Rajashri Venkatesh
Whether you're in the mood for mawa cake or bun maska, a freshly baked bread or fresh lamb cutlets, Mumbai is one place which will satiate all your baked goods cravings. Established as early as 1903, these bakeries have played an important part shaping the culture and history of Mumbai. Have a look at these bakeries one must visit in their time in Mumbai!
One of the oldest cafés in the city, Kyani & Co is forever bustling with loyal patrons who drop by for their daily cup of tea (accompanied by khari biscuits). The old-world charm of chequered table cloths and vintage ad posters remains unchanged and continues to bring in taxi-drivers and film stars to college students and professors alike. The cherry custard is a must-have while the ever-popular mava cake disappears in a few hours of being baked.
A1 has never been the best prettiest bakery in Bombay, but you can't really hold that against once you try out their delicious, ridiculously cheap food.
Founded in 1950, Yazdani Restaurant and bakery is one of the oldest and most-loved Irani bakeries of South Mumbai. Yazdani has a large and loyal fan following. May be it’s the feeling of having time traveled into a classic Irani restaurant in Mumbai, or simply the dollops of maska in the bun-maska they offer, Yazdani is full of character – just like your favorite old book lying rugged on your shelf.
B. Merwan & Co. is a century-old Irani café famous for its mawa cakes, which are often sold out shortly after it opens. It was founded in 1914 by Boman Merwan and is now run by his grandsons. Although the café closed - ostensibly for good - in 2014, it re-opened mere weeks later and has continued strong ever since.
It is a great place to savour lush desserts and bakes along with amazing fast food. Their sublime food items truly are a treat to the taste buds. This place offers rich taste at affordable and reasonable prices. Must haves: Tiramisu, Macaron, Cheese Croissant and Chicken Torte.
Irani Hotel which has maintained its old charm n has added new items like Mutton Khima on its menu available on Mon, Wed, n Friday. In the morning try Brun Maska or Bun Maska with Tea. Veg, Mutton Crust Pattice besides a variety of cakes are available throughout the day. A restaurant which does not put a burden on your wallet is worth visiting with family n friends.
Gaylord in Churchgate is not just a restaurant, but a landmark in itself. Born in Mumbai in 1956, it has been serving generations of its patrons since then. It lives upto its moniker with its delightful food and a prized bakery. It is one of the first restaurants in Mumbai which served multi-cuisine food: European, Indian and Continental. Fiercely popular even with expats, eating here is an experience in itself. The food is delicious as well as affordable here, and that’s the reason why Gaylord is a chill-out hangout, attracting a lot of college crowd. Gaylord Mumbai boasts of an extremely diverse group of diners. It has restaurants worldwide. In fact, I tasted Gaylord’s food for the first time in Hong Kong and was enthralled by such wonderful flavours they serve!
The J Hearsch Bakery that flanks Holy Family Hospital is a Bandra landmark that even townies are known to make the pilgrimage to for a hearty meal of burgers, puffs, and freshly-stirred lemonade.
