Written by: Alister Augustine
4 min readPuneDec 20, 2024 09:05 PM IST
First published on: Dec 20, 2024 at 09:05 PM IST
(With inputs from Shubham Kurale)
Long before the arrival of new-age franchises in Pune, a few family-run bakeries were perfecting the craft of baking Christmas cakes. These bakeries have not only stood the test of time but also helped preserve and shape the city’s festive traditions. These signature Christmas cakes, made with traditional recipes and a strong commitment to quality, continue to delight locals every holiday season.
Husseny Bakery: A Tradition Since 1932
Husseny Bakery, established in 1932, is known for its old-world charm. Dr. Yusuf Irani, the current head of the bakery, takes pride in continuing the tradition of making Christmas cakes. “Our bakery has stayed connected with the community and its traditions,” says Irani. The bakery specialises in classic pastries, including its famous plum cakes. They bake using both wood-fired and gas ovens, with many customers preferring the unique flavor of the wood oven. Prices here are extremely affordable, ranging from Rs 120 to 160. In addition to traditional offerings, the bakery has also introduced new items like cheesecakes and banana cakes, offering a mix of traditional and modern cake options.
Rum cake is one of the Christmas classics.
Persian Bakery: A Slice of Heritage
Persian Bakery is another iconic establishment in Pune, known for its rich plum and rum cakes, the Christmas classics. The bakery stays true to its century old recipes with the manager saying, “Each bite is a slice of our legacy, a celebration of timeless flavours.” The plum cakes are made with premium dried fruits soaked in rum, giving them a distinct taste. Using traditional methods, the bakery continues to offer a perfect blend of flavour and history during the festive season.
Royal Bakery: A Century of Tradition
Located on MG Road in Camp, Royal Bakery has been serving Pune residents since 1914. Founded by S.A. Irani, now run by his great-grandson Yohan Irani, the bakery has become a stalwart in Christmas cakes. “We still follow the original recipe, soaking fruits in rum for three months before baking,” says Yohan. Their plum cakes, priced at Rs 190 rupees per pound, remain a holiday favourite. Despite the digital age, Irani values personal connections with customers, saying, “We do not believe in online deliveries. Personal connections matter to us.”
Pasteur Bakery: Homemade Goodness Since 1939
Pasteur Bakery in Camp has been a go-to spot for Christmas cakes for 85 years. Run by the third generation of the Yaveri family, it’s known for its moist plum cakes, fruit cakes, and chocolate walnut cakes. Prices range from 120 to 170 rupees per pound, reflecting the bakery’s commitment to quality. “We prioritize quality, even if it means lower margins,” says Hassan, the fourth-generation owner. Pasteur Bakery has adapted to modern times by offering delivery through apps like Dunzo and others while maintaining its strong focus on tradition.
Since 1955, Imperial Bakery has been a Christmas cake favourite in Pune.
Imperial Bakery: A Christmas Favourite Since 1955
Since 1955, Imperial Bakery has been a Christmas cake favourite in Pune. Founded by Sorab Irani and now run by his son Farokh, the bakery is known for its iconic plum cakes, which are prepared 40 days before baking, with dried fruits soaking in wine for the perfect flavour. Their Christmas cakes are priced around Rs 380 rupees per pound, fairly pricier than the other options. The bakery, however, remains popular due to their traditional recipes, dedicated staff, and focus on quality. Imperial Bakery also offers delivery through food delivery apps to meet the needs of today’s customers.
Signature Christmas cakes, made with traditional recipes and a strong commitment to quality, continue to delight locals every holiday season. (Express Archives) 
Rum cake is one of the Christmas classics.
Since 1955, Imperial Bakery has been a Christmas cake favourite in Pune.
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