Best Heritage Bakery J. Hearsch (Since 1920) is a Must visit in Mumbai
Grab the best freshly baked puff's, patties, croissants, samosas, pastries, hot dogs, sandwiches, rolls, chocolate balls, burgers and other delicious savoury items just under Rs 100 at J. Hearsch Bakery which is extremely economical, budget-friendly and of great quality. Located near Holy Family Hospital this is no less than any other old heritage destination to visit in Mumbai as it is a century old bakery with a rich history and background.
When Great Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, the German baker J. Hearsch who was the owner of this bakery decided to lease out his bakery to a Colaba lady Sophia Liberata Fernandes in the 1920s who was previously running Connaught Bakery on Colaba Causeway. The Hearsch bakery is now being run by Melvin D’Sa (although the proprietorship remains with the Fernandes) whose father took over the bakery in the 1960s with the support of the Fernandes family.
J Hearsch bakery's ambiance has a retro heritage look, the food is well managed and clean. The bakery starts at 7 am and it's very popular amongst the locals. The entire staff is fast, busy and well organized. There is a coupon system here, so you stand in a queue, pay for your meals and you will be given a coupon. Wait for your order and your coupon number will be called out by the staff. Most people enjoy eating these snacks on the rocky ground outside the bakery.
There are no seating arrangements so either you can take the support of your bikes or just use one of the stones to sit under the tree and finish your meal. Another interesting thing about this bakery is that there are absolutely no signboards around and you cannot easily locate this bakery from a moving vehicle because this bakery is inside a bungalow surrounded by walls. Honestly the bakery doesn't even need signboards because its very famous and any local will be very happy to guide you in the bakery's direction.
The bakery attracts youngsters, local bandraite's and people of all age groups that's why the bakery is always busy. The staff is constantly preparing delicious fresh food in batches and placing them on the counter and even the neighborhood cats are regular visitors here.
Though there are a whole variety of items you can try here but this is what I tried at Hearsch and are my all-time favorite:
Veg Burger Rs 80 5*/5
Veg Roll Rs 30 5*/5
Veg Puff Rs 20 5*/5
Veg Patties Rs 25 5*/5
Spring Roll Rs 40 5*/5
Chicken Chilli Croissant Rs 70 5*/5
Veg Schezwan Noodles Rs 90 5*/5
All the food items served here are of great quality, quantity and packaged with flavours.
Place: J. Hearsch USP: Heritage Bakery Price: Very Economical Taste: Delicious Seating: Not Available Quality: Excellent Quantity: Excellent Coupon System Wheelchair accessible entrance: Available but rocky ground. Self Service Staff: Busy and very focused. Service : Quick Parking: Available for 2 wheelers Overall Value for money 5*/5 Timings: 9am till 10 pm - Tuesday...
Read moreNestled in the bustling heart of Bandra West, Mumbai, J. Hearsch & Co. stands as a testament to the area's rich cultural tapestry and culinary heritage. Established over a century ago, this iconic bakery has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of Bandra's vibrant community.
A Glimpse into History
The origins of J. Hearsch & Co. trace back to the aftermath of World War I. In the 1920s, German baker J. Hearsch sought to lease his bakery due to the strained German-British relations of the time. Sophia Liberata Fernandes, who had recently closed her Connaught Bakery on Colaba Causeway, seized this opportunity and took over the establishment. Since then, the bakery has been a cornerstone of Bandra's culinary scene, with its legacy now carried forward by Melvin D'Sa.
Culinary Delights
J. Hearsch & Co. offers an array of delectable treats that have garnered a loyal following:
Chicken Roll: A nostalgic bread roll generously filled with a savory chicken mixture, reminiscent of school-day lunches.
Chicken Burger: Freshly baked buns encasing a succulent chicken patty, complemented by butter and mayo for a flavorful experience.
Kheema Samosa: A spicy and flavorful mutton-filled pastry, perfect for meat enthusiasts seeking a hearty snack.
Veg Puff: A flaky pastry enveloping a well-seasoned vegetable filling, offering a delightful vegetarian option.
Chicken Lollipop: Tender chicken drumettes marinated and fried to perfection, making for an irresistible appetizer.
Chocolate Eclair: A classic pastry filled with rich cream and topped with decadent chocolate, satisfying any sweet tooth.
Chicken Biryani: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish layered with tender chicken pieces, showcasing the bakery's versatility.
Chicken Spring Roll: Crispy rolls filled with a savory chicken mixture, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
Bandra's Cultural Sync
Bandra West is renowned for its eclectic blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy. The area's cosmopolitan nature is reflected in its diverse culinary landscape, where traditional establishments coexist with modern eateries. J. Hearsch & Co. embodies this cultural synergy, preserving time-honored baking techniques while catering to evolving tastes. The bakery's enduring presence amidst Bandra's dynamic streetscape serves as a bridge between generations, fostering a sense of community and continuity.
J. Hearsch & Co. is more than just a bakery; it's a living piece of Bandra's history. Its delectable offerings, steeped in tradition, continue to delight patrons old and new. For those seeking a taste of Mumbai's rich culinary past intertwined with the lively spirit of Bandra, a visit to this iconic...
Read moreA Timeless Delight at J. Hearsch & Co., Bandra. Located on the buzzing Hill Road in Bandra West, J. Hearsch & Co. Bakery is a slice of old Mumbai that continues to deliver charm and flavor in equal measure. I visited this iconic bakery on a rainy Sunday morning, and as expected, there was already a long queue. Despite the drizzle, I stood patiently in line, umbrella in hand, and to be honest — the wait was absolutely worth it.
The moment I stepped up to the counter, I was greeted by the aroma of freshly baked goods and the sight of trays being refilled with piping hot patties, rolls, and pastries. I ordered a mutton patty, chilly chicken croissant, chicken roll, apple pie, and a slice of blueberry cake. Every item was served hot and fresh, straight from the oven, and packed with flavor that justified the heritage reputation this place enjoys.
The mutton patty was crispy on the outside, filled with well-spiced, juicy meat — easily one of the best I've had in Mumbai. The chicken croissant was soft, buttery, and filled with a generous portion of savory chicken stuffing. The chicken roll too did not disappoint, with a flaky crust and comforting, mildly spiced filling. The apple pie had the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, while the blueberry cake was light, moist, and bursting with fruity flavor.
However, if there's one downside to highlight, it's the lack of seating. There is no space to eat inside the shop or even in the surrounding compound — something that feels like a missed opportunity, especially given the weather and the long wait. It would have been lovely to enjoy the food on the spot, particularly while it was still hot.
That said, J. Hearsch & Co. is a must-visit if you're in Bandra or even just passing through. It's more than just a bakery — it’s a part of Mumbai’s culinary legacy, and it continues to serve its loyal patrons with honesty and consistency. Just be prepared to wait a bit — especially on weekends — but trust me, the food makes it well...
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