In India, where countless languages and cultures intertwine, Mayapur emerges as a shining example of unity in diversity. Mayapur is an interesting place. Being an atheist, I do not understand why millions of people flock to Mayapur. Is it the religion, or the vibe- honestly, I do not know. But we went there for a culinary adventure and in this blogpost we will talk about a few places, which intrigued me.
Mayapur lies in the heart of Nabadwip, the land of Shri Chaitanya Dev. Nabadwip, a serene town nestled along the banks of the sacred Ganges River in West Bengal, India, holds a unique and illustrious history as the amalgamation of nine ancient villages. Its very name, “Nabadwip,” translates to “nine islands” or “nine towns,” signifying the convergence of these once-separate communities into a single spiritual epicenter. According to local legend and historical accounts, Nabadwip was formed by the merging of nine small islands or villages, Simanta, Anta, Godrum, Maddhya, Kol, Ritu, Janehu, Modrum & Rudra.
Now the food part of Mayapur
Nestled within the spiritual heaven of Mayapur lies a culinary landscape as diverse and vibrant as the crowd whon come down and (probably get settled here. While traditional Indian Satvic cuisine reigns supreme, Mayapur also boasts a delightful array of foreign food stalls, each offering a tantalizing taste of home for travelers from distant shores. One of the highlights of my culinary journey in Mayapur was discovering the eclectic range of offerings at the foreign food counters scattered throughout the town.
Please check a video on Sonar Bangla Mayapur, the place, where we stayed at Mayapur
Madhu Bakery
Madhu Bakery is inside the compound of Iskcon temple and is a nice cute cafe serving interesting items. It’s run by a Russian family, who have come down and got settled here. The dishes were quite interesting. From Pizza and Kalzone to Smoked Cheese Salad, the menu spread is quite exhaustive. We have tried the Smoked Cheese Salad (interestingly served in a kulhad, or earthen pot), and was quite nice. Now, Smoked cheese has its aroma and it’s a make-or-break situation for anybody. But the place is quite interesting and a must-visit.
Govindas
The next stop was Govinda’s- the blue-eyed boy of the Iskcon Mayapur gastronomic scene. At Govinda’s, the menu celebrates nature’s bounty, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients that honor the principles of purity and compassion. From hearty lentil soups to fragrant curries, each dish is crafted with care and mindfulness, ensuring a culinary experience that is as nourishing as it is delicious. But perhaps the most profound aspect of dining at Govinda’s is the sense of unity and harmony that permeates the space. Here, amidst the laughter and conversation of fellow pilgrims, I felt a deep sense of connection to something greater than myself, as if every meal was a communion with the divine. Please note, Govinda’s Mayapur is non-operational from 10-1230PM 4- 6PM. The outside sales counter serving bakery items is operational though.
Seven Grains Bakery
In the spiritual haven of Mayapur, Seven Grains Bakery stands as a shining beacon of culinary excellence, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and texture. Seven Grains Bakery has earned its reputation as not just a local favorite, but perhaps the best bakery in the world (or so the folklore goes).
In 2017, Balaram Das Ji from Denmark and Damodar Ji from France embarked on a remarkable journey to Mayapur, where they established the Seven Grains Bakery. Despite their young age, their decision to settle in Mayapur and start this bakery speaks volumes about their dedication and passion for their craft. Since then, Seven Grains Bakery has blossomed into a beloved culinary destination, captivating locals and visitors alike with its delectable offerings and warm ambiance. Their story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that age is no barrier to pursuing our dreams and making a positive impact in the world.
From the moment one steps through its doors, they are greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked goods and the inviting smiles of the dedicated staff. Each pastry, loaf of bread, and sweet treat is crafted with care and precision. Beyond its culinary offerings, Seven Grains Bakery also serves as a hub of community and connection in Mayapur.
The best product here is, in my opinion, the Custard Doughnut. They came out freshly baked. Brilliance is an understatement. Also, the same goes for the Chocolate croissant. For any croissant, getting multiple payers and a slight crunch on the outermost layer is the key. And it was just the perfect at the Seven Grains Bakery. The pizza is good. But going by the supreme standards of the other food items, this lost its foothold. However, the base was somewhere in between the thin crust and the puffy hand tossed. The good part was the cheese used- sheer brilliance.
As a food blogger, I’ve traveled to various places searching for culinary delights, but my experience in Mayapur promises to be unique. I initially questioned why I hadn’t made the journey sooner, but as I finally arrived, I realized that the delay was simply part of my journey. Mayapur welcomed me with open arms, offering a blend of spiritual nourishment and gastronomic delights that surpassed all expectations. And I strongly feel, even if you’re not spiritual, do visit this place. You’ll feel the difference.
Bon Appetit!!!
I can be reached at indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com
