Divya Advani started baking when she was really young. “I remember the first batch of cookies I made was for a college trip when I was 19 and my friends couldn’t stop munching on them,” she recalls with a smile. The 26-year-old baker is the founder of Brownsalt Bakery, an artisan bakery based in Mumbai that uses healthy ingredients and gives them a contemporary flavour. “I started baking out of curiosity and it slowly became something I am truly passionate about. I kept experimenting at home; frequently trying out new dishes because I was interested in the process of creating them which led to sparks of joy. That’s when I knew this is something I would enjoy anytime,” she says about her journey that led her to launch Brownsalt in 2016.
While a lot of us bake at home, not many turn it into a profession. When and what led you to start Brownsalt?
I really enjoyed my time baking special items at home, but since they were baked in batches and always had a lot leftover, I would share them with my friends and family. The response from them was overwhelming and people kept coming back for more and even offered to pay for it. The simple joy that people received from having the goods kept me so motivated. I love feeding people and baking for others felt very satisfying which is one of the major reasons for doing this professionally came naturally to me. I started taking orders from home while I was still in college and it was a part-time thing.
Once I decided to do this full-time, I knew I wanted to create my own brand that stood for something. I wanted to make the boring, healthy treats fun and delicious. We lacked quality and gourmet options especially in the cereal and packaged food space. Our breakfasts usually consisted of the usual Indian dishes or cornflakes. Granola was and still is, a very western concept that no one was doing back then. Breakfast is such a core part of a healthy lifestyle which lets me create granolas that everyone can enjoy; different flavours, sweet but with a little bit of salt. And now we have expanded our product line into cakes and have a lot more exciting items to come.
There are so many bakeries in Mumbai. What do you think is Brownsalt’s strength?
I think our core strengths are great taste, consistency, and unique products. We cater to a niche market and our flavours are also pretty unique. Our products are natural and handmade without any additives and chemicals or artificial flavoring. We make everything in small batches, from scratch.
What are some of the signature products and bestsellers of Brownsalt?
Our signature is the Chocolate & Oatmeal Cookies which are still from the same recipe from that first college trip. These are crunchy cookies with chunks of chocolate – it’s very unlike a traditional cookie but more of a cross between a cookie and a biscuit which makes it more delicious. From the granolas, 
the Almond and Cranberry Granola are the most popular, the crunchy toasted oats coated with honey along with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and tarty cranberries make a great anytime healthy snack. The Double Belgium Chocolate cookie is the most indulgent melt in your mouth treats. The Rose and Pistachio granola is a very unique flavour that makes mornings feel more luxurious and it tastes great with milk too. Our biscottis are also pretty popular and make a great companion for your morning coffee.
Are there plans to diversify into other product categories?
Yes, so this year we have started cakes and just launched our very first cake menu. We are looking forward to a variety of new cake flavours and new savory items as well to complete our product range.
At present, where can the consumer get their Brownsalt products from? Also, is the online presence for delivery limited to Mumbai or across other states as well?
So, the direct source to getting them is through our website www.brownsaltbakery.com or via call and WhatsApp +91 7506540736. Our granolas, most cookies, and other items are available for Pan India shipping via the website. We are available at modern retail stores like Foodhall India, Society stores, Cornucopia, etc and on online retail stores like KC Roasters, Gourmet box, etc. We also provide corporate and personal gifting customizations for our products and gift boxes.
Are there any expansion plans for the future? Where do you hope to see the bakery for five years from now?
We had planned to have a retail space soon, but due to the pandemic, the plans have been postponed. But yes, in the future we plan to have our storefront bakery-cafe, and hopefully, in 5 years be present in multiple cities in India.
Divya’s foodie mantras
Your fav cookie from Brownsalt?
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Your ideal 2 am sinful treat?
Double Belgium Chocolate Cookies
Sweet or salty, your preference?
Salty
Your go-to bakery (apart from Brownsalt)
Tough one, Mag St Co.
The perfect dessert + drink pairing?
Champagne and berry tarts
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