Ratna G Chotrani/Hyderabad
Show stopper desserts like the Golden syrupy Baklava or delicate desserts like a Kunafa, chocolate coated dates stuffed with dry fruits or wafers sandwiched with date cream and nuts, or its delicate pastries or exquisite mithais. These mouth-watering and unique Eid specialties can only be obtained from a classy bakery like Karachi Bakery of the city.
Karachi Bakery has a slew of offers for you this Eid. There are baklavas –the kind you get at a mithai shop or an airport kiosk - and then there are these from Karachi, the pistachio, hazelnut, pista sultana or the lotus –baklava stuffed with this European biscuits crumbs, Nutella, almonds, cashew or combination of the nuts the contents are tempting.
The baklavas here are buttery, creamy flaky nutty, and rich all at once. Phyllo (dough that can be rolled in thin sheets) is rolled by their chefs into very thin (paper thin) by their Turkey-trained Chef and his team, each one so fine that you can read the newspaper through it.
Kunafa
The phyllo dough is generously brushed with melted butter and layered with a mixture of finely chopped nuts baked to a golden perfection, creating a crispy and flaky exterior.
The other attraction The Kunafa, (also called Knafeh) is a toothsome dessert that can be found at many places in Hyderabad, but the dessert has its origins in the city of Nablus, Palestinian.
Kunafa is to Nablus what waffles are to Belgium or Gelato to Italy. In fact, a man from Nablus holds a Guinness world record for baking the largest Kunafa.
Traditionally eaten at dusk to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, Kunafa is now a delicacy eaten throughout the year. The dessert is a cheesy pastry and when you dig into it. One will realize it indeed is creamy with a distinctive feature of a special orange blossom or rosewater flavored syrup which gives it a fragrant and floral note.
A Chef preparing Kanafa at Karachi Bakery's Kitchen
The finely shredded vermicelli which become crispy when baked with the usual filling of sweetened cheese or a mixture of nuts and sugar are ecstatically divine and a favourite of many.
The Karachi Bakery which has branches all over the city is founded with rare zest and vision. Its desserts and mithai denote luxury and royalty which are some of the core elements of Turkish culture.
Vijay Ramnani of the Karachi Bakery says that their bakery cum cafés are cozy and luxurious space that takes the guests on a culinary journey translating the brand’s values –elegance sophistication and tradition into a physical space that embraces emotion and innovation.
The vibrant store acts as a gallery where elegant Turkish delights by their chef are exhibited in a luxurious setting.
Turkish Baklava displayed at a counter of Karachi Bakery
This Eid, Karachi Bakery has also created Gift hampers where one can unwrap the delight of festivities consisting of assorted eats.
The festival of Eid isn’t limited to fasting; the devout also perform a special prayer service at the mosque, known as salat al-eid. It is also a celebration of togetherness of family friendship amid the sharing of food and gifts.
One of the most cherished traditions during this festival is the art of gifting and the hampers which consist of dry fruits, dates, rose shortbreads, creamy fig biscuits, etc. all artfully and aesthetically packed are a gifting delight.
One of the joys of dessert exploration is discovering how different flavors can complement each other. Combining Baklava and Kunafa can create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
A chief at work in Karachi Bakery, Hyderabad
Imagine the flaky nutty layers of Baklava meeting the crispy aromatic embrace of Kunafa in one delightful bite. Whether you’re enjoying them separately or together, Baklava and Kunafa are a testament to the culinary mastery of the chefs from Karachi Bakery.
The rich history and complex flavors make them ideal choices for special occasions like Eid, celebrations or simply indulging in a sweet treat. They are more than just desserts they are celebrations of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions.
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When you savour these sweet delights, you’re not just enjoying a dessert, you’re experiencing a cultural journey through taste says Rajesh Ramnani.