What does it take for a neighbourhood bakery to expand throughout the city and remain successful despite the stiff competition it faces? A menu that has universal appeal yet is unique, an appealing design aesthetic, a welcoming ambience that is also distinctive, and most importantly, a reasonable price range. Honey & Dough, the chain that is often described as Delhi’s favourite coffeehouse and bakery, ticks all these boxes and more.
Started by an enterprising couple—Utsav and Aavika Chhawccharia—just four years ago, the brand already has eight standalone outlets across Delhi-NCR and offers a titillating menu with over 200 products. The founders of Honey & Dough met while studying at Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Thereafter, they pursued their Master’s degrees from Cass Business School in London, got married and began their business venture together. Between the two of them, they have prior work experience in the petrochemicals and polymers business, as well as in home furnishings.
Opening Honey & Dough was a sound business decision, born of their avid belief that there was a dearth of good bakeries and coffeehouses in the capital. Their travels around the globe were the clear inspiration behind building this brand, as they sought to re-create the epicurean delights they had personally experienced in far-flung countries. Honey & Dough seeks to provide an authentic international menu to its clientele with exquisitely crafted baked goods made by the brand›s in-house chefs.
Named after the two most-used ingredients in every bakery—honey and dough—this chain promises high-quality items at reasonable prices, making the bakery accessible to everyone. They are best known for their artisan loaves of hearty bread, buttery pastries, custom made chocolate bars, and classic desserts. Along with the baked selection, staple European dishes are popular items on the menu. Their most sought-after dishes include yummy choco chip muffins, deliciously velvety Belgian chocolate shakes, rich chocolate truffle pastries, wholesome paneer tikka sandwiches, creamy pastas, a vast variety of pizzas, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and aromatic cappuccinos.
From sweet delicacies to savoury delights, Honey & Dough offers numerous delectable and scrumptious goodies. The international appeal of this brand is not restricted to the menu, extending further to the interior aesthetic of the coffee house as well. The delicious aroma of beans being brewed into fresh coffee and the warmth of flour being baked into a cake greets every patron that walks in. In fact, the beautifully laid-out dessert counter at the entrance, is a welcome assault for all the senses. The serene blue-toned interiors, coupled with casual laid-back vibes ensure a relaxing and approachable space for people of all ages. Even the choice of music adds value to the café’s universal appeal.
Though the dine-in café is the touchstone of this brand, it is by no means its only offering. One can order from a variety of beautifully decorated, customisable cakes, with fillings ranging from chocolate truffle to Belgian trio mousse, Nutella tarts to strawberry compotes. Honey & Dough is also making a name for itself in the occasion gifting market. Every major occasion on the calendar is marked by a specialised gifting option through combo packs filled with seasonal and festive offerings. Cheese straws, blueberry tea cakes, French hearts and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a few of the many things included in these limited-edition gift hampers.
As one of the fastest growing brands in the capital, Honey & Dough is certainly a favourite amongst food aficionados. After running seven successful outlets in Defence Colony, Malviya Nagar, Pacific Mall Tagore Garden, Two Horizon Centre Golf Course Road, Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj, Hargobind Enclave and Dwarka, the team behind Honey & Dough is all set to launch their eighth outlet in Cyber Park, Gurugram—continuing to grow despite the pandemic and the challenges they have faced along the way.