For half a century, Capital Bakery in Sector 10 has been a cherished part of many love stories, from sharing Swiss rolls during evening strolls at Leisure Valley to choosing the same flavor for wedding cakes.

Known for their light and melt-in-your-mouth Swiss rolls, this bakery has maintained its signature taste over the years. Paramjjit Chawla, a photographer and actor, has been a loyal customer for two decades. He reminisces about visiting the bakery with his son after tennis matches at the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association, always indulging in their local delicacies. Now residing in the tricity, he insists on ordering cakes from Capital for every celebration, even if it means traveling 15 kilometers to collect them.

Hoshiar Singh Thakur, the bakery's owner, recognized the potential in a struggling bakery back in the 1970s. With prior experience, he took the plunge, initially starting in Sector 11 before relocating to Sector 10, where his life transformed. 'Running a food business comes with immense responsibility. Every detail, from ingredient selection to preparation and service, requires careful attention,' Thakur explains. His day typically begins at five or six in the morning and can extend until midnight. 'We haven't taken a break in decades,' adds his wife, Krishna Thakur. Their daughter, Arti Vinayak, also plays a vital role in managing the bakery alongside a dedicated team of around 20 staff members.

'I grew up surrounded by the aroma of baked goods. One of my favorite memories is of African students coming here for donuts,' Arti recalls, noting how popular the large donuts were back in the day.

Hoshiar ensures he is present at the bakery every day. 'My younger customers enjoy our treats; many share stories about their families and eagerly chat with me. I appreciate that,' he says, donning his traditional Himachali topi. Originally from Kangra, he has made Chandigarh his home for many years.

The bakery is always bustling with customers, and the friendly staff ensures quick service. Abhishek Bansal, a UPSC aspirant from Fatehgarh Sahib, enjoys a mushroom patty and shares, 'My brother introduced me to Capital Bakery,' with a smile.

While Swiss rolls and mushroom patties are the top sellers, other items like desi ghee biscuits, coconut cookies, and traditional macarons have their own loyal following. 'Customers seek the same nostalgic flavors. My father is committed to preserving that legacy,' Arti concludes.