Krishna Pauroti: A slice of history

During my travels across 79 countries, I’ve encountered a myriad of flavors, from the buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants in Paris to the rich, hearty scent of bread in Turkey and Austria. Being an early riser by nature, I’ve often walked the streets of these places, enchanted by the art of baking.

Growing up in Pokhara, however, bread was a rare luxury—a delicacy my father would bring home only for special occasions. Birthdays were marked with fruit cake if my father was home. Otherwise, homemade laddus and simple sharbat sufficed for celebration. I vividly recall the joy of unwrapping a cupcake sprinkled with coconut—a luxury in those days, where even a sprinkle of peanuts could elevate the treat. Today, despite the abundant offerings of bakeries worldwide, it’s these simple, nostalgic flavors that hold the greatest charm for me, especially the timeless Krishna Pauroti of Nepal.

In Nepal, bread (pauroti) owes much of its legacy to the pioneering efforts of the Karnikar family, especially Krishna Bahadur Rajkarnikar. His journey as a baker began 76 years ago when he returned from India and established Nepal’s first bakery of its kind. Krishna Pauroti, the bakery he founded, became synonymous with bread in Nepal, and its legacy endures to this day.

Krishna Bahadur, the visionary behind Krishna Pauroti, honed his baking skills during his time in Calcutta, India. Inspired by the bustling tea stalls he encountered there, he envisioned introducing a similar culture to Nepal. In 1948, upon his return, he set up Krishna Pauroti in Kamal Pokhari, Kathmandu, along with a tea stall. This combination of freshly brewed tea and warm bread was revolutionary, marking the dawn of Nepal’s fast-food culture.

Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala, fondly known as Sanu Dai, was one of the regular patrons of Krishna Bahadur’s tea stall, further cementing the bakery’s reputation as a space where influential figures and ordinary folk alike could enjoy the humble pleasure of bread. Beyond introducing pauroti to Kathmandu, Krishna Bahadur mentored countless others, inspiring a wave of pauroti entrepreneurs across Nepal and beyond.

Krishna Pauroti was a cultural institution. Krishna Bahadur’s son, Ghanshyam Raj Karnikar, now 84, came to be known as Nepal’s ‘King of Pauroti.’ The Karnikar family’s ties to historical figures like Maharaj Bir Shamsher, through Krishna Bahadur’s friend Heera Man Singh, imbued Krishna Pauroti with a sense of heritage and tradition deeply rooted in Nepal’s history.

The Karnikars belong to the Halwai community, known for their mastery of sweets and delicacies. Their family name, Raj Karnikar, means ‘Royal Crafter,’ an apt title for a lineage that brought an artisanal touch to Nepali cuisine. Krishna Bahadur’s innovative techniques, learned during his time in India, helped Krishna Pauroti stand out as Nepal’s premier bakery.

For many years, Krishna Pauroti was the go-to bakery in Kathmandu, synonymous with quality and tradition. The bakery introduced bread varieties unfamiliar to Nepal, experimenting with ingredients like millet and buckwheat. By incorporating native grains, Krishna Pauroti fused local ingredients with traditional baking methods, offering familiar flavors in novel forms.

Even King Mahendra was a regular customer, and royal patronage helped solidify Krishna Pauroti’s status as a top-tier bakery. In 1972, Krishna Pauroti transitioned into a private limited company, ushering in a new chapter for the bakery.

Today, Krishna Pauroti is more than a bread bakery. It has expanded its offerings to include cakes, cookies, and other baked goods, adapting to the evolving demands of a changing Nepal. Despite its modern expansion, the bakery remains true to its roots, embodying the humble craftsmanship and dedication of its founder.

Operating from four locations in the Kathmandu Valley—Kamal Pokhari, Khumaltar, Hattiban, and Mahalaxmi—Krishna Pauroti continues to offer a taste of nostalgia alongside its innovative creations.

Krishna Bahadur not only founded a bakery but also inspired a generation of bakers and entrepreneurs. Many of those he trained went on to establish their own bakeries, spreading the legacy of Krishna Pauroti within Nepal and beyond. His influence significantly contributed to the growth of Nepal’s bakery scene, cultivating an appreciation for bread and pastries in a culture previously unfamiliar with such foods.

Whenever I visit Krishna Pauroti, ‘am reminded of the simplicity of my childhood treats in Pokhara and the joy of savoring a fruit cake or a coconut-sprinkled cupcake. It’s remarkable to see how far the bakery has come—from a single tea stall to a network of bakeries that remain at the heart of Nepal’s culinary landscape.

The evolution of Krishna Pauroti mirrors Nepal’s growth, transforming from a modest yet ambitious enterprise into a symbol of entrepreneurship and resilience. Through every loaf of bread and every pastry, Krishna Pauroti continues to tell the story of its founders and the flavors of a nation.

As the scent of freshly baked bread wafts through Kathmandu’s streets, Krishna Pauroti serves as a beautiful reminder of Nepal’s culinary journey—from its humble beginnings to its role in shaping modern Nepali food culture. It’s a story of dedication, realized dreams, and a family’s unwavering commitment to their craft.