Kolkata, March 19 In the heart of Kolkata stands Nahoum and Sons, which has weathered numerous challenges, serving its customers with cakes and savory snacks for over 120 years.
However, the current crisis in West Asia, which disrupted energy supplies due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has dealt a significant blow to the city's only Jewish bakery, forcing it to close its operations for five days.
A notice posted outside the shop stated that the bakery would remain closed from March 18 to March 22 due to "unavoidable circumstances".
However, an official at the outlet in the New Market area told
"We were continuing operations despite limited availability of commercial LPG cylinders, but production had to be significantly reduced. Eventually, it became impossible to operate under these constraints, and a temporary closure was the only option," said Jagadish Haldar.
"We will reopen on March 23 and hope to resume full operations as soon as possible," he said.
Maintaining its long-standing traditions, the bakery remains closed on Saturdays to observe Jewish customs.
Apart from the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic a few years ago, this temporary closure is unprecedented in recent memory. The bakery had briefly closed in 2013, following the death of its owner, David Nahoum.
Considered a heritage landmark in Kolkata, the century-old confectionery continues to be a popular destination for those seeking classic baked goods, even as it adapts to changing circumstances.
The menu is known for its mix of traditional Jewish and Kolkata-style baked goods, and continues to attract customers for its signature offerings, such as plum cakes, lemon tarts, brownies, almond kisses, and fish pantras.