Who doesn’t drool over squidgy cakes? The exhaustive world of cakes from the deep-fried and traditional ‘vettu cake’ (loosely translated to cake with cuts) to decorative cakes in all hues is only ballooning with each passing day. The cakes might have underwent a sea of change over the years but a shop in Kochi has stood the test of time by satisfying the palates with its succulent jam rolls for many decades.
Story behind Kunju’s Jam Rolls
The story of this sought-after bakery begins from the year 1931. Kunju’s Jam Rolls is continuing the illustrious legacy of SAC Bakery, which was started by Thrissur-native K K Kunju Asan in Kanjirappally in Kottayam district. Kunju Asan learnt the nuances of cake baking from expert British bakers and at that time worked for the Bosotto Bakery in Madras (now Chennai).
With the Britishers opening more plantations in Travancore in the 1930s, the demand for cakes skyrocketed and to tap this opportunity Kunju Asan opened a baking unit in Kanjirappally. It may be noted that Travancore then was known for its juicy pineapples.
Kunju Asan had masterly skills in making Swiss rolls, and the sweet and spongy jam rolls he rolled out were a big hit. Moreover, special cakes with different exotic flavours made waves among connoisseurs.
Dr Jayan, son of Kunju Asan, who decided to tread the family’s culinary path after retiring from Bharat Petroleum, is at the helm of Kunju’s Jam Rolls, which is situated on the Seaport-Airport road in Kakkanad.
The SAC Bakery in Kanjirappally is continuing to satisfy the palates and having roaring business to the envy of other bakers. The cakes have a vast fan following as they are made with pineapples and strawberries sourced from local farmers. The much-loved cakes in the foreign countries such as Swiss rolls, Bolo de coco, Hummingbird cakes and Lemon cream cakes are available at the outlet.
The success of Kunju’s Jam Rolls lies in the fact that foreign delicacies are served to Malayalis at a cheaper rate without any compromise on the quality, says Dr Jayan.