Srinagar, May 31 (KNO): With Eid-ul-Fitr just a few days away, bakery outlets and cafes in summer capital Srinagar are offering innovative high end bakeries to customers. People associated with several of these outlets that have forayed in Kashmir markets quite recently say response from shoppers has been overwhelming. Shariq Bhat, General Manager of The Flora, German Bakery and Café at Raj Bagh told KNO that presence of ‘The German touch’ in the bakery sold at the café is the differentiating factor for the brand.
“It is only our second day of operations today but the café is witnessing a positive response. Market is good and client age is nice as we were already running a bakery brand here. Eid market is always encouraging especially for food items,” Bhat says adding specialties at café are German bakery which is made using high-end ingredients while maintaining a special focus on quality. “We are right now only catering to bulk orders and will be offering our German specialities in next few days as well,” Bhat told KNO.
Cake designer, Farah Tanki who is also based in Srinagar says a healthy response from people who order designer cakes has helped her venture grow. As per this female entrepreneur, word of mouth publicity and social media has played an important role for making her products more popular. “Many images of most of my designed cakes are uploaded there. Sometimes I make cakes as per customers choice as they send me the desired designs,” says Tanki.
“Designer cake-making is witnessing growth day by day. Bakery is a popular item in Kashmir but one need to maintain quality. I am committed to ensure that I deliver quality to the clients. I don’t think there is any sort of recession especially when it comes to bakery,” says Tanki. “People have even started placing orders for the soon to begging wedding season,” she said.
Managing director, Hattrick Group of Industries, Babar Chowdhary says foray of new bakery shops has led to a “healthy competition leading to innovative bakery products being launched in the market,”. “Cakes and pasteries are the most in demand and we continue to roll out quality products. Several pre-booked orders are also being received by out outlets. Many people are asking for decorated customized cakes," Chowdhary told KNO.
Most bakers say an increased demand for decorated cakes is being witnessed by bakery outlets this Eid. “Rush in bakery shops during last two days before Eid is expected to increase. Even most of the leading restaurants and cafes are selling bakery on the eve of Eid and are being frequented by people. Any new concept such as customised cakes clicks well with the people” said general manager of a bakery outlet.
Meanwhile, despite the scorching heat on Friday, shoppers thronged markets across Valley in large numbers to make purchases for the forthcoming Eid-Ul-Fitr, the biggest festival of Muslims. From clothes, accessories, kids wear to home décor and utensils, shoppers were seen busy in making purchases.(KNO)