Delicious story behind Wenger's popularity

Popular bakery

Every morning at 9:30 the ‘production crew’ of Wenger’s starts with the operations to serve Delhiites with the finest quality of food and confectionary items. While the oldest bakery in town opens its doors at 11 am, a crowd of avid foodies, new and regular patrons usually gathers much earlier around its vicinities as Metrolife finds out.

So, what is it that makes Wenger’s one-of-a-kind foodie hub?

Despite the presence of numerous other established bakeries and confectionaries such as Whipped, Maxims, Elma’s Bakery, Love is Cakes, Chocolatiers -The Chocolate Boutique, Gopala, Mr Baker’s and more in the city, Wenger’s has been tickling the palate of customers for generations. In conversation with Charanjeet Singh, manager, Wenger’s, Metrolife discovers the lesser known facts about Wenger’s, which are a delight to know.

“It was started by a Swiss couple, Mr Wenger and his wife in 1926. They left Delhi around mid 40s and ever since, the Tandon family has been successfully taking care of the bakery,” says Singh. While it was revived and sustained by O P Tandon, the fourth generation, Amit Tandon and Atul Tandon are currently carrying forward this incomparable legacy.

Introducing innovative food items at regular intervals and the addition of the three-year-old sister bakery, namely ‘Wenger’s Deli’, the Tandons have established the monopoly and reputation of Wenger’s in the market of Bakers and Confectioners.

“My bosses are very particular about the food quality. All the food items that we sell here, including our famed breads, are prepared under the personal scrutiny of the Tandons. They devote a lot of time in the factory and make sure that every single food item is up to the mark, before it’s put on display,” Singh tells Metrolife.

From the mind-blowing range of cakes to the multi-flavoured breads, from delightfully stuffed chicken and mutton patty to the sweet as heaven doughnuts, every food item in Wenger’s is reasonably priced and is of the supreme quality.

“Our price range is very minimal and this is what attracts a number of college going students. More than 60 per cent of our customers are the youth of the city,” says Singh humbly.

Meanwhile, every passerby or casual shopper who crosses the ‘A’ block of Connaught Place would like to visit Wenger’s and grab a bite of their favourite food item which they have been having for years. “That’s the beauty of our food items. People have developed a taste for our choco-walnut cakes and chicken patty, and our being able to sustain that same taste and quality for all these years is what helps us in retaining the trust of our customers,” rejoices Singh.

“Wenger’s holds a nostalgic importance in every Delhiite’s life. The children of 90s, 80s, even the 70s have all spent their childhood visiting Wenger’s for its delicious goodies,” says Sahiba Gursahaney, who makes it a point to visit the bakery every fortnight.

“Nothing beats the Mutton Shami of Wenger’s for me; The Fresh Fruit Cake still stands unparalleled after all these years,” she adds. “Oh and not to forget their mutton and chicken patty...,” she continues, “they are like Christmas all around the year!”

However, the British feel and the unique interiors of the nearby Wenger’s Deli has been an equal source of delight for Delhiites for the past three years. “It is the brainchild of Ananya Tandon, daughter of Atul Tandon, who implemented her skills to bring this welcoming addition to the world of Wenger’s. It’s like a tiny hangout cafe Not surprising that there are queries whether Wenger’s has outlets in other parts of the city. “The Tandons believe in providing people with the finest quality of food items with full time and dedication. Opening multiple outlets means distribution of their time and focus. Perfection is our only forte at Wenger’s!” says Singh boastfully.