Ajmeri’s Bakery in Kolkata, a 200-year-old institution near Bow Barracks, continues to preserve the essence of Christmas with its wood-fired ovens and century-old recipes. Famous for fruitcakes and bakarkhanis, the bakery draws festive crowds each December, even as modern regulations threaten its traditional methods and future sustainability.
In the heart of Kolkata, Ajmeri’s Bakery stands as a living testament to tradition. For nearly two centuries, this modest shop has baked Christmas delights that connect generations. Despite modern challenges, its wood-fired ovens still glow, keeping alive the warmth of heritage and festive spirit.
Key Highlights
Historic Legacy: Founded nearly 200 years ago, Ajmeri’s Bakery has been run by the same family for seven generations.
Wood-Fired Tradition: Unlike modern patisseries, the bakery continues to bake fruitcakes and breads in firewood ovens, preserving authentic flavors.
Festive Crowds: Each December, queues form outside Bow Barracks as locals and visitors flock for Christmas treats.
Signature Offerings: Fruitcakes, bakarkhanis, and traditional breads remain the bakery’s most sought-after items.
Uncertain Future: Regulations discouraging wood-fired ovens raise concerns about whether this heritage practice can survive in the years ahead.
Ajmeri’s Bakery is more than a shop—it is a cultural landmark, embodying Kolkata’s festive soul and reminding us that tradition, when nurtured, can outlast time.
Sources: Asianet Newsable