It&rsquos that time of the year again. Christmas is around the corner - churches are gearing up, streets are being lit and Christmas trees are being brought into households to spread festive cheer. All you need to complete the mood is a fine dining experience.
Should you be visiting Mumbai at the time of Yuletide, there can be few better ways to satiate your hunger than taking a tour of the city&rsquos iconic bakeries and cafes. Here at OT, we select some of the best.
Kyani & Co.
Sitting on the busy streets of Marine Lines, Mumbai, this popular Parsi cafe is one of the oldest in the city, being well over a 100 years old. From gooey pastries and cashew candies to the beloved mawa cakes, Kyani & Co. offers options aplenty for those looking for their dessert fix. You&rsquod also be surprised by the nominal prices of these sweets that are high on taste and quality.
Address Jer Mahal Estate, 657, JSS Rd, Opp. Metro Inox Theatre, Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines, Mumbai 400002
A-1 Bakery
One of the most sought-after bakeries in Mumbai, this Iranian bakery has been a crowd-puller ever since the 1950s, with Christmas seeing exceptionally higher footfalls. Patrons vouch for the authenticity of their plum cake that has remained unchanged for years. Don&rsquot forget to gorge on their lip-smacking apple pies and mawa cakes either.
The shutters open as early as 6 AM, so make your way before the sweets run out of stock.
Address 89 B, Hill Rd, near Holy Family Hospital, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
Yazdani Bakery
A humble set-up, historic interiors and a pleasant aroma welcome you to Yazdani Bakery. Incredible Christmas delicacies await you here - Shrewsbury cookies, ginger biscuits, fresh plum-cake loaf, and more.
Address 11A, Cawasji Patel Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai 400001
American Express Bakery
Another institution that has been running for over a century, this iconic bakery run by the Carvalhos is a must-visit if you wish to sample traditional Christmas treats - Dundee cake, Scottish Christmas cake, apple pies, plum pudding and more. You will find another outlet on Hill Road, a stone&rsquos throw away from the A-1 Bakery.
Address AEB House, 66 A, Mirza Ghalib Marg, Ashadham Colony, Byculla, Mumbai 400008
Vienna Bakery
The special Christmas plum cakes at Vienna Bakery are counted among the city&rsquos best. So, plan a trip early to avoid a long wait in the queue. You can opt for more traditional fare as well - dry fruit cakes, banana wafers, croissants, rolls, pastries, among others.
Address 125, Vakola Pipe Lane, behind St. Anthony Church, Siddharath Nagar, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400055