Saldanha Bakery
On the threshold of a century, this is one of Kolkata&rsquos popular bakeries which is being run by the same family. It was founded by a Goan couple Ignatius and Ubelina Saldanha in 1930. Each generation has added to the products on offer and improved upon the services. Although the company has got a makeover with a new logo and an extended menu, they have retained the warmth of yore. During Christmas, they offer a walnut cake, and British Tea Time cake that are to die for. You canm also pick up a range of sweet things like coconut macaroons, lemon drops, blueberry muffins, to name a few. They also have cheese puff, chicken patties and chicken sausage rolls.
Address 19, Nawab Abdur Rahman Street, Kolkata 700016
J N Barua Food Products
Unless you are looking for it, you will probably miss this nondescript shop tucked inside a lane near central Kolkata&rsquos once well-known Anglo-Indian quarters &ndash Bow Barracks. Founded by JN Barua, this over 70-year-old bakery has its own fan following. They are known for the wine cakes prepared in the winter. They also make a special cake from &lsquochenna&rsquo or cottage cheese. Don&rsquot forget to sample their range of patties, with fillings made from vegetables to mutton and chicken.
Address 6 Robert Street, Kolkata 700012
Nahoun & Sons
According to old timers, Christmas in Calcutta (the former name of Kolkata) was never complete without a rich fruit cake from Nahoum&rsquos. Founded by Israel Mordecai, a Baghdadi Jew, in 1902, it is still run by the family. A living legend, they hardly need to advertise. The shop is always full of customers checking out shelves and teakwood and glass display cases heaving with fruit and plum cakes, cream filled pastries, rum balls, walnut and chocolate brownies, lemon tarts, and more. You must pick up a loaf of their fresh garlic bread, and a packet of their famous marzipan.
Address F-20, Hogg Market (New Market), Lindsay Street, Kolkata 700087
Flurys
On the threshold of a century, this once dainty tearoom (founded in 1927 by Mr and Mrs J Flury), on Park Street, has gone through a lot of changes to emerge as a popular restaurant. But its fame remains undiminished. They have launched chain outlets across the city. And you will also find them at the airport. If you are in Kolkata for Christmas, do check out the cake mixing ceremony. The bakery is known for their plain and fruit cakes, rum balls, pastries, cream rolls, and chocolates.
Address 18 Park Street, Kolkata 700071 (and outlets across the city)
Kookie Jar
In 1985, Kolkata resident Lovey Burman started a small corner bakery and café on Rawdon Street. But it did not take long for the word to spread about her special cakes, pastries, and savories. And although the company had its share of business problems, the brand did manage to come out of it riding on its goodwill. Don&rsquot forget to check out their range of amazing pastries, and tarts. Apart from their flagship store (whose official address is Shakespeare Sarani), they also have a limited number of outlets across the city.
Address Ground Floor, Express Tower, 42A Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata 700017 (and outlets across the city)
