If you thought bakeries were only about croissants and cupcakes, Manuka Bakehouse in Navi Mumbai is here to politely disagree. Tucked away and quietly redefining what “bakery food” can mean, this spot is doing things with dough, butter, and Indian flavours that genuinely made us sit up mid-bite. We went in curious and came out converts. Here’s the full rundown.
This Navi Mumbai Bakery Deserves All The Hype For The Desi Pies, Lamingtons & Breads!
The Vibe & The Philosophy
Before we even get to the food, here’s what makes Manuka different: this isn’t just another Insta-pretty bakery riding the aesthetic wave. The kitchen runs 100% on electricity, follows a strict zero-fried-food rule, and every sauce, spread, and dip is made from scratch in-house. No shortcuts, no compromises, just clean ingredients. Oh, and everything from the sourdough to the focaccia to the milk bread is baked fresh daily, on-site. You can taste the difference.
Their standout concept, though, is the savoury desi pie line, Indian curries reimagined inside classic international pastry crusts. It’s the kind of fusion that could go very wrong, but at Manuka, it’s clearly been through several rounds of getting it very, very right.
Butter Chicken Pot Pie
We’re leading with this one because it deserves the spotlight. The Butter Chicken Pot Pie is everything a good pot pie should be, buttery, flaky crust on the outside, giving way to a rich, creamy gravy on the inside. But here’s the kicker: the flavour is spot-on butter chicken. Not a diluted, “inspired by” version, not the overly sweet restaurant cliché; this tastes like someone’s grandmother’s butter chicken got a pastry degree. If Manuka only served this one dish, we’d still be writing this review.
Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwich
Served in their signature in-house focaccia, this sandwich genuinely transported us elsewhere for a second. The honey mustard sauce-to-juicy-chicken ratio is dialled in perfectly, not too sweet, not too sharp, just balanced. And just when you think you’ve got the sandwich figured out, the rocket leaves and onions show up with a light crunch that acts like the plot twist you didn’t know the sandwich needed.
Pesto Mushroom Melt
For vegetarians in the house, this one is a must-have. Usually in sandwiches, the pesto is overpowering, and nothing else can be tasted. But at Manuka, this one is perfectly balanced. The pesto, caramelised onions, the fresh and crunchy bell peppers, lettuce and mushrooms with mozzarella cheese melted to bind everything. Do not forget to dip it in their in-house beetroot ketchup.
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Caferal Pizza
Manuka’s Neapolitan-style pizzas are a whole category of their own, and the Caferal is proof they’re not playing it safe. It leans spicy, enough that it might catch you off guard if you’re not prepared, but if you’re someone who genuinely loves Goan flavours, this one’s going to feel like it was made just for you. Bold, punchy, and unapologetic.
Basque Cheesecake
The owners apparently bet that this cheesecake was “made out of dreams”, and honestly? They weren’t exaggerating. Soft, creamy, with that signature burnt-top Basque finish, and importantly, not overly sweet. It’s the kind of dessert that lets the ingredients speak instead of drowning everything in sugar. A must-order, no debate.
Lamington
Easy to overlook on a menu full of showstoppers, but the lamington held its own, soft, spongy cake coated in that classic chocolate-and-coconut finish, not too dense and not too sweet. It’s the comfort-food dessert that doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly its charm.
Berry Smoothie
Given Manuka’s whole clean-eating ethos, the berry smoothie fits right in, fresh, fruity, and not weighed down by excess sugar or syrup. It’s the kind of drink that actually tastes like the fruit it’s named after, which, surprisingly, isn’t a given everywhere. A solid, refreshing palate cleanser between all that indulgence.
Cold Coffee
No frills, no gimmicks, just a well-balanced, properly cold, appropriately strong cold coffee. Sometimes you don’t need a smoothie or a matcha; you just need a classic done right, and Manuka delivers exactly that.
The Verdict
Manuka Bakehouse isn’t just baking bread and desserts; they’re baking a whole philosophy into every dish, and it shows. From the show-stopping Desi Pies to the dreamy Basque Cheesecake, every item felt intentional, crafted, and genuinely different from what you’d expect walking in. If you’re in Navi Mumbai and haven’t been yet, consider this your sign and run to this spot!
Where: Shop 40, Sai Vihar CHS, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
When: 11am–1am, Tuesday to Saturday; 10am–1am, Sunday
Cover Image Courtesy: Bhavesh Hagwane
FAQs
What is Manuka Bakehouse known for?
Manuka is known for fresh breads, desi-inspired savoury pies, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts.
Does Manuka Bakehouse make its bread in-house?
Yes, its sourdough, focaccia and milk bread are baked fresh on-site daily.
Does Manuka Bakehouse serve fried food?
The bakery follows a zero-fried-food approach in its kitchen.
