Pune's Beloved Shrewsbury Biscuit: A Sweet Legacy from UK to Irani Bakeries
For any resident of Pune, the name Shrewsbury biscuit evokes immediate recognition. This light, delicately crumbly, and buttery sweet treat has become synonymous with the city, despite its origins tracing back to a town in the United Kingdom. Historical cookbooks from the 17th century, such as The Compleat Cook from 1658, mention Shrewsbury cakes or biscuits, describing them as rich and shortbread-like. Interestingly, while the biscuit bears the name of Shrewsbury, England, it is hardly a part of local life there today, surviving mostly in cookbooks, culinary trivia, Christmas markets, and as souvenirs. Yet, thousands of kilometers away in Pune, it has found a true home and fan club.
From British Roots to Pune's Irani Bakeries
The journey of the Shrewsbury biscuit to Pune is closely tied to the legacy of Irani bakeries, which have been selling it for generations. One story credits an 18th-century baker named Mr. Palin with its creation, but it is in Pune where the biscuit has truly been made famous. As Pooja Sahasrabudhe, an entrepreneur, recalls, "It was a nice tea time ritual with my grandparents, so there's a bit of nostalgia attached to it. I haven't really had Shrewsbury from anywhere else; it's unique to Pune." This sentiment is echoed by many Punekars, who have even included Shrewsbury in wedding hampers, highlighting its cultural significance.
The Crumbly, Buttery Magic of Shrewsbury
For the uninitiated, the Shrewsbury biscuit is a pale golden, buttery shortbread-style treat that crumbles and melts in the mouth with a rich, sweet taste. Ved Dhadphale, another entrepreneur, describes it as "the crème de la crème of cookies" and shares his favorite source: Kayani Bakery. Satyajeet, an entrepreneur, notes that during his childhood, good quality biscuits weren't easily available, making Shrewsbury a special request when visiting Camp area. "It would dip well in milk, particularly, and wouldn't fall apart that easily," he adds. Abhishek Jain, also an entrepreneur, associates it with full-on nostalgia, recalling binges during school days and preferring Royal Bakery for its authentic taste.
Iconic Pune Bakeries and Their Shrewsbury Stories
Several historic bakeries in Pune have played a key role in preserving and popularizing the Shrewsbury biscuit, each with its own unique story:
- City Bakery: Established in Camp, this bakery uses machines that are over 50 years old and came with a lifetime guarantee. It offers both egg and eggless varieties of Shrewsbury. Salamat Irani, the third-generation owner, shares a memorable incident: "Once, I had a customer from the town of Shrewsbury who tasted our biscuit, bought half a kilo, and said it was better than the one found there. I'll always remember this because I've never encountered anyone from Shrewsbury before."
- Kayani Bakery: Located on the same spot as a pre-independence Italian eatery named E. Muratore, with the letters "EM" still engraved on the facade, this bakery is a go-to for many Shrewsbury lovers.
- The Royal Bakery: Housed in a building designed during British rule in the mid-1800s, which is older than the bakery itself, it remains a favorite for its nostalgic appeal.
- Husseny Bakery: Established in 1932, it first operated in Bhawani Peth before moving to Taboot Street in the Camp area, where it continues to serve this iconic treat.
- Naaz Bakery: Started in 1938, it is one of the oldest bakeries in town, contributing to the long-standing tradition of Shrewsbury in Pune.
In conclusion, while the Shrewsbury biscuit may have British origins, it is Pune that has embraced and elevated it into a cherished part of the city's culinary identity. Through generations of Irani bakeries and the nostalgia of locals, this buttery delight continues to crumble its way into hearts and tea-time rituals, proving that sometimes, the best stories are baked into the simplest of treats.
