Kameel Rasyid’s love for baking began in the heart of his family’s kitchen in Bandung, West Java. Growing up, his fondest memories were of intimate moments spent baking with his mother and the comforting aroma of their signature steamed brownies.
“We’d bake from morning until night,” Rasyid reminisces. “Those were profoundly memorable moments. That’s where my passion for baking was truly born.”
The Journey to bkry
Rasyid’s path to opening bkry wasn’t straightforward. From learning traditional recipes with his mother to attending baking school and competing in culinary contests, each step was a building block toward his dream.
“I wanted to create a place where I could control every aspect of the process,” he shares. “From sourcing the best, environmentally friendly ingredients to using equipment that elevates the baking process, I wanted everything to be intentional.”
Establishing bkry in Dubai’s Competitive Food Scene
Launching in Dubai’s high-powered food scene presented challenges. Transitioning from chef to business owner required juggling creative tasks with business management — budgeting, financial planning, human resources, and marketing.
A Bakery That Pushes Boundaries
Since its launch in June 2024 at Alserkal Avenue, bkry has taken Dubai by storm. Signature treats like the pecan salted caramel croissant and reimagined cinnamon roll became instant hits. The team conducted extensive market research and found that while Dubai’s food scene was diverse, there wasn’t a dedicated space for quality artisanal baked goods.
Transparency and Authenticity
The bakery’s Scandinavian-inspired space features large glass windows allowing customers to watch the baking process in real-time. The cinnamon roll starts with brioche dough enriched with rye flour, uses brown butter for caramelized flavor, and a custom spice blend. Different fermentation times achieve flavors that go beyond classic recipes.
Sustainability at the Core
Bkry uses flour from Wildfarmed Flour, known for regenerative farming methods, and cacao beans from Kokoa Kamili, supporting fair prices for farmers. “Balancing high-quality ingredients with accessible prices is challenging, but it’s a commitment we stand by.”
The Future of bkry
Plans include expanding across Dubai, launching masterclasses for baking enthusiasts, partnering with businesses in Alserkal Avenue, and venturing into bean-to-bar chocolate. “No matter how much we grow, we’ll always stay true to quality, innovation, and a deep respect for the art of baking.”
A major highlight was an unexpected visit from HH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — a testament to the bakery’s growing influence in Dubai’s culinary scene.