The Sweeter the Better- Boma Asian Bakery

Lockdown, COVID 19 pandemic was not all about loss of jobs, deaths and migrant workers walking miles to return home. It was also a story of hope and new beginnings, bringing about new entrepreneurship zeal and talents among many, who were in some other profession and or even new starters. Home-baking turned out to be a booming business for many entrepreneurs as customers preferred products from the safety and sanitized environment of the home, compared to shops. What was common about these home bakers? They were all first timers and had shifted into home-baking from some other profession, either from the need of the pocket, or sheer passion that they had nurtured for years and got an expression during Lockdown.

Christmas delights

A brainchild of Sonam Dolkar Seth and Manisha, the art of cake making turned into a passion and profession for them. Before COVID-19 had struck, one was a make-up artist and the other a Marketing professional.

Sonam and Manisha with little Boma

From big brands and local bakeries ruling the roost and catering to the masses – the baking industry witnessed change after the COVID-19. The baton being passed to women, who are home bakers, baking from the confines of their homes and baking not just cakes but teacakes, cupcakes and even cookies that are customized to meet the client’s needs and demands.

The flavoursome Eclairs

Take for example Boma Asian Bakery, that started as a bakery business venture during lockdown days by two sisters. A brainchild of Sonam Dolkar Seth and Manisha, the art of cake making turned into a passion and profession for them. Before COVID-19 had struck, one was a make-up artist and the other a Marketing professional. Now they became table turners. As Sonam puts in: ‘When we two sisters started baking in March after lockdown, COVID-19 safety measures were of prime importance. Initially in the month of March, we started baking from home. Mom was our mentor and sole guide,’ she added. After all she is famous food specialist Doma Wang’s daughter. Doma is known for her Tibetan cuisines, especially momo. Sonam had loved making cakes when she was in Class 10 and was the regular dessert dresser and maker for the family dinner tables and parties. Now she got a chance to take her baking skills to a new height. 

“We were very concerned about COVID 19 pandemic. All the ingredients and packaging materials- everything that was brought inside our home were sanitized

The menu

She came up with a super-star --- the Japanese Cheese Cake which was a big hit for Boma Asian Bakery since initial days. Utilizing Swiggy genie, Zomato, personal Instagram page and official Instagram Pages for Boma Asian Bakery and multiple online channels, the duo sold varieties of out-of-the-box cakes like Red Velvet, Chocolate and Caramel Eclairs. “We also started preparing vanilla cakes and marble cakes. The Eclairs were a big hit,” she said. “We were very concerned about COVID 19 pandemic. All the ingredients and packaging materials- everything that was brought inside our home were sanitized. People trusted the cleanliness and safety measures.

The unicorn and rainbow cupcakes

Customer was of prime importance,” Sonam added. The two sisters started baking together in March, designing the cakes and marketing it. “I was a make-up artist. Cake designing was a creative work and my expertise worked well. I used to watch videos on youtube and develop on the designs. Now we have hired a commercial space and three people near Blue Poppy Thakkali.”