Regional cuisine may be the country’s specialty, but India is also united in its love for baked goods. From bun maska to Shrewsbury biscuits, India’s bakeries have given customers a taste of everything that comes out of their ovens. Here are five Indian bakeries that have gone on to become very popular:
Flury’s
A couple with the last name Flury founded Kolkata’s sweetheart Flury’s in 1927. It was earlier a tearoom frequented by the British and well off Indians. Flury’s has retained food items from its early years to keep its heritage alive. In the 1970s, new dishes like beans on toast were added. The place was refurbished in 2004 but the exterior and large French windows have remained as they were.
Nahoum & Sons
Founded by Nahoum Israel Mordecai, who was of Baghdadi Jewish descent, Nahoum & Sons has existed in Kolkata since 1902. At the beginning, Nahoum Israel Mordecai’s business model was door-to-door. The confectionery he sold appealed to colonial rulers and the shop—Nahoum and Sons—was born in Kolkata’s New Market. Fruit cakes and macaroons are classic menu items.
Kayani Bakery
Best known for popularising Shrewsbury biscuits (a snack from the time of the Second World War) within India, Kayani Bakery in Pune was established by Hormuz and Khodayar Irani, both of whom fled Iran to come to India. The bakery is known to produce 500kg of Shrewsbury biscuits everyday, which are sold out daily. Besides the biscuits, their mawa cake—a Parsi treat—is also popular.
Wenger’s
Kids in Delhi have grown up seeing cakes from Wenger’s at their birthday parties, and adults have enjoyed their chicken and mushroom patties for years. Started in 1926 by a Swiss couple with the last name Wenger, it was the first bakery in Delhi to produce Swiss chocolates and margarine cakes. Today, the Tandon family manages the establishment. Wenger’s is an expert when it comes to cream rolls.
Yazdani Bakery
Established in the 1950s by Zend Meherwan Zend, Yazdani Bakery in Mumbai has provided food to those who were homeless during the 1992 riots after the Babri Masjid was demolished. The place is popular for its bun maska and chai, and also egg puffs and rum cake. Yazdani Bakery is currently managed by Parvez Irani and is known for baking pillowy pav, which are eaten with keema or as vada pav.
