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Home to old, firewood ovens, Shrewsbury biscuits, and mawa cakes, among others, Kayani Bakery in Pune has been named among the 150 ‘most legendary dessert places in the world’ by Taste Atlas.
Set up in 1955, Kayani Bakery is in 18th place on the list of Taste Atlas, a global food guide that researches thousands of flavours, dishes and local eating and drinking places.
“Known for its traditional Parsi and Iranian baked goods, its mawa cake holds a special place as a beloved treat … Visitors often find themselves in long queues for a chance to enjoy this iconic cake, which has become synonymous with the bakery itself,” said Taste Atlas on its website about the legendary bakery on East Street.
Kayani was started by three brothers — Khodayar, Hormazdiar and Rustom Kayani — who had come to Mumbai, and then Pune, from Iran in search of a better life. The bakery initially sold freshly baked bread, puffs and pastries.
“It is truly overwhelming and immensely joyful to have such a huge honour bestowed upon us, especially since we are a small and unassuming family business. It is an honour not just for us, the partners of the bakery, but also for our family and staff. Congratulatory and heartwarming messages of appreciation have poured in from India and from all over the world,” said Rustom Kayani, one of the partners.
Kayani Bakery stands in the same place to this day and is run by the same family, the grandsons and the next generations of the three brothers.
The building where the bakery is located used to be a restaurant called Muratore and one can still see the letters “EM” on the facade for E Muratore, an Italian confectioner, caterer, and proprietor of his eponymous restaurant.
“It is only because of the loyalty, love and good wishes of our clients and our well-wishers over the years that we have been successful. We hope to carry on this legacy inherited from our ancestors for a long time with all your continued support,” added Kayani.
The other dessert addresses in India where one can stop by for a sweet experience to remember are K C Das, Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick and Flurys, all in Kolkata, K Rustom and Co in Mumbai and Hyderabad’s Karachi Bakery.
For the number one on the list, one would have to travel to Lisbon, where Pastéis de Belém is located on Rua de Belém.
