500 baked treats, pure butter: Dehradun’s 73-year-old bakery is known for its caramelised stick jaws. But the ex-army man’s iconic shop is a treasure trove of nostalgic delights

Dehradun, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a city where colonial-era charm meets lush greenery and misty allure. Often celebrated for its pleasant weather, tree-lined avenues and proximity to Mussoorie, the Uttarakhand capital has long inspired writers, artists and travellers. Dehradun is also associated with beloved author Ruskin Bond, whose evocative stories have immortalised the region's quiet beauty and timeless spirit. But beyond its scenic beauty, there lies the oldest bakery shop known for its indulgent sweet and savoury baked delicacies. We are talking about the iconic Elloras.

How Dehradun’s oldest bakery took shape

Elloras, tucked away in Dehradun’s bustling Rajpur Road, was founded by ex-army man Krishan Lal Gulati in 1953, as per the shop’s official website. Post-partition, when he arrived in Dehradun, he was a refugee and the eldest of 5 siblings, reported The Humans of Bombay. Krishan opened Elloras for a living, never imagining that it would grow into a beloved spot for residents and tourists alike.


According to Krishan Lal Gulati’s granddaughter, Drona Gulati, Elloras was a simple yet visionary idea. During the pre-Independence era, several high-ranking British officials had summer homes in Dehradun and employed skilled chefs and butlers who specialised in baking bread and other Western delicacies.


After the British left India in 1947, many of these trained professionals found themselves without work, as their expertise did not align with traditional Indian sweet shops. Recognising their untapped talent, Krishan Lal Gulati decided to bring them together and establish a bakery, giving rise to Elloras, reported The Better India.

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Elloras diverse menu is a foodie’s dream

At present, Elloras sells over 1000 products, 500 of which are pure baked treats. Their top-selling product is butter toffees, popularly called stick jaws — caramelised wonders that stick to your teeth, hence the name. Other must-try items include decadent plum cakes, rich butter cookies, sugary and colourful candies, melt-in-the-mouth cream, butterscotch and cinnamon rolls, and crispy rusks.

That’s not all. Elloras is also famous for crunchy baklavas, raisin brioches (French bread known for its rich, tender crumb), Omali Egyptian pastries, Danish pastries, apple tarts, pretzels, doughnuts, French loaves, and pita bread. As per the bakery’s official website, Elloras is now succeeded by Virendra Gulati, an alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management Pusa.