There's a little bit of Poona still left in Pune, not just in terms of architecture. The city houses a long list of old-school bakeries, where the queue still runs as long as it probably did decades ago. Although the city has taken on a cosmopolitan avatar, with popular bakery chains dotting every street, these bakeries continue to rule.
Ask any Punekar about their favourites in the city, and they'll take you straight to one of these bakeries without a doubt. From first dates to birthday treats, the bakeries have been witness to many special days. No wonder people are willing to put themselves through the long wait, blasé servers behind the counter, and the unending crowd, all because of their years of popularity.
The bakeries have retained the taste, the popular goodies have been on the menu for decades and for many, it's a tea-time nostalgia. If you're in the city, do make your way to one of these old bakeries for a buttery bite of Pune's vintage charm and you will keep coming back for more.
Husseny Bakery
This bakery has been a fixture on Taboot Street since 1932. Some of the favourites among its patrons are jam rolls, plum cakes, brun pav, and Irani naan. The bakery is famed for making delicious bakes prepared using recipes passed down through generations. The smell of fresh bakes greets you even before you reach the shop. The melt-in-the-mouth ‘broon’, bread with a crispy crust and a soft centre, has been a favourite of customers for years.
Timings: 6 am to 11.30 pm
Address: 662, Taboot Street Camp
Persian Bakery
For an old-school taste of favourite Parsi bakes to go well with your tea, head to Persian Bakery. It was established as early as 1921 and is loved for its affordable, delicious offerings. Baked items like flaky Bombay khari, luscious butter cookies and nankhatai biscuits stand out in the menu. However, they have added a few contemporary spins to these classic snacks, like lavash herb crackers and cheese papdi crackers.
Timings: 7 am to 9 pm
Address: 383, Kolsa Gali Mahatma Gandhi Road, Camp
Royal Bakery
This iconic bakery first opened its doors in 1910. Since then, it's welcomed young, old, and everybody in between with love. The bakery doesn't just offer delicious cakes and cookies but also an interesting anecdote from history. When it started, it used to sell Peti Pavs to British Officers stationed in Pune pre-Independence. It is especially known for baking the city's best broons, milk bread and glass cakes – tiny tea cakes served in glass cylinders.
Timings: 8 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm (Sundays closed)
Address: 200, MG Road, Camp
Kayani Bakery
Although this bakery is younger by a few decades than its counterparts, Kayani is still considered to be legendary. Established in 1955, the bakery is famous not only among locals but also tourists. Shrewsbury biscuits, mawa cake and choco walnuts are some things you must taste and even pack for later. The bakery continues to woo customers through its wide range of goodies.
Timings: 7.30 am to 1 pm and from 3.30 pm to 8 pm (Sundays closed)
Address: 6, Dr Coyage Road, East Street, Hulshur, Camp
Marz O Rin
A year younger than Kayani, Marz O Rin began in 1965. Situated in the happening MG Road, Marz O Rin is always brimming with people. Be prepared to wait a while before you get your hands on their delicious bakes and sandwiches. Try the chicken roll, old-school chicken and chutney sandwiches and cold coffee.
Timings: 8.30 am to 10 pm
Address: Bakhtiar Plaza, 6, MG Road
