In December, it seems like Bengaluru gets all decked up and throws a party. If you walk through the city at this time of the year, you will spot a Christmas tree outside almost every shop, hear carols as you pass through busy streets, and smell the irresistible aroma of freshly baked biscuits, gingerbread, plum and rum cakes coming from bakeries dotted across the city.
OT selects a few must-visit places to pick up your hamper of Christmas baked goods from.
This well-known brand began in 1969 when VP Thomas came to the city with his brother from Kerala and started a family run bakery business. The bakery believes in community building and bonds over plum cake mixing gatherings that the family holds annually to offer freshly baked plum cakes during Christmas. Their matured plum cake enriched with apricots, walnuts, figs and raisins, and the local favourites chicken pie and chicken pinwheel should be on your list.
Address: #126/2, Brigade Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Come to the Indian outlet of the NYC bakery (that became famous after a cameo in the HBO drama 'Sex and the City', when Carrie and Miranda were seen having their frosted pink cupcakes) for the 6-inch Plum Loaf Cake, a classic Christmas delight made with a combination of dry fruit, soaked in rum, and spiced fresh fruit baked into a rich dense cake. Their colourfully decorated cupcakes are very popular - there's a constant bustle of regulars who stay queued to buy their favourites. Other Christmas specials include loaves in several flavours including plum cake, marble cream cheese, and the delectable strawberry sour cream. Don't miss out on the tempting Mini Double Crust Apple Pie and Mini Apple Lattice Pie, and do pick up their cookie jars, biscotti jars, and crinkle jars as stocking fillers.
Address: J.K. Plaza, 788, 12th Main Rd, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038. Also at Phoenix Market City, Forum Mall - South Bangalore and Bellandur
You can't miss a visit to Koshy's, especially when their Christmas menus are on the table. The world-renowned cafe founded by PO Koshy in 1952 has been a constant, where conversations flow in such a manner that one doesn't realise when a table of two becomes a twelve-person dinner. Nirmala Govindarajan, the author of the books Hunger's Daughter & Taboo, has written both books while sitting in this cafe and suggests one must-try fish cutlets, the high fibre rolls, cheese and tomato open toasts, and ginger tea.
Address: 39, St Marks Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
For all the vegans tempted with the dessert menus during Christmas, Krumb Kraft has got you covered. From a home bakery till 2019 to a pan Indian delivering outlet and baking institute, Krumb Kraft has come a long way. Samruddhi Nayak, the founder, gives the credit of this success to the acquired taste of customers for their sourdough bread. Christmas Pudding Cookies, Gingerbread, Vegan Plum Cake and the Christmas Stollen are some delicacies you shouldn't miss out on this season. For sourdough breads, order one day in advance as they prepare a fresh batch for each customer.
Address: No 167, 2nd floor, 2nd cross, 4th Main Rd, 2nd stage Indiranagar, Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071
To embrace the festive cheer, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has launched their delightful Christmas Baking DIY hampers. Elevate your celebrations with the Plum Pudding kit, offering handpicked ingredients and instructions by Chef Gaurav Ramakrishnan, for a sophisticated twist to your classic plum cake. Prefer cookies? The Ginger Cookies kit comes in an opulent box with premium pre-measured ingredients, perfect for adding a festive touch to your confectionary delights and spreading joy with loved ones.
Price:
Plum Pudding – INR 2000 + taxes
Ginger Cookies - INR 2000 + taxes
Available for 24 hours pre booking. Please call: +91 9591510193
Address: 1/1 Swami Vivekananda Road, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Halasuru, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008