This 113 years old Kolkata's iconic Swiss-style Jewish
bakery was set up by Nahoum Israel, an emigrant from Baghdad. For more than a
century this place still remains a holy spot for all the foodies craving for
brownies, muffins, pastries, tarts, Christmas plum cake or fudge. After Nahoum
Israel opened up this shop in the year 1902 it became an instant hit with the
then British population and the Anglo-Indian community of old Calcutta. Then
the local Bengali foodies also started warming up to these delicacies!
After
Israel, his son Elias took over and then David Nahoum took the reins. Recently
David also passed away at the ripe age of 86 in March, 2013. But Nahoum's
confectionery still remains the same, it is still synonymous to the old
Calcutta. This Swiss patisserie inspired bakery never compromised with their
quality and that is why it is still going strong after so many decades and
through so many generations. The shop has got several famous customers in
recent past as well, like Suchitra Sen, Manna De, Pearson Surita, Bob Wright, Aparna
Sen, Usha Uthup, filmmaker Anjan Dutt, Geoffrey Fisher, etc. The place is one
of the most visited spots of New Market, it is basically the place to do some 'tucking
in' after or in-between shopping sessions at New Market area.
LOCATION ----- The legendary bakery is located inside Hogg
Market, while entering the Hogg Market just ask anyone about Nahoum's and you
will definitely get the directions from him/her :)
AMBIANCE ----- Today also the place maintains that same
vintage look and feel like it was then in 1902. The interiors and the overall
ambiance have never changed and till today it is all the same. When you enter
this place you are in a time warp and for me this enigmatic sense of time
travelling is extremely thrilling apart from the fact that this place in itself
is a gastronomical wonderland.
The place still has got all those age old teak
wood furnitures and structures, high ceilings and old ceiling fans. The place
is not just an over the counter kind-of shop. It has got huge area inside and
is quite spacious. The food products are placed at several locations inside the
shop and you can walk upto them and pick them according to your preference. It
has got one old-fashioned glass showcase where various delicacies are displayed
that will attract the passerby. All these old world charms put together this
place turns out to be an absolute gem of a bakery.
FOOD ----- The food is definitely the strongest point of
this place, the reason why it is still going strong and why people come back to
this place even today when so many new-age bakeries and fancy cake shops are
mushrooming in every part of the city. Even today old loyalists of Nahoum’s
swear by their brownies, fruit cakes, tarts, plum cakes, macaroons, fudge, etc.
Last week when I was again here at this place I tried out several products like:
a) Brownies --- The
brownie available at Nahoum’s is very typical of this place, sort of a
trademark product. It tastes amazing but it is bit dry and brittle in nature, prices
are extremely reasonable and one should try this out for sure.
b) Chocolate Fudge &
Vanilla Fudge --- On my special request a separate assorted packet of chocolate
and vanilla fudge was prepared for me which I carried back home. It is small in
size, one packet has got numerous fudges. I personally love the chocolate fudge
over the vanilla fudge. Both are soft, smooth textured, extremely sweet and
surely they do exude happiness and innocence. Loved by the kids.
c) Heart Cake --- One
simple muffin that is shaped like a heart symbol. It is so unadulterated and
heavenly that you just can’t have one! It is super soft and fluffy and with
every bite you will feel like you are on cloud-nine. And it costs just INR 20/-
per piece.
d) Choc-o-Nut
Biscuits --- Yes, you will get various kinds of hand made biscuits here at this
bakery that will surely entice your tastebuds. I decided to carry back home one
packet of Choc-o-Nut biscuits which are actually very different to taste than
regular chocolate biscuits available elsewhere today. It tastes subtle, not
overtly sweet, a bit dry but has a lasting sense of chocolaty bliss once you
take a bite. It has got desiccated coconut powder, maybe that causes the dryness.
The shapes are in general square but shape and size varies since they are cut
manually. One packet of these biscuits will just cost you INR 35/-.
SERVICE ----- I was really impressed by the enthusiasm of
the people serving at this place, such legendary places rarely can boast of
great service but this place is an exception. The person handling our order was
patient, polite, helpful, well-informed and friendly. He seemed very dedicated
to his job as well. The products were billed pretty swiftly and cash was
accepted at the counter.
OVERALL ----- Here are my granular ratings:
Food quantity: 4/5
Food quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4.3/5
Ambiance: 4.5/5
Service: 4/5
I seriously had an amazing experience each time I visited
Nahoum’s. Apart from all these well known items, they have also got buns, breads,
cookies, etc which taste way better than packaged buns, breads or cookies
available at normal shops. Today after all these years the bakery is running in
a much better way, it has been made more streamlined and efficient. So this
vibrant place will spread more happiness and give us their signature bakery
products for years to come. If you haven’t visited this place then please do
pay a visit. And for tourists, a trip to Kolkata is still incomplete even today
without one visit to Nahoum’s. Let the legend live long!
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment