As ‘Karachi Bakery’ faces hate, ‘Bombay Bakery’ gets affection

After a BJP mob attacked ‘Karachi Bakery’ in Hyderabad, India, people in Hyderabad, Sindh, have responded with heartfelt praise for their own ‘Bombay Bakery’

SITUATIONER

May 14, 2025

IN a heartfelt show of affection, residents of Hyderabad in Pakistan have rallied in support of their beloved ‘Bombay Bakery’ following a nationalist attack on the ‘Karachi Bakery’ in Hyderabad, India.

The incident in India occurred last week, before a ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan, following a tense military standoff that saw both sides exchange missiles and artillery. The vandals, affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, were seen wearing saffron shawls, trampling Pakistani flags, and chanting anti-Pakistan slogans. According to The Wire, footage of the vandals striking the bakery’s signage — targeting the word ‘Karachi’ — circulated widely on social media.

This is not the first time ‘Karachi Bakery’ has been targeted. In 2019, a branch in Bengaluru was compelled to cover the word ‘Karachi’ on its signboard after a mob mounted a protest outside. At the time, Scroll.in reported that the Bengaluru Police Control Room had confirmed receiving an emergency call relating to unrest at the Indiranagar location.

In stark contrast, social media users in Pakistan responded with warmth and pride for ‘Bombay Bakery’ in Hyderabad, Sindh — celebrated for its legendary cakes and century-old legacy. Owned by the Thadani family, the bakery marked its 100th anniversary in 2011 and remains a cherished fixture in the city, known for its fiercely loyal clientele.

According to Dawn, Fashion designer Deepak Perwani denounced the “shameful behaviour” displayed in India and noted, “No one, absolutely no one, ever lays a finger on their [Bombay Bakery’s] shops.”

An X user highlighted the bakery’s legendary status, praising its “super special cake that flies off the shelves faster than you can say ‘yum’!” The cake in question is the iconic coffee cake — renowned for creating long queues and often selling out within minutes, despite attempts to restrict sales to two cakes per customer.

Another user pointed out that ‘Bombay Bakery’ in Pakistan often had queues of customers over that cake. The bakery is famous for long lines and selling out their cakes in mere minutes, despite their frantic efforts at limiting the number to two per customer.

“Even in Hyderabad, Pakistan, the most iconic bakery is the ‘Bombay Bakery’,” someone wrote. “From early morning until closing time, people line up outside its doors. The bakery’s cakes have become a cherished staple that are often gifted as tokens of affection and celebration.”

Others affectionately said that the bakery was Pakistan’s “pride”. A netizen said the bakery was “the pride of Pakistan”.