Pune’s 169-year-old bakery serves an iconic bread once loved by Indira Gandhi and Dilip Kumar

Pune and good food with a backstory? That’s a love story in itself. And hidden in the buzzing lanes of Raviwar Peth and Ganesh Peth is a spot that feels like stepping into the past - Roat Bakers, a bakery that’s been around for nearly 170 years. No flashy menus, no trendy twists - just food that’s stayed true to itself.

This place opened its doors in 1857, and honestly, not much has changed since then - and that’s exactly the charm. While the rest of the world keeps chasing the next big food trend, the bakery is busy doing its thing: making its iconic roat. It’s a sweet, fragrant roti that regulars absolutely swear by. One bite, and you get why - it has that warm, nostalgic feel, like something your grandparents would insist is “just like the old days.”

The ingredients are simple, but don’t be fooled - they come together beautifully. Rava, sugar, ghee, cardamom, poppy seeds, dry fruits like cashews and almonds, plus milk and khoya. That’s it. But the end result? Rich, slightly heavy in a good way, and packed with flavour. It’s the kind of sweet that doesn’t just taste good - it feels special.

And it’s not ridiculously priced either. One roti is about ₹60, but hardly anyone buys just one. People usually go all in - ₹600 for a dozen regular ones, and around ₹960 if you want the fancier version.

But what really makes this place stand out is the family behind it. This isn’t just a shop; it’s a legacy. The fifth and sixth generations are now running it, with a big part of the family still involved in the day-to-day work. Add a team of about 20 workers, and you’ve got a place that runs on habit, history, and a lot of heart.

Here’s something you don’t see every day - they still let customers bring their own ingredients and get the rotis made. Sounds unusual now, but for many families, especially during festivals or religious occasions, this is a tradition they’ve held onto for years.

In fact, the custom of offering these rotis during Muharram is said to have started right here. Earlier, the bakery would only open for a couple of months around that time. But as more people got hooked - especially in the ’90s - it became a full-time operation.

And when we say people love it, we mean it. Some customers don’t just buy a box or two - they walk away with 50 to 100 kilos in one go. Yes, really.

Over the years, this little bakery has found fans far beyond Pune. From different parts of Maharashtra to places like Canada, Dubai, and Australia, people somehow manage to get their hands on these rotis. Even some well-known names have dropped by, including Indira Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Dilip Kumar.

In a city that’s always moving forward, the bakery feels like a rare pause. Nothing fancy, nothing over-the-top - just honest food, made the same way for generations. And maybe that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Have you tried the roat yet?