India has a rich and diverse culinary tradition, and its bakery products are no exception. While traditional Indian sweets and snacks play a significant role in Indian cuisine, the country has also embraced various baked goods from around the world. Here are some bakery products commonly used in India:
- Bread:
- White Bread: Plain white bread is widely consumed in India, often used for making sandwiches.
- Brown Bread: Whole wheat or multigrain bread is also popular, especially among health-conscious consumers.
- Sweet Breads: Varieties of sweet bread, such as fruit bread, are enjoyed as snacks or for breakfast.
- Buns and Rolls:
- Pav: A type of soft bread roll used to make Mumbai’s famous street food, pav bhaji, and vada pav.
- Burger Buns: Used for making burgers and other sandwiches.
- Ladi Pav: A set of small, soft rolls used in Mumbai for street food like pav bhaji.
- Cakes:
- Sponge Cake: Plain sponge cakes and variations like vanilla and chocolate are commonly enjoyed.
- Fruit Cakes: Fruitcakes are popular, especially during Christmas.
- Pastries: Varieties of pastries with cream or fruit fillings are readily available in bakeries.
- Black Forest Cake: A chocolate sponge cake with layers of cream and cherries is a popular dessert.
- Plum Cake: A rich, fruity cake enjoyed during the holiday season.
- Cookies and Biscuits:
- Parle-G: Perhaps one of the most iconic biscuits in India, enjoyed with tea.
- Bourbon: A chocolate cream-filled biscuit.
- Marie Biscuits: Light, sweet biscuits often used in desserts.
- Nankhatai: A type of shortbread cookie.
- Khari Biscuits: Puff pastry biscuits enjoyed with tea or coffee.
- Puffs and Pastries:
- Vegetable Puffs: Puff pastry filled with spiced vegetables.
- Chicken/Mutton Puffs: Similar to vegetable puffs but filled with minced meat.
- Veg/Chicken/Mutton Patties: Pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables.
- Baked Savories:
- Mathri: A deep-fried, flaky, and spiced snack, but there are also baked versions available.
- Bakarwadi: A popular Maharashtrian snack with a sweet and spicy filling.
- Baked Samosas: Traditional deep-fried samosas are also available in baked versions.
- Papdi: Thin, crispy snacks often enjoyed with tea.
- Pizzas and Baked Pasta:
- Pizza and pasta, both traditional and with Indian twists, are widely enjoyed, especially in urban areas.
- Doughnuts:
- Doughnut chains and local bakeries offer a variety of doughnuts.
- Croissants and Danish Pastries:
- Croissants and Danish pastries are available in upscale bakeries and cafes in urban areas.
- Cupcakes and Muffins:
- Varieties of cupcakes and muffins are enjoyed as snacks or desserts.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: With increasing health awareness, bakeries in India are also offering gluten-free and vegan baked goods to cater to a wider audience.
These are just some of the popular bakery products used in India. The country’s love for baked goods has led to a fusion of traditional Indian flavors with international baking techniques, resulting in a unique and delicious array of options.