In the heart of Palma de Mallorca, Fornet de la Soca is more than just a bakery—it’s a cultural treasure. Stepping inside, you’re greeted not only by the aroma of freshly baked bread and traditional pastries but also by a living connection to the island’s rich heritage. While the famous ensaïmada is a staple across the city, this bakery offers a true taste of Mallorca with delights like Peres de la Reina and Panada de Verdures de Son Tei. But the heart and soul of this establishment lie in the story of the couple behind it all — Tomeu and Maria José.
A family journey fueled by passion
The story of Fornet de la Soca began in 2008, a year marked by financial uncertainty and global crisis. Having lost their jobs as a social worker and teacher, Tomeu and Maria José found themselves at a crossroads. But instead of succumbing to despair, they made a bold choice—one that would weave their lives into the cultural fabric of Mallorca. Armed with their life savings and a passion for preserving tradition, they opened Fornet de la Soca, a bakery unlike any other on the island.
“Our mission is to defend the model of a small family business, deeply rooted in the landscape, history, and people of Mallorca,” they explain. For them, it wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about reviving a culinary legacy that had been overshadowed by mass tourism and globalized tastes.
A historic setting with a modern touch
What began as a small shop soon outgrew its original space, and the couple found themselves in a serendipitous moment. While strolling through Palma’s center, they came across the historic Forn des Teatre, with its stunning 19th-century oven still intact. It was a bakery frozen in time, and they knew it had to be theirs. Today, the bakery’s facade, with its florid Art-Nouveau wooden sign, stands as a proud landmark in Plaça de Weyler, adding a timeless charm to the bustling square.
Inside, every corner tells a story. From traditional baking molds hanging on the walls to portraits that celebrate Mallorca’s culinary past, every detail has been lovingly chosen to honor the island’s deep-rooted history. But it’s the pastries themselves that steal the show—each one a tribute to centuries-old recipes revived by Tomeu and Maria José.
Baking the island’s heritage into every bite
At Fornet de la Soca, the past meets the present in the most delicious way. Inspired by fragments of old diaries, cookbooks, and historical records, the bakery specializes in bringing forgotten recipes back to life. Their offerings span an incredible range of sweet and savory treats, each prepared with a commitment not just to the craft, but to the culture that surrounds it.
From the delicate sweetness of Peres de la Reina to the hearty flavors of Panada de Verdures, every bite tells a story of Mallorca’s culinary soul—a story that Tomeu and Maria José have dedicated themselves to sharing with the world.
In a time when global trends threaten to erase local flavor, Fornet de la Soca stands proud as a symbol of resistance, proving that the most meaningful success comes from staying true to one’s roots.
Text by Stephan Rairyan
