Bombay Bakery
Following a disturbing incident in Hyderabad, India, where members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vandalised the renowned Karachi Bakery over its name, Pakistanis have responded in a markedly different way — by expressing deep appreciation for their own beloved bakery, the legendary Bombay Bakery in Hyderabad, Pakistan.
On Saturday, saffron-clad BJP workers stormed Karachi Bakery, trampling Pakistani flags and chanting anti-Pakistan slogans, as reported by The Wire. Video footage showed the vandals striking the shop’s signboard with sticks, targeting the word “Karachi” in protest. This isn’t the first such episode — in 2019, another Karachi Bakery outlet in Bengaluru was forced to conceal the word “Karachi” from its sign after mob protests. The Bengaluru Police confirmed receiving a distress call following the unrest.
In stark contrast, Pakistanis took to social media to express admiration for Bombay Bakery — a century-old institution in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Known for its iconic coffee cake, Bombay Bakery has developed a cult following across generations.
Owned by the Thadani family, a Sindhi Hindu household, the bakery stands as a symbol of shared heritage, tolerance, and community affection in Pakistan. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011.
Fashion designer Deepak Perwani called the Karachi Bakery vandalism “shameful” and emphasized that in Pakistan, no one dares harm Bombay Bakery — a sentiment echoed by many netizens.
“Even in Hyderabad, Pakistan, the most iconic bakery is the Bombay Bakery,” one user wrote, praising its enduring popularity.
Others fondly recalled family traditions centered around the bakery’s coffee cake, with some noting how both fathers and grandfathers stood in long lines just to get a box. Despite efforts to ration purchases, the cakes continue to sell out within minutes every day.
Many also highlighted that Bombay Bakery is run by a Hindu family and remains universally adored by Pakistanis of all backgrounds. “We don’t attack names,” one user remarked. “We celebrate taste, tradition, and those who created it.”
While extremist voices in India continue to target symbols of cross-cultural connection, Pakistanis have turned the spotlight on love, legacy, and delicious cake — a sweet rebuttal to hate.
