We live in an age of social media, where the concept of food has taken to screens with a viral catch. Especially in Mumbai, cafes continue to mushroom across town with one goal – getting viral. However, more often than not, the virality comes at the cost of ingredients, customer loyalty, and aesthetics over flavours. And for those seeking nostalgia, the only spaces left are those with a well-established pin on the map. But then, in a quiet bustling corner of Bandra, a foodie decides to open a space of love rooted in nostalgia AND flavour. That’s exactly how Zaro Bakehouse and Gifting Studio came to be. Reopened after a short break on the iconic 15th Street in Bandra West, this little neighbourhood bakehouse is on a mission to revive the old-school charm of thoughtfully made treats and the warmth of belonging.
Zaro bakehouse and gifting studio
The bakehouse began as a passion project of a single mother rebuilding a brand out of sheer love for cooking and sharing. Zaro was founded by Roshni Sayyed and her mentor and co-founder, Zaki Ahmed, a name behind Jodhpur’s legendary 15 AD bakery, which started in 1966. In fact, the name ZaRo is an amalgamation of the two names, bringing Zaki’s instinct and experience in the bakery business and Roshni’s sheer love and eye for detail.
Zaro – The Space
Getting to Zaro requires intention. You don’t find Zaro; Zaro finds you. Walking through the hustle of Linking Road, the modest red-washed boxed building presents its warm outdoors. Bold signage and a fairy-lit glass window with cane baskets and towering macarons say all that you can find inside. As you enter the cosily lit, barely 4-seater space, the noise quietly defuses, replaced with the warmth of coffee, ecstatic desserts, and towering boxes of cookies. The inside may not be overcrowded with clickbait aesthetics, but it stands for what it does. The desserts remain the star, placed safely behind the glass where you can easily choose a favourite with a quick cup of coffee to go.
Desserts to-go
The selection remains a mix of old school and new. The core, however, remains the use of premium and organic ingredients at a fraction of the price. Starting with Sour Cherry Slice, a bite of which takes you straight back to childhood birthday Black Forest Cake. The catch here is the modest use of mascarpone cheese with chocolate and homemade cherry compote heartily stuffed within. Or, if you are looking for seasonal favourites, try the Mango Berry Kunafa slice with spongy pistachio cake, crunchy kunafa, and a delightful mix of fresh berries and juicy mangos. The generous use of mascarpone cheese steals the show.
For a Nawabi shaan, the giant can of Umm Ali (or Om Ali) is a must-try. Carrying the memories of the beloved Bread Pudding, this Egyptian dessert undergoes a premium twist. Rich in condensed milk and generously sprinkled with dry fruits atop soft croissants, the dessert is easily shareable. Eat it warm or straight out of the fridge; a spoonful never disappoints. Moreover, for lovers of croissants, yet another must-try is the strawberry-stuffed almond croissant. A crispy and buttery bite of the almond-covered croissant with fresh strawberry compote and coffee is a match made in heaven.
Something for everybody
Zaro belongs to everyone, and everyone belongs to Zaro. To cater to distinct tastes and diets, they have vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and sugar-free varieties too. The almond flour dark chocolate pastry is a must-have for any chocolate lover with or without dietary restrictions. Nevertheless, if you are keen, you can pre-order desserts of your choice according to any dietary restrictions. And, if you find yourself dragged here by your sweet tooth bestie, then take a chance at their oven-fresh pies, Korean cream buns, and saucy croissant pizzas (yes, they are named “croizzas”).
Additionally, they sell pure ghee, sweet and savoury butter cookies, made in Jodhpur with the best of Indian ingredients. Each cookie comes wrapped, making it perfect for a quick takeaway snack.
Zaro – Gifting Studio
The craft of gifting feels personal at Zaro, because each is perfectly curated for the occasion. And, no two hampers are ever the same. The package comes stacked with flavoured & almonds, homemade butter cookies, hot chocolate mix, tea mix, and so much more. Apart from their occasion-based gifting hampers, the highlights are their mood-based hampers. Want to comfort your girlfriend on periods? Go for a PMS Comfort Hamper. Bestie going through a breakup? Send them a Breakup Package. Planning a late night? Get yourself a Late Night hamper. As we said, options are endless, customise your own or let them choose for you.
With a cute manager at your service, you will not regret the experience.
Key Information
đź“… Monday to Sunday
⏰11 AM to 12 PM
💸₹500/- for two
đź“ŤShop 10, Plot 407, Shiv Darshan, Pali Market, Near Noble Medical, Linking Road, Bandra West
