The bakery I have loved because of baked goods, whose aroma has existed for thousands of years. And during the early Roman empire, baking was developed since roman citizens loved baked goods and demanded them frequently. This love is the art of baking, which was introduced as an occupation around 300 BC. And with the surging demand for baked goods, in 168 BC, Rome established the first bakers’ guild. That! Quite a history.
The aroma of freshly baked meals or treats is satisfying. I love devouring a slice of rich and decadent chocolate cake or chicken puffs with a steaming cup of hot coffee. These delights can instantly lift my spirits, even on the dreariest days. Sitting at my work table, I started to browse bakeries & my eyes caught the picture I clicked of Nahaum and Sons bakery on my last trip to Kolkata. Simply delicious.
Suddenly I realized to check how many old bakeries I have visited so far, mostly pre-independence. The old-world charm of these bakeries has brought back a sense of nostalgia. The whiff of freshly baked goods in a traditional Indian bakery is irresistible. And I being a desert lover, keep on looking for authentic & flavoursome. Let me share my favourite iconic Indian bakeries that I have visited. And interestingly, it dates back to the pre-independence era.
1. Mambally’s Royal Biscuit Factory, Kerala
I visited this bakery on my vacation, and the story of this bakery started in 1880. Mambally Bapu set up the first bakery in Thalasserry. A British planter introduced Bapu to Plum cake, which he used as a diving board. Bapu created his version of Plum cake using a local brew with cashew apples and Kadalipazham bananas. Later it became India’s first Christmas cake. This bakery offers various baked goods, from barley biscuits and plum cake to soup sticks, veg puffs and more. I suggest stopping by this iconic bakery.
- Where: PFWQ+X7R, Palissery, Thalassery, Kerala 670103
- Cost For Two: Ranging from INR 830 – INR 2100
2. Shaikh Brother,Guwahati
Shaikh Ghulam Ibrahim, an enterprising youth from Bengal, first came to Assam in 1885 to execute construction work for the Shillong-Guwahati road being rebuilt by Maula Baux, a well-known contractor. Ibrahim’s family was then doing roaring business at their bakery in Calcutta’s Mirzapur Street, and they realized the potential of a bakery in Assam. The bakery is almost 125 years old, and the famous Gohati bread is soft. Years may have passed since, but the appeal of the bakes and cakes of this famous Gohati Bakery, Messrs Shaikh Brothers, still sustains.
- 195, Hem Baruah Rd, Pan Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam 781001
- Cost For Two: Ranging from INR 150 (approx)
3. Naidu Bakery, Bengaluru
In 1888 in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru, PV Kuppusawmy Naidu started his eponymous bakery. The bakery lived through three generations and nearly a hundred years. The bakery is known for its butter and masala biscuits, honey cakes and elaborately tiered wedding cakes. In 2018 Naidu’s great-great grandson, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, rechristened the bakery Bangalore Connection 1888. They even bake contemporary confections like cheesecakes and mousse—a delectable place to visit.
- Museum Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
- Cost For Two: Ranging from INR 300 (approx)
4. Nahoum & Sons, Kolkata
They were established in 1902 in Hoggs Market’s famous Nahoum’s bakery, specializing in chocolate, marzipan and fudge. Nahoums is a Jewish bakery that still exists. The original teakwood and glass display cases give an old charm to the bakery. Their Christmas cake, also known as the Rich Fruit Cake, is one of their oldest standing items and can last up to three weeks in the winter. They served celebration treat for many years at Raj Bhavan during Republic Day. As a ritual, I visited Nahoums patiently and waited in the long queue to buy cookies & chicken puffs. It’s my all-time favourite.
- F20, Bertram St, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087
- Cost For Two: Ranging from INR 200 (approx)
5. American Express Bakery, Mumbai
Baking since 1908, giant Cheese croissants, plum cakes, Chicken Torte, Cinnamon rolls, Cookies, Pastries, Bread, and Cheesecakes. A century-old bakery that gives my tastebuds a delectable and comforting ride. Until 1944, this bakery used to supply cured meats, butter, and bread to the American ships at Bombay Docks. Francesco Carvalho, a talented, opened a bakery at Falkland Road, in Grant Road, and named it American Express. Later in 1938, he shifted his bakery to Byculla, which still stands tall today. Whenever I m in the city, Lemon tarts and Cheese croissants are always on my list from American Express bakery.
- Plot No 87, Villa Sushma, Hill Rd, Bandra West, Hill Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai.
- Cost For Two: Ranging from INR 250 (approx)
6. Glenary’s, Darjeeling
A bakery that dates back to 1912, the colonial era, & is one of the iconic landmarks of Darjeeling. During the British period, it was known as Vado, famous for its panoramic view of the hills, warm interiors and old-warm charm. The cookies, sandwiches, muffins, pizzas, rolls, and a cup of Darjeeling tea are delicious. I spent a whole day at the bakery, cherishing the food & view.
- Nehru Road Near Clock Tower, Chauk Bazaar, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
- Cost For Two: INR 1200 (Approx)
7. Wenger’s, New Delhi
Wenger’s is one of the most loved bakeries, established in 1926. this Swiss-style confectionery has attained legendary status over the years. One of the oldest surviving establishments in Connaught Place, which offers a wide range of Swiss-style patisserie and flavourful snacks. Chocolate swiss roll, mutton puff, mocha pastry, marzipan and veg baguette. Some weekends as usually spent here with friends & family.
- Shop No: A/16 Near, Road, Rajiv Chowk, Block A, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
- Cost For Two: INR 400 (Approx)
8. Flury’s, Kolkata
The establishment was first opened in 1927. One of the oldest and most well-known bakeries in Kolkata. It has been my favourite place for brunch whenever I am in town. Today it serves various delectable treats such as pastries, chicken cheese sandwiches, puddings and cakes, fresh from the oven. I recommend you all try their almond pastry, baba cake, Viennese coffee, rum balls and mochaccino.
- 18A, Park St, Park Street Area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
- Cost For Two: INR 300 (Approx)
9.Confeitaria 31 De Janerio, Goa
A quaint Portuguese bakery has been serving baked goodies since 1930. When I visited the bakery for the first time, I felt a vintage vibe. It offers a wide range of Portuguese as well as local Goan desserts. Some favourite items on their menu include Swiss rolls, date cake, walnut cake and patties.
- Corte De Oiterio, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
- Cost For Two: INR 500 (Approx)
10. Burma Busicuit Co., Lucknow
Burma Biscuit Company is a renowned bakery brand, originating in 1944 and famous for its irresistible charismatic taste. Late Mr Md founded it. Rafique is starting to sell handmade biscuits from the streets of Aminabad in Lucknow. Did Rafique know it would be a huge brand and part of our household? No. This December, during my Lucknow trip, I visited the bakery to learn that Burma Biscuit Company does not compromise with the classic handmade delicious taste of the biscuits. A lip-smacking taste.
- Faizabad Road, Chinhut, Lucknow 226028.
- Cost For Two: INR 300 (Approx)
As Julia Child said, the more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen. That’s what baking is all about; hence I suggest visiting these iconic pre-independence bakeries.