SWEET SUCCESS

woman @ work

If you are living in Karachi and have a sweet tooth, it’s impossible that you haven’t heard of ‘Anjarwala Bakers’, which has been part of the city’s food culture for decades. Located in the bustling streets of Saddar, the heart of old Karachi, Anjarwala is more than a shop that sells cakes and biscuits - it is a symbol of continuity and a reflection of the city’s vibrant yet grounded spirit.

Stepping into Anjarwala feels like walking into a different era: simple glass display cases filled with cream rolls, almond pastries, colourful macaroons and dry cakes; the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and biscuits; and staff, many of whom have worked there for decades, greeting customers by name. This personal touch, rooted in family tradition, is what makes the bakery timeless.

Founded by Salehbhai Anjarwala in 1948, the bakery began with little more than traditional recipes. Over the years, the humble beginning turned into a flourishing business with branches in Saddar, Garikhata, Nazimabad, Hyderi and Clifton.

Now, the family business is run by his son, Shabbir Hussain Anjarwala and his nephew. Their Clifton branch is managed by Insiya Anjarwala, wife of Shabbir Hussain. In a candid interview with You! Insiya talks about her journey and her passion for baking. Read on….

You! How did you come into the confectionary business, was it planned?

Insiya Anjarwala: I am a graduate and studied Home Economics. I got married to Shabbir Hussain Anjarwala in 1978 and we have four children. My eldest went to London for a diploma in Bakery Technology, and that’s when I first started helping at the bakery. I didn’t plan it - I stepped in to support my husband and later continued when my son was away. Looking back, life had been quietly preparing me for this role.

You! How did Anjarwala Bakery begin?

IA: It was started by my father-in-law, Salehbhai Anjarwala, in 1948. He was an orphan who left Anjar, India for Africa and eventually came to Karachi with nothing but determination. He started with karak roti - people knew it as ‘Salehbhai’s Karak Roti’. Then came Ahmedabadi naan, almond biscuits and butter daras. Later he added halwas, which would sell out within minutes. What amazes me is that even today - 75 years later - some families start their day with karak roti.

You! What are some of your specialities?

IA: Our karak roti, badaam biscuits, butter daras, akhrot halwa, pista pak, zafrani peray, dameeda sutarfirni, ghevar, laddus and malai khaja are our hot sellers.

Every community has their favourites - Bohras, Parsis, Christians, Memons, Dehliwalas - we’ve been part of everyone’s story.

You! What’s the secret behind Anjarwala’s success?

IA: I think Anjarwala’s low cost and easy access make it a rare place that brings people together. The bakery’s unpretentious nature creates a shared cultural space. Our staff have been with us for decades - they’re like family. People come not just for biscuits, but for comfort, nostalgia and shaam ki chai memories.

You! Have you always been part of the business?

IA: I was always involved - supporting my husband, testing products, managing the family and being steady during long bakery hours. When my son went to London, I supported my husband more closely. After my son passed away suddenly in 2021, I became even more hands-on. It was painful, but also healing - to keep alive something he loved so dearly.

You! Do you bake yourself?

IA: I never took professional training, but baking has always been my way of showing love. In the ’90s, I made cheesecakes and even my own cream cheese - people still remember those desserts.

You! How do you maintain hygiene?

IA: Our family personally visits every branch daily. Our team is trained, responsible and careful. Machinery helps, but it’s really the people who keep standards strong.

You! Have you ever changed the menu?

IA: We haven’t changed - we’ve evolved. We stay true to classics but listen to customer requests. From fondant cakes to newer cookie varieties and sugar cookies, our menu has grown naturally based on what people want. Even our old jam biscuits and Ovaltine biscuits still have their place.

You! What type of orders do you get?

IA: Corporate gift boxes, weddings, birth announcements - we’ve done it all. We also accept digital payments, offers delivery services through local platforms and maintain a modest online presence to serve younger customers.

You! What’s the most challenging part of your job?

IA: Time - especially during festive seasons. Generational business is hard to maintain. And today, Karachi comes with its own challenges - gas and electricity bills are on the rise. We cater to the middle class, so keeping prices reasonable with fluctuating sugar, flour and oil rates is extremely tough.

You! And the best part?

IA: The joy. The way people light up when a taste reminds them of home. From birthdays to school tiffins to shaam ki chai, we’ve been part of Karachi’s moments - engagements, weddings, births, graduations, even election wins.

You! How do you stay up to date?

IA: Small and thoughtful updates - olive oil daras for health-conscious customers, gingerbread for Christmas, sugar cookies and cupcakes for birthdays, bite-sized mithayi, festive gifting boxes. We keep one foot in tradition and one in today.

You! Do you have a sweet tooth?

IA: Of course! Barfi is my weakness. It reminds me of my childhood.

You! Do people ask for sugar-free options?

IA: Yes, a lot more now. We’re actively working on it - people want to eat mithayi without guilt and we want to give them that.

You! What do you offer to your health-conscious customers?

IA: Olive oil daras made with whole wheat.

You! What challenges do you face as a woman entrepreneur?

IA: You have to be careful how you speak, suggest and move. It’s a delicate balance. But I’ve learned that quiet consistency is powerful. You don’t have to be loud to be respected.

You! What advice would you give to women bakers starting out?

IA: Slow growth is better than rushed shortcuts.

You! How do you relax?

IA: I’m still figuring that out! (laughs). Creating has always been my escape - stitching, painting, trying new recipes. I’m not good at sitting idle.

You! Your most treasured possession?

IA: My faith. It’s what steadies me. Life changes, people leave, but faith reminds you to do good while you can.

You! The biggest relationship lesson?

IA: Respect - in business, in family, everywhere. With respect comes effort, forgiveness and the ability to move forward with a common goal.

You! How do you balance work and family?

IA: It’s never simple. There are sacrifices and missed moments. If I could go back, I’d try to balance better.

You! Any message you want to give to our readers?

IA: Yes. I truly wish people support local businesses more. For decades, imported products have taken over, but there is so much beauty in our own. We cannot continue without our community’s support. Local businesses survive because of local love.