Hidden inside the bustling lanes of Frazer Town is a tea-time delicacy that Bengaluru food lovers quietly swear by — the famous khova naan from the historic Albert Bakery.
For over a century, the bakery has served generations of Bengalureans, but its flaky and gooey khova naan has now emerged as one of the city’s most loved yet underrated pastries.
A sweet treat with a rich history
The 123-year-old bakery on Mosque Road is believed to be the first in Bengaluru to popularise khova naan, also fondly called “dilpasand”.
The delicacy was reportedly perfected by third-generation baker Nawab Jan, who transformed traditional khova — a thick milk-based sweet paste — into the star ingredient of the pastry.
Freshly baked puff pastry is stuffed with warm khova flavoured with cardamom and colourful tutti-frutti before being heated again in the oven. The result is a crisp outer layer with a rich, molten filling inside.
Food lovers say the experience lies in the contrast of textures — buttery flakes outside and hot sweetness within.
Sells out within an hour
Locals say the bakery opens in the afternoon, but the khova naan often disappears from shelves by 4 pm due to overwhelming demand.
The pastry has become a cult favourite among tea lovers who pair it with hot chai at old Bengaluru bakeries and tea stalls.
Another bakery keeping the tradition alive
Apart from Albert Bakery, many food enthusiasts also recommend Kausar Bakery in Shivajinagar, which has served its own version of khova naan since 1973.
Even today, Bengaluru’s old bakeries continue to preserve flavours and traditions that remain deeply tied to the city’s cultural identity.#Bengaluru #KhovaNaan #AlbertBakery #FoodCulture #FrazerTown #TeaTime #newskarnataka