Old Madras Baking Company’s secret behind their 100% aata bread
The Hindu
The Old Madras Baking Company serves an array of artisanal baked goods, from iconic Iyengar bakery treats to 100% whole wheat bread
Amidst the world of bakery chains and mass-produced confections, the Old Madras Baking Company (OMBC) aspires to carve a niche for itself as a bastion of artisanal baking. It is a name that harkens back to the rich history of Iyengar bakeries in the heart of Madras, now Chennai, says Sweta Garapati, director of OMBC.
At the bakery, iconic Iyengar bakery products such as the egg puff, coconut bun and Madras coffee, share space with modern European favourites like the croissants, apple pies, Danishes, and brownies.
The story of Old Madras Baking Company began in 2014 with a simple vision: to make fresh, preservative-free bread and quality bakery products accessible to everyone. Their journey commenced with a solitary store on Chennai’s TTK Road and later expanded to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
With the bakery, Sweta plans to return to the basics, using natural ingredients, and employing traditional baking methods and hand-crafted techniques to make baked goods. In addition to this, OMBC curates a range of artisanal product offerings, including jams, pickles, meats, cheeses, and more.
“We use the sponge and dough method for baking which ensures a longer fermentation period and delivers softer and smoother bread, without adding preservatives,” she informs.
Store-bought breads often contain artificial additives and preservatives, offering little nutrition, but at OMBC, the team bakes everything fresh daily and nothing is carried over to the next day. As Sweta puts it, “The idea is to cater to both the health-conscious and the indulgent gourmand.”
Most brown breads in the market are made using maida and caramel for colour. “Our breads are 100% whole wheat, high in fibre and nutrition. For longer shelf life, patrons can freeze their bread at home. Our ethos is ‘baking for family by family’,” she says.