I walked in the Hot Breads Bakery only to face a beautiful, colorful cake display. In various shapes and flavors, most importantly, in slices. When you have an appetite and curiosity like mine, it seems wasteful to spend it on one large cake. So, I could try a number of things in this place, without having to buy big cakes. After a couple of minutes, I turned around to discover the real delicacies, a number of croissants, and puff pastries filled with exotic ingredients like chili, paneer cheese, etc.

But the real winner was behind the display: Thanks to the Indian family who had come in before me, I could see the warm and crispy pockets of tandoori chicken wraps coming out of the oven. And I knew they were exactly what I wanted. Matched with a perfectly balanced mango lassi, they became the best “fast lunch” I had in a long time. You may consider the $6.50 wrap a little on the expensive side especially with the not so large American-style filled to the rim exploding with ingredients size, but you will not look back once you had a bite. The tender chicken is nicely balanced with the spices, and is a nice contrast with the cool lettuce and the crispy yet thin bread wrapping the ingredients in a nice pocket. And of course my mango lassi is the perfect accompaniment.

If you have space left, you may want to try a slice of the many types of cakes. But if, like me, you want to hang on to the happy taste in your mouth, I recommend that you get a couple to go to share with those at home or in the office. That way you can probably match it with a good latte or espresso as well, instead of the runny filtered coffee at the shop.

Hot Breads Café offers a variety of savory and sweet pastries in addition to cakes, cookies, and a number of sandwiches and wraps. Kentlands has a variety of options when it comes to food, however if you are short on time, don’t want to circle for a parking spot, or prefer something easy to grab and go, give this place a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…

Hot Breads Bakery 7 Cafe: 70 Market Street (Kentlands), Gaithersburg, MD 20878

(301) 977-1919 http://www.hotbreadsmddc.com/