By Nimisha Goel
If you have been living in Delhi long enough, you know that there was a time when cakes came in only 2 flavors - Black Forrest and Pineapple. Then came the “Chocolate Truffle Cake” that changed everyone’s lives, and all birthday parties served this for decades… until we were finally hit by the flavour revolution - basically we discovered that there was more to life than just chocolate!
It started with little experiments like mixing coffee flavors into chocolate cakes. Case in point - “Breads and more” at N block market GK 1, then known as Hot Breads. And soon after, we were introduced to Cheesecakes, Pies, Mousses, Brownies, Oreo cakes… and all the other desserts we now take for granted.
The sweet treats are also getting smaller by the day, and almost everything is bite-sized now. The pastry has been replaced by muffins and cupcakes, and even tinier options are available in the form of macarons, cakepops etc.
With every new era, a new category of bakeries emerges, each one with its own special offerings. And we're counting our favourites for you.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT |
{Image courtesy: servedwithlove.blogspot.com}
This is where you probably ate your first chocolate truffle; and these cakes were the highlight of most of your birthday parties as a child.
The good part | They have managed to maintain the same standards of quality and taste over the years; you can always count on them.
The not-so-good part | Their most popular dessert is still the “chocolate truffle”
Wengers | This bakery needs no introduction. Started in the pre-independence era, it is the oldest kid on the block and is responsible for bringing cakes into our lives. There is a club of people that still swears by this place and each and every item on its menu; the following are highly recommended - fresh fruit pastry, blueberry mousse, strawberry mousse, chocolate éclairs, hazelnut swiss roll, chocolate tart, strawberry tart, beehive bun and chocolate brownie!
Where | 16, Connaught Lane, Barakhamba; Contact | 01123324373
Maxims | This bakery boasted of the title of 'South Delhi bakery' for decades! Their savoury treats are as yummy as their chocolate cake. Their chocolate truffle and black forrest cakes never go out of style. Their puddings are also a must-must try!
PS: They were also the first to introduce designer cakes for kids’ birthdays!
Where | HS-3, Kailash Colony, Greater Kailash; Contact | 01129238246
Defence Bakery | Another popular bakery that has been around for decades and is perfectly located in one of the restaurant hubs of Delhi. Their muffins are a favorite among many. Also try - apple pie, brownies, cheesecakes, chocolate truffle, chocolate tart and chocolate mousse.
Giving in to recent trends, they have also introduced the red velvet cake.
Where | Branches at Defence Colony and Greater Kailash 2
Others in this category |
Cake Palace | E6, Market, South Extension 2
Sugar & Spice | 58-A Khan Market
LET'S CHANGE THE RULES OF THE GAME |
{Image courtesy: food.com}
These are the places that raised the bar for bakeries, with their new variety of flavours and a sit-down experience, and forced many of the old players to up their game.
The good part | Their fresh take on existing flavours.
The not-so-good part | They tend to be more expensive than the good old bakeries.
Whipped | This one was the first to offer liquor-flavored cakes… their Baileys Alamonde and Kahlua Cake are to die for! Their USP lies in the great fillings they prepare that make the usual chocolate cake way more interesting.
P.S. - do not leave this place without trying their ice creams, especially the “Baileys” and “brownies-and-cream” flavors. Also, for all the fruitcake lovers out there… you want to try their fresh fruit gateau.
Where | E-556, Greater Kailash 2; Contact | 01130146022 ext:869
Angels in My Kitchen | This aptly named bakery is a chocolate lover's dream! Start with the Chocolate Evasion Cake, and also try their Chocolate Mousse and brownies!
Where | Branches at Defence Colony, Vasant Kunj, Greater Kailash 2, New Friends Colony, DLF phase 1 and 3.
Big Chill Cafe | Although it does not fall into the category of a bakery, considering their extensive dessert menu and its popularity, they can give most bakeries a run for their money. Each and every dessert on their menu is full of promise, and some of the more popular ones are the chocolate super-fudge brownies, squidgy cake, chocolate mousse, mississippi mud pie, blueberry cheesecake, banoffee pie and the apple crumble.
Where | Branches at Kailash Colony market, DLF Place Mall Saket, DLF Promenade Vasant Kunj, Khan Market.
Others in this category |
Chokola | Branches at Khan Market, Vasant Kunj, Saket, DLF Phase 4
Birdy's | Branches at Greater Kailash 2, Geetanjali Enclave, Paschim Vihar and Mukherjee Nagar
Open Oven | Branches at Greater Kailash 2, Charmwood Village, Jasola and New Friends Colony
BRINGING IN THE NEW
{Image courtesy: everybodyloveskrissy.blogspot.com}
These are bakeries as we know them now… they produce desserts borrowed from the cuisines of the world and have managed to influence the flavor preferences of many.
The good part | The new types of desserts that they have introduced to the market.
The not-so-good part | They mostly excel at the specialties they offer; the classic flavours are not reason to go here.
Elma’s Bakery | They brought Red Velvet into our lives, and made it so popular that it is gradually finding itself on most menus. {Cases in point are Chokola, Defence Bakery, and Cinnabon}
Where | Branches at Hauz Khas Village and Meherchand Market
L'Opera | The only French bakery in Delhi; famous for its various flavors of macarons. Beware though, it drills quite a hole in your pocket!
Where | Branches at Vasant Kunj, Khan Market, Saket, Hauz Khas Village and DLF phase 4
Cha Bar | This one of a kind tea bar is known for its 155 varieties of tea, but they also serve some great desserts. Must try their Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Where | Oxford Bookstore, Connaught place; Contact | 01123766083
Others in this category |
Pink Box | B 1/30, Hauz Khas
Maison des Desserts | T 49 BS, Hauz Khas Village
Red Moon Bakery | M 76, Main Market, Greater Kailash 2
About the Author | Nimisha is the founder at 'All Things Yummy', and sells designer cakes and cupcakes. Her venture started as a food blog for sharing cooking and eating experiences. She truly believes that all things that taste good should also look great; which you can see in her culinary creations. Read more at Allthingsyummy.in
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