In the maze of bustling alleys within Kolkata’s historic New Market lies a sweet-smelling treasure trove that has stood the test of time. Nahoum and Sons Private Limited Confectioners is not just a bakery—it’s an emotion for generations of Kolkatans and a symbol of the city’s multicultural identity. From its fragrant fruitcakes during Christmas to its classic Jewish delicacies, Nahoum’s is one of the rare places in India where food, faith, and history intersect so richly. Established in 1902, the iconic bakery is a timeless institution that blends nostalgia, heritage, and unmatched flavor.
As the scent of freshly baked goods wafts through the colonial-era corridors of New Market, it transports you to a different time—where tradition still holds its ground against modern culinary trends. In this detailed exploration, we delve into the rich past, delectable offerings, and cultural significance of Nahoum and Sons Private Limited Confectioners in 2025 and beyond.
The Origin Story: The Birth of a Bakery and a Legacy
The Baghdadi Jewish Roots
The story of Nahoum’s begins with Nahoum Israel Mordecai, a Baghdadi Jewish immigrant who arrived in Kolkata in the late 19th century. Coming from Iraq, where his community had lived for generations, Nahoum brought with him the traditions and flavors of Middle Eastern Jewish cuisine. In 1902, he opened a small bakery at the entrance of New Market, then a relatively new colonial shopping complex designed for British residents.
This humble shop quickly gained a reputation for its quality and authenticity. By 1916, the bakery moved inside the market complex to a larger, more permanent space where it still operates today. What started as a one-man dream soon evolved into a family-run enterprise, with each generation upholding the standards set by its visionary founder.
A Family Tradition: Four Generations of Nahoums
The strength of Nahoum’s lies in its unbroken family lineage. After Nahoum Israel Mordecai, his son Elias Nahoum took over, further cementing the bakery’s presence in Kolkata’s foodscape. His children, particularly Norman, Solomon, David, and Isaac Nahoum, expanded the business, modernized the menu, and introduced several of the confections that are beloved today.
For decades, David Nahoum, a towering personality known for his discipline and kindness, ran the bakery with integrity and vision. After his passing in 2013, his brother Isaac Nahoum assumed leadership, ensuring that the legacy remained intact. Now, in 2025, Adam Nahoum, the fourth-generation heir, manages the bakery’s broader vision from Israel, while the team in Kolkata preserves the daily operations and authenticity.
Walking Through the Store: A Time Capsule of Taste
Step Into Another Era
Walking into Nahoum’s is like entering a portal into the early 1900s. The decor hasn’t changed much—antique wooden shelves, glass display cases, and red-and-white striped walls transport visitors to a more graceful time. The staff, some of whom have worked there for decades, greet customers with a warmth that’s become increasingly rare in modern food chains.
Despite Kolkata’s shift toward trendy cafés and international chains, Nahoum’s retains its old-world charm, refusing to bend to contemporary gimmicks. Everything—from its packaging to its payment system—feels endearingly traditional.
Iconic Offerings: What to Eat at Nahoum’s
Fruit Cake & Rich Plum Cake
The showstoppers of the bakery are undoubtedly the Christmas fruit cakes and plum cakes, soaked in rum and filled with candied fruit, raisins, and almonds. These have become a staple for thousands of households during the festive season, with people queuing up for hours in December.
Black Forest Cake
A decadent favorite, the Black Forest Cake is moist, fluffy, and generously topped with whipped cream and cherries—a hit with young patrons.
Brownies & Rum Balls
Perfectly gooey and rich, Nahoum’s brownies are comfort in a square. Their rum balls, meanwhile, are dense, chocolaty, and offer a nostalgic punch of flavor.
Cheese Samboosas & Egg Chops
On the savory side, the cheese samboosas—a Jewish version of the samosa—and egg chops are deeply satisfying. They are perfect for a quick snack or a light meal, especially popular among college-goers and office workers.
Baklava & Challah Bread
Reflecting the bakery’s Jewish heritage, baklava—layered with nuts and honey—and challah bread, a soft braided loaf, remain rare finds in Indian bakeries.
Why Nahoum’s Still Matters in 2025
A Cultural Beacon Amid Declining Communities
The Jewish population in Kolkata, which once numbered in the thousands, has now dwindled to under 20 people. Yet Nahoum’s remains a beacon of Jewish culture, keeping its culinary traditions alive even as the community shrinks. The bakery celebrates Rosh Hashanah, Passover, and Hanukkah with special treats and seasonal offerings, reminding the city of its diverse spiritual fabric.
Commitment to Kosher Standards
In 2024, the bakery made headlines by removing all chicken items from its menu due to the lack of a kosher-certified chicken supplier, a move deeply respected by the Jewish community. In line with kosher laws, the bakery also began closing on Saturdays to observe the Sabbath, a practice they had abandoned decades ago.
The Christmas Craze: Long Queues and Lasting Love
The most magical time to visit Nahoum’s is in December, when it becomes the epicenter of Kolkata’s Christmas celebrations. Long queues snake around New Market as people from all communities wait patiently to get their hands on their favorite baked treats. The fruitcakes, brownies, and mince pies disappear quickly from the shelves, and the festive buzz turns the bakery into a cultural landmark.
Interestingly, many of the bakery’s loyal customers are Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, all united by their shared love for Nahoum’s. It’s a testament to how food transcends religion, bringing people together in celebration.
Nahoum’s in Pop Culture and Literature
Over the years, Nahoum’s has found its way into countless travel blogs, food documentaries, and novels. Authors like Amitav Ghosh and Jhumpa Lahiri have referenced the iconic bakery while talking about Kolkata’s cosmopolitan identity. Food shows on national television and YouTube regularly spotlight Nahoum’s for its authentic offerings and emotional history.
In recent years, travel influencers and vloggers have begun rediscovering Nahoum’s, bringing its unique story to a younger, global audience. Despite minimal marketing, the bakery continues to attract curious food lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Conclusion: Preserving the Sweetness of a Bygone Era
In a world rapidly moving toward digital convenience, fast food, and fleeting trends, Nahoum and Sons Private Limited Confectioners is a rare and beautiful constant. It’s not just the pastries that draw people in, but the soul of the place—the stories, the people, the heritage, and the nostalgia it bakes into every item.
As we step into 2025, Nahoum’s is not merely a historic bakery—it is living history. Every bite you take is a taste of a 122-year-old tradition lovingly preserved by four generations. And in a country where so much is lost to time, that is truly something to savor.