Defence Bakery in Noida, Delhi, India

Gaurav Dhingra and Tushar Dhingra, Directors

Origins

Our grandparents founded Defence Bakery in 1962 in the city of New Delhi. They had to relocate from Multan after the partition of India in 1947, bringing with them their rich baking heritage. They started in a small storefront, crafting delicious breads and pastries from traditional family recipes, which quickly won the hearts of the local community.

The name “Defence Bakery” embodies the essence of the community, reflecting our dedication to serving our neighbors with warmth and quality. Over the years, the bakery thrived, maintaining its welcoming atmosphere while adapting to the changing tastes of our customers. Two generations later, today, the two brothers proudly carry on our family’s legacy.  We blend modern techniques with our beloved recipes, ensuring our commitment to quality and community remains strong.

Company Mission

The mission of Defence Bakery is to craft high-quality baked goods that bring joy and comfort to our community while honoring our rich heritage and cherished formulas. Our goal is to extend this tradition to every discerning neighborhood in Delhi-NCR and across India. We invite all those who aspire to start their own Defence Bakery to join us in this mission.

Defence Bakery stands out for its unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality. Using time-honored recipes passed down through generations, we ensure every loaf of bread and pastry reflects the rich flavors of our heritage. We prioritize sourcing fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, enhancing taste while supporting our community. By embracing modern dietary preferences without compromising our core values, we cater to a diverse range of customers. This blend of tradition, quality, and community focus truly sets us apart.

Signature Products

A few star products are:

Sourdough Breads: Our artisanal sourdough is crafted with patience and care, featuring a tangy flavor and a chewy crust that our customers love. We use an in-house starter carefully fed by my brother, executive chef at DB.

Whole Wheat Bread: Nutritious and hearty, this bread is made from high-quality whole wheat flour and is a favorite for its wholesome taste. The family recipe was developed by my father. 

Truffle Cake: Rich and indulgent, our truffle cake is a decadent treat, perfect for special occasions and loved for its velvety texture.

Honey Cookies: These sweet, chewy cookies are infused with the natural goodness of honey, making them a delightful snack. The heritage recipe carried across generations is a favorite of everyone who bites once into them.

Handcrafted Cookies: Each of our handcrafted cookies is made with love, offering a variety of flavors that delight our customers.

Celebration Cakes: Perfect for birthdays and special events, our celebration cakes are customizable and feature delicious flavors that bring joy to any occasion.

RUSK: This heritage recipe is so popular that people buy our rusk for their relatives in different cities and countries. Our rusk travels to the U.K., U.S. and Europe.

Equipment ‘Must-Haves“

The humble baker’s spatula, in all its forms, is one of the most important tools in our kitchen. It might seem simple, but it plays a huge role in making sure we get the most out of every batch. Whether we’re scraping down a mixing bowl or spreading frosting, spatulas help us avoid waste and make the most of our ingredients. From the flexible silicone spatula for mixing to the offset spatula for smoothing, each type has a purpose. It’s these small but mighty tools that help us work efficiently, keep costs down and ensure every product meets our high standards. In our bakery, they’re truly indispensable. 

Production Tip

Two essential production tips that are vital to our operations at Defence Bakery:

1. Batch Production Planning: To manage our high volume of products, we carefully plan our batch production schedules. By grouping similar items together, such as baking all our sourdough loaves at once, we streamline the process and reduce downtime. This not only maximizes our oven usage, but also ensures that we maintain consistency in quality across all products.

2. Time and Temperature: When it comes to our handcrafted cookies and celebration cakes, timing really makes all the difference. We don’t rush the process—whether it’s giving the dough enough time to chill or letting the cakes cool completely before decorating. This patience brings out the best flavors and textures. We also make sure everything is prepped and ready, from the ingredients to the workstations, so we can focus on the craft without feeling overwhelmed. It’s about staying organized and giving each item the care and attention it deserves, so our customers always get the best of what we create.

These tips help us maintain the high standards our customers expect while keeping production running smoothly.

Future Goals

At Defence Bakery, we have exciting plans for the future! One of our primary goals is to expand into new markets by offering online ordering and delivery services, making our beloved products more accessible to a wider audience. 

We’re also exploring the introduction of new products, including specialty gluten-free and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. Additionally, we plan to experiment with seasonal flavors and limited-edition items to keep our offerings fresh and exciting for our loyal customers. 

Ultimately, our focus remains on maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that defines Defence Bakery while adapting to the evolving needs of our community. We can’t wait to share these new developments with everyone.

For more info, visit www.instagram.com/defence.bakery/

(This article appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Pastry Arts Magazine)