Slice of happiness!
Across the world, celebrations are incomplete without cutting a beautifully decorated cake, a custom that has been elevated to being the highlight of parties! On that note, a wedding cake is even more significant and special.
In the olden Western culture the wedding cake was a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and cutting and sharing it with friends and family was considered to bring the newly married couple fertility and harmony. Till today the wedding cake remains an integral part of Western weddings, and post-wedding celebrations are kicked off by cutting the cake at the onset of the reception ceremony.
In Bangladeshi culture, the concept of wedding cakes was not much popular up until the early 90s. It wasn't so much of a big deal; a cake was included with the different kinds of sweets and savouries brought from the groom's side for the Gaaye Holud ceremony, and vice versa.
This cake was a straightforward affair; one would walk into a cake shop, select a square vanilla cake and probably get the guy working the cash register to pipe out a message with a little icing for the receiver's benefit.
Those who were a little creative placed an order for a cake in the shape of a traditional Koola, preferably iced with yellow and red frosting. Then during the Holud ceremony the bride or groom would cut the cake and it would be then eaten by all. That was the only way a cake figured into the Bangladeshi wedding.
All that, like a lot of other things around us, has changed for the better. Nowadays, having a cake during the engagement or reception ceremony has become customary, perhaps due to the westernised mindset of the younger generation. It has to be mentioned of course that the sheer joy of cutting a cake to celebrate the union of two hearts is tremendous and should not be missed!
Keeping with the big weddings these days, the cakes are ornate, fancy and a far cry from the regular, run of the mill ones. Elaborate and multi-tiered, they are embellished with decadent frostings, delicate gum paste and fondant motifs, pretty jimmies and edible pearls. And oh, the flavours! Usual suspects such as chocolate and vanilla are taken above and beyond with modern spins such as Swiss Meringue butter cream paired with white chocolate ganache and dark chocolate truffles among many others. What's best is that the design and flavours are incredibly customisable, making cake-choosing a dream!
Many established bakers around Dhaka City are more than happy to churn out fantastically pretty confections as per your whim and fancy! This week Star Lifestyle has put together a handy guide that will provide you with all the information you need to know about the best wedding cake makers in Dhaka city so read on!
Mr. Baker
Creating customised, elaborate cakes for many years, Mr. Baker is in a league of its own. As perhaps the only specialty bakery in Bangladesh they have an amazing repertoire of fabulous wedding cakes created for discerning customers.
Be it a simple cake with elegant design or a no-expense-spared five-feet tall extravaganza, they are the go-to guys if you want something splendid to impress your guests. Most of their outlets have stunning, five-tiered wedding cake models on display that are rather splendid references for one's own wedding cake.
The capable pastry chefs at Mr. Baker are quite adept at churning out pretty much any design your heart desires, the logistics of it notwithstanding. They do the traditional, multi-tiered wedding cakes with beautiful cake toppers if you are a traditionalist. Alternately you can browse the web or Pinterest for inspirations for something extraordinary.
Mr. Baker has the experience of realising its client's vision to the best of their capacity. As long as you have a clear idea of what you want they will be happy to make it for you. They are also the first ones to bring edible printed cake to Bangladesh.
The flavours are equally delicious; white chocolate ganache, Swiss chocolate, strawberry and mango mousse to marble -- they have something for everyone! They also offer a combination of flavours.
For orders you can visit any of their shops located all around Dhaka city. If you want something customised do bring along the design and sit down with the store manager for a detailed discussion. You can discuss the amount of cake you'd require, depending on the number of guests. They also deliver and assemble cakes at party venues depending on the height and weight of the cake. Or course one will have to have to place the order days ahead in advance for proper execution. Specialty cakes are priced at Tk.1,600 per kilogram, and there is an additional Tk.3,000 charge for decoration.
Radisson Hotel Bakery
The bakery at Radisson has been concocting elaborate wedding cakes for many years. With keen attention to concept, design and flavour, their cakes are wonderful works of art. They offer an extensive range of flavours starting from the very basic vanilla and chocolate to Rainbow cakes and Praline.
You can choose designs from their catalogue, or make an appointment with the pastry chef for details regarding customisation of design and flavour at Chit Chat café, located in the lobby of the hotel. Prices start from Tk.1,820 per kilogram, and is exclusive of VAT and other costs. There is also an additional charge for decoration. An order must be placed at least 48 hours before the event for proper execution of the desired cake.
The Westin Dhaka
If you are a frequent visitor at The Westin, chances are that you have already tried their delectable cake slices available at Daily Treats located on the ground floor. Armed with an extensive range of flavours such as Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse, Blueberry Cheesecake and many more, Westin offers its patrons customisation in terms of design, size and flavour. They also do cakes with pictures printed with edible ink. Prices start from Tk.2,850, not inclusive of VAT and other charges. You can place an order after discussing with the pastry chef at Daily Treats.
Cooper's Bakery Bangladesh
For many years the culinary scene in Dhaka has been abuzz with the activities of Cooper's, with their scrumptious, highly hygienic and flavourful offerings. And they have been at the cake game way longer than many others. For wedding cakes, it is advised that clients take the pain to visit any of their many outlets across the city and sit down with the staff to pick the best cake for their event.
Customisation is encouraged, and they also have catalogues full of wonderful, decadent designs to choose from. Cooper's sister concern, Cooper's Signature Cakes, started off in 2012 and specialises in the customisation business. John and Simon, the cake enthusiast and the brains behind Cooper's started off dappling in exclusive and intricate wedding cakes as a hobby but encouragement from family and friends led to the formation of Cooper's Signature Cakes. Clients can walk into any branch of Cooper's and be directed towards the Signature Cake team who sit and have a chat with the client to gain an idea of what they really want. As seen on TV shows, the team, inclusive of sculptor artists, works tirelessly to execute the perfect cake. Prices depend on specifications. The flavour aspect is quite concentrated on many different, interesting variations of chocolate, namely Chocolate Steam Cake, Special Black Forest, Tia Maria, Peanut Chocolate cake and many more. Non-chocolate lovers need not fret; they have plenty offerings in other flavours as well! Prices range from Tk.1,000 to Tk.1,500 per kg depending on flavour, and there is an additional charge for decoration. Clients are requested to place the order at least 48 hours ahead for best results.
Silver Lining
An online bakery based in Facebook, Silver Lining has managed to amass quite a fan following among the gourmands of Dhaka city. They make novelty cakes, cookies, cupcakes and other yummy, sweet goodies and wedding cakes are also a part of their repertoire.
Customisation is always encouraged here, as the owners believe a cake should add to the overall décor of an event as a showpiece. Every imaginable combination -- from floral bouquets, little figurines of the couple and fairy tale themed cakes to elaborately designed cakes embellished with an edible menagerie of sea creatures, Silver Lining will indulge your every whim and fancy.
Prices begin from Tk.1,500-Tk.2,000 and depend heavily on flavour and design. Speaking of flavours, they offer perennial favourites such as Chocolate Ganache, Zesty Lemon, Red Velvet, Death by Chocolate among many others. Orders must be placed at least a few weeks in advance for better results and this can be done via their Facebook page, which has all the necessary details.
So there you have it, a guide to the crème-de-la-crème of cakes, pun intended! As the old timers say, you can “have your cake and eat it too” when planning your wedding, because when your guests are fed delectable cakes from these incredible bakers, they will definitely send lots of good wishes your way.
Photo Courtesy: Cooper's Signature Cakes
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