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For many years, Wenger's, established 1926, has served bakery products that have stood the test of time. The cakes sell in hundreds everyday. But now, new players are showing up in the market and rivalling for consumer attention. After 70 years, the fourth generation of Tandons who run the enduring bakery have begun serving up newer and more sought after snacks such as waffles and hot dogs in the newly-launched Wenger’s Deli right next to the bakery.
A history of Wenger's Bakery
When Wenger's Bakery was opened in 1926, it happened to have been run under the supervision of a Swiss couple, who decided that Wenger's would be the place to pioneer Swiss confectionary. The Wenger's catered to British troops, but they were also harbouring the dream of getting bigger and famous. Quite like the social media influencers who want to live 'the good life'. That is how a ballroom, cafe and a restaurant were also launched on the second floor which became some of the hottest destinations to party. The bakery appealed to their clientele: a mix of British diplomats, socialites, Indian politicians and royalty.
In 1944, the couple after whose surname the bakery was named retired in Dehradun, India. The business was handed over to a young gentleman Mr. Brij Mohan Tandon.
The very change that came post the handover is that once the international clientele disappeared after India gained Independence in 1947, the number of officials coming in became smaller. Gradually, the ballroom, cafe and restaurant shut with the exception of the bakery under the Tandon family.
Knowing that the business was slowing down after the loss of international clientele, Wenger's bakery started to focus on a new target audience - the 'janta' (the hindi word for the masses in India) who had not tasted the exotic desserts from Europe. The menu didn't undergo a lot of change. But the prices dropped to cater to more and more locals who wished to eat fancy food. And the sales boomed.
Wenger's resonates with most people who go there. And so the story of Wenger's continues.
Many national celebrities and esteemed Indian officials have made visits such as the famous painter MF Hussain and the Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for the amazing selection of baked goods such as sponge cakes, twist bread, swiss chocolates, cookies, pastries, and puffs that are served to this date and are simply iconic.
Recommendations
You must get the classic ol' pineapple cake/pastry and chicken patties which are melt-in-the-mouth delicious and available at the bakery. At the deli, do try the waffles.
