in Jewish News
Kolkata’s Iconic 122-Year-Old Jewish Nahoum & Sons Bakery Removes Chicken And Keeps Shabbat
Nestled in the vibrant New Market of Kolkata, Nahoum & Sons is a beloved Jewish bakery that has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene for 122 years. Founded in 1902 by Nahoum Israel Mordecai, a Baghdadi Jew, this iconic establishment has garnered nearly 5,000 reviews, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance. As one of the oldest surviving shops in Kolkata, Nahoum & Sons has become synonymous with the city’s festive spirit, especially during Christmas when its rich fruit cakes and plum cakes are an integral part of local celebrations.
The bakery’s charm lies not just in its delectable offerings but also in its rich history and commitment to tradition. Recently, the fourth-generation owner, Adam Nahoum, decided to stop selling chicken items due to the unavailability of a kosher butcher and to close the bakery on Saturdays in observance of Shabbat. According to Jagadish Chandra Haldar, the general manager who has been with Nahoum for 49 years, this move was guided by Adam, a doctor based in Jerusalem.
Despite the dwindling Jewish population in Kolkata, as noted by scholar Jael Silliman, Nahoum & Sons continues to thrive, serving as a bridge between the past and present. Its timeless recipes and the nostalgic ambiance of its teakwood interiors transport visitors to a bygone era. The bakery remains a testament to the multicultural tapestry of Kolkata, where people from all walks of life come together to savor its sweet delight. Though we are unaware if there is a kosher certification at Nahoum, the story is one of a unique Jewish heritage in the most unlikely of places.
