Mumbai, often hailed as India’s food capital, is home to a diverse array of culinary experiences. While the city’s street food, fine dining, and fusion cafes often steal the spotlight, there’s a hidden gem that’s been quietly charming locals and tourists alike for decades—its historic bakeries. These iconic bakeries have been serving up classic treats that have stood the test of time, offering a taste of nostalgia in every bite. If you find yourself in Mumbai, these timeless bakery items are a must-try.
1. Bola (Buns) – The Old-World Softness
If you step into any old bakery in Mumbai, you’ll most likely encounter Bola, also known as “Buns” in local parlance. These soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread rolls have been a staple in Mumbai’s bakeries since the early 20th century. The Bun Maska, often enjoyed with a dollop of butter, is a popular Mumbai breakfast. Bakeries like Kyani & Co. and Britannia & Co. in South Mumbai serve these buns fresh, making them a perfect comfort food to start the day.
2. Mawa Cake – A Rich, Sweet Tradition
Mawa cake is a decadent, dense, and aromatic treat made with khoya (mawa), cardamom, and a variety of nuts. It’s a traditional Parsi cake that has found a permanent place in Mumbai’s bakery culture. These cakes are often subtly spiced and packed with rich flavors, offering a unique taste compared to typical Western cakes. Ideal Bakery and Gulati’s are some legendary spots to try this indulgent dessert.
3. Samosas – A Crispy Classic
Although samosas can be found across India, Mumbai’s bakeries serve an irresistible version of this deep-fried pastry, with a spiced potato or meat filling. The combination of a golden, flaky exterior with a savory filling is something Mumbai’s bakeries have perfected over the years. Shree Tandoor Bakery and Aaram Vada Pav serve crispy, flavorful samosas that locals have been flocking to for generations.
4. Chutney Sandwiches – A Tea-Time Essential
The humble chutney sandwich is a signature snack at Mumbai’s vintage bakeries. Made with simple ingredients like white bread, green chutney, and cucumber slices, these sandwiches pack a punch of flavor. They’re often enjoyed during tea-time or as a quick snack. Shree Mithai and Sassanian Bakery offer the perfect version of this timeless sandwich that Mumbai has loved for decades.
5. Raspberry Ribbons – A Sweet, Tangy Indulgence
For something on the sweeter side, try the Raspberry Ribbon, a cake with raspberry syrup soaked in soft sponge layers, topped with whipped cream. The layers of spongy sweetness paired with tangy fruit have made it a nostalgic favorite in Mumbai. Old bakeries like Mervan’s have perfected this dessert, ensuring a delightful treat that stays true to its classic roots.
6. Milk Biscuits – A Vintage Biscuit Delight
Milk biscuits, often known for their slightly crumbly texture and a hint of sweetness, are a classic bakery item in Mumbai. These are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, a customary snack in Mumbai’s homes and tea stalls. Bandra’s Baked & Broiled and Suryawanshi Bakery serve these old-school treats, bringing back the taste of Mumbai’s yesteryears.
7. Pav – The Unsung Hero of Mumbai Cuisine
Every Mumbai food lover knows Pav, a soft, fluffy bread roll often used to serve the city’s most beloved dishes like vada pav and pav bhaji. However, the pav from Mumbai’s historic bakeries has its unique flavor—slightly sweet, warm, and perfect for soaking up spicy gravies. The famous Ashok Vadapav in Dadar and Anand Stall in Ville Parle serve pav that pairs perfectly with spicy street snacks.
8. Cinnamon Rolls – Sweet, Spicy, and Aromatic
Cinnamon rolls, though not as widely popular in India as in the West, have carved a niche in Mumbai’s vintage bakeries. The warm, aromatic cinnamon filling inside soft, fluffy dough, topped with sugar glaze, makes for a perfect indulgence. Bakeries like Bakers Street and Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar offer these melt-in-the-mouth rolls that keep patrons coming back for more.
9. Pineapple Pastry – A Fruity Celebration
The pineapple pastry is another popular treat that has stood the test of time. With layers of sponge cake, a fruity pineapple topping, and a hint of whipped cream, this cake has become a quintessential Mumbai bakery item. A visit to Shree Krishna Bakery and K. Rustom’s in South Mumbai is incomplete without enjoying a slice of their signature pineapple pastry.
10. Frankie Rolls – The Mumbai Fast Food Classic
Though more of a savory than a sweet bakery item, the Frankie roll deserves mention in this list of classic Mumbai delights. The Frankie, a spiced filling wrapped in a soft paratha, has been a staple street food for decades. Originally popularized by Baskin Bakery and Baskin Roll, it has become a fast food staple in Mumbai’s bakeries, offering a quick and delicious meal option.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s bakeries offer more than just a bite of nostalgia—they offer an opportunity to savor the city’s rich culinary history. Whether it’s a soft bun with butter, a rich mawa cake, or a crispy samosa, each bite transports you to a different time, a time when Mumbai’s bakeries were the heart of the community. So, the next time you’re in the city, make sure to stop by these iconic bakeries and enjoy the treats that have been feeding Mumbaikars for generations.
