Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

A Love for Sweets and Fascism: The History of Monginis, Bombay’s Iconic Cake Shop

Monginis’ story links a 1902 Churchgate restaurant and confectionery to a later cake chain—and to reported letters in which founder LU Mongini praised Mussolini.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Monginis began as a Churchgate Street restaurant and confectionery opened in Bombay in 1902 by two Italian brothers. One of them, LU Mongini, later wrote letters praising Benito Mussolini and defending fascism, according to a 2017 account of archival material. The original business was a social gathering place as well as a shop for sweets; the later Monginis cake chain has a related but incompletely documented ownership history.

What was Mongini’s in early Bombay?

Monginis’ official history dates the opening of Mongini Ltd. to 1902, when two Italian brothers established a restaurant on Churchgate Street. A 2017 feature by Tania Bhattacharyya in Scroll also describes it as a restaurant and confectionery, rather than simply a cake counter. Monginis’ official history and Bhattacharyya’s account provide the available chronology.

A larger venue from 1919

Monginis’ history says the business reopened in two larger buildings after Churchgate Street was widened in 1919. Bhattacharyya’s feature describes the intended uses of the premises through a contemporaneous Times of India report: a refreshment room and confectionery on the ground floor, a dining room on the first, and rooms for receptions and other gatherings on the second. The feature quotes the report as saying, “Messrs Mongini’s building will prove a valuable addition to the palatial business establishments of the city…” That line is quoted here as Bhattacharyya reproduces it, not as a quotation independently checked against the 1919 newspaper.

A social and business meeting place

Bhattacharyya’s account describes Mongini’s in the 1920s and 1930s as part of Bombay’s social and business life, with a Hungarian orchestra, concerts, and dinner dances. The political history is distinct from this role: the evidence cited concerns one founder’s reported views, not the confectionery as a political organisation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Kootek 158 Cake Decorating Kit Baking Supplies Tools for Beginners & Pros
  • All-in-One Cake Decorating Supplies Kit: Total 158pcs baking accessories, includes everything you need to start decorating your cakes: a revolving cake stand, 3 scrapers, angled & straight spatulas, 49 standard-size piping tips, 8 Russian tips, 7 Korean nozzles, tips cleaning brush, 3 couplers, 50 disposable pastry bags, 2 reusable piping bags, 2 bag ties, 2 flower nails, flower lifter, cake pen and 3 cake pen top, cake leveler, 14 fondant molds, smoother, 5 measuring spoons, egg separator, and whisk.
  • 360° Spinning Cake Turntable: This essential baking supplies tool features a cake stand with an 11-inch diameter in a macaron color that spins smoothly on a hidden ball bearing, allowing you to achieve stunningly consistent patterns and gorgeous designs. With 360° clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, you can decorate like a PRO. The light color design makes you enjoy your cake decorating projects.
  • Piping Bags and Tips Set: 49 standard-sized, 8 Russian, and 7 Korean numbered piping tips, 50 disposable piping bags, 2 pink reusable pastry bags, 3 couplers, and 2 bag ties. With this frosting set, you can design different patterns for your cakes. Don’t worry, we have a pattern chart to help you eliminate guesswork by providing outcomes for each tip. Besides, a tips cleaning brush for easy cleaning of the nozzles after use.
  • Angled and Straight Icing Spatulas: Made from high-quality stainless steel, these exceptional frosting spatulas simplify the process of achieving evenly frosted layers and working on layered cakes. With a 12.5-inch angled spatula and a 10.6-inch straight spatula, you can effortlessly create smooth surfaces and crumb-free layers.
  • E-Book Guide to Use: Come with a pattern chart that serves as a guide for the numbered icing tips. Furthermore, a detailed and professional E-Book is available, providing advanced guidance on using Kootek baking tools and creating exquisite cakes or cupcakes. This valuable resource is ideal for beginners as well as for professionals, making our set the perfect choice for those seeking to improve their baking skills. Also a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day, a wedding, or a party.

What did LU Mongini write about Mussolini?

Bhattacharyya’s April 21, 2017 feature says LU Mongini, one of the founding brothers, wrote several letters to the Times of India praising Mussolini and arguing that fascism had saved Italy from communism. The feature describes the author’s encounter with family archival material and her search through older newspaper coverage. Its account includes the phrase “the immense services rendered by Mussolini to Italy” and the statement that “fascism [had] saved Italy.”

The letters’ exact dates and complete texts are not established by that account as presented here. The evidence supports a report of Mongini’s expressed praise for Mussolini and defense of fascism; it does not warrant a broader account of his politics beyond those reported excerpts.

Rank #2
Sale
Riccle Piping Bags and Tips Set, 11.8 Inch 100 Anti Burst Piping Bags, 124 Pcs Cake Decorating Kit with 16 Piping Tips, 1 Reusable Pastry Bags, 3 Cake Scrapers, 2 Couplers, and 2 Icing Bags Ties
  • Riccle Piping Bags and Tips Set, 11.8 Inch 100 Anti Burst Piping Bags, 124 Pcs Cake Decorating Kit with 16 Piping Tips, 1 Reusable Pastry Bags, 3 Cake Scrapers
  • Riccle Frosting Piping Kit includes 100 x piping bags disposable, 1 x silicone pastry bag, 16 x stainless steel frosting tips, 3 x Cake Scrapers, 2 x frosting couplers, 2 x cake decorating bags ties. No matter your pro or novice, this cake piping kit could unleash your creativity.
  • Premium Cake Decorating Supplies for Lasting Elegance: Our durable and reusable piping bags piping bags, along with our cookie decorating tools and supplies decorating tools ensure a seamless blend of functionality and elegance.
  • Explore creativity with Cupcake Decorating Kit: Experience baking bliss with our disposable piping bags. Effortless cleanup is just a twist away—simply dispose the frosting piping bags when done. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of baking without the added stress of cleaning up.
  • Riccle Icing Bags and Tips Set: Unleash your inner pastry chef with our top-tier pastry bags and tips. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a seasoned pro, Riccle Cake Supplies, which includes royal icing piping bags, reusable frosting bags, and cake decorating tips is a must-have for achieving consistently stunning results in every delightful creation.

How did the original business become today’s Monginis?

The brand’s official history says the Italian brothers left India after World War II and sold the restaurant to a local family, the Khuranas. It then says the Khorakiwala family took over the heritage brand in 1956. Monginis’ about page presents Hussein Khorakiwala as the founder behind a Fort, Mumbai shop in 1956.

Those statements do not explain how the Khuranas’ ownership relates to the Khorakiwala takeover, or precisely how the earlier restaurant became the later cake brand. The available official account therefore supports a sequence of reported events, but not a claim that the Khorakiwalas bought the restaurant directly from the Mongini brothers.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Kootek 12" Aluminum Cake Turntable Set, Rotating Cake Stand for Decorating
  • Cake Turntable for Party: Constructed with heavy-duty aluminium alloy provides excellent stability on countertops, keeps the cake stand from moving. Non-slip surface & rubber feet to help keep your cake and cake decorating stand in place while decorating. Whether presented as a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day, a wedding, or a party, it offers endless enjoyment and opportunities for quality time spent baking with loved ones.
  • Cake Decorating Comb & Icing Smoother: 3 cake decorating combs is made of high-quality stainless steel for creating different texture and smoothing the sides of the cake. Provides up to 12 different patterns ( The cake decorating comb has blue film, please remove it before use. ).
  • Angled Spatula and Silicone Spatula:12.7" icing offset spatula applies the icing on the side or top of cakes. Perfect for smoothing the frosting surface, making layered cakes, and cutting the cake. A soft silicone icing spatula can help you get a perfect mixture when you mixing the icing, flour, or eggs.
  • Cake Server/Cutter: Stainless steel cake cutter lets you cut and serve cake or pie slices & serve them without damaging delicate pastry. Easy to clean. Note: Do Not recommend cleaning it with the dishwasher for extending the service life.
  • Premium Baking Supplies Frosting Tools & Cake Decorating Kits: Strong, durable, stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, reusable, non-stick, tasteless, food-grade material. (Keep dry and clean after use or wash.)

Franchising and the distributed cake brand

Monginis’ official history dates the introduction of its cake-shop franchise model to 1971. That marks a later phase in the brand’s expansion beyond its original premises; the official page does not provide independent business records detailing that development.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Where to find Monginis today

Monginis’ current official pages describe shops selling cakes and related bakery products and provide an online ordering route. This is a present-day service, not evidence that the historic Churchgate Street premises continued unchanged. Coverage, product availability, pickup, and delivery depend on location; check the official Monginis site for current ordering and store information.

Best Value
Sale
Kootek 71 Cake Decorating Kit Baking Supplies Tools for Beginners & Pros
  • All-in-One Cake Decorating Kit Supplies: Perfect for beginners & pros! Unsure which cake decorating tools to buy? This complete baking supplies includes a rotating cake turntable, 12 numbered piping tips, 52 pastry bags (50 disposable + 2 reusable), offset & straight spatulas, 3 scrapers, and 1 coupler. Plus, an exclusive E-Book, pattern chart, and video tutorials to help you master cake decorating techniques. Everything you need to give your cakes, muffins, and cupcakes a professional touch!
  • 360° Spinning Cake Turntable: This essential baking supplies tool features a cake stand with an 11-inch diameter that spins smoothly on a hidden ball bearing, allowing you to achieve stunningly consistent patterns and gorgeous designs. With 360° clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, you can decorate like a PRO. A thoughtful gift for Mother's Day, a wedding, or a party.
  • Complete Piping Bags & Tips Set: Unlock your creativity with 12 numbered icing tips, 50 disposable piping bags, 2 reusable pastry bags, and a quick-change coupler. These essential cake decorating supplies kit allow you to craft everything from simple dots and lines to intricate flowers and leaves. The coupler lets you switch tips instantly without emptying the bag, keeping your workflow clean and efficient.
  • Straight and Angled Frosting Spatulas: These high-quality stainless steel frosting spatulas make it easy to even out frosting and work on layered cakes. With a 12.5-inch angled spatula and a 10.6-inch straight spatula, you can create even crumb layers and perfect surfaces.
  • 3 Edges of Cake Scrapers: This cake decorating set includes 3 different icing comb scrapers, so you can make various designs on your cake. With one rounded scraper, one straight scraper, and one toothed scraper, you can easily create complex and stunning designs.
Rank #4
Riccle 88 pc Cake Decorating Kit & Cake Turntable -Piping Bags and Tips Set
  • Complete Cake Decorating Supplies: This all-in-one baking kit includes a rotating cake stand, 24 icing piping tips, 2 cake spatulas, 3 cake scrapers, 50 disposable piping bags, 2 reusable pastry bags, 4 bag ties, and 2 couplers. Perfect for all your cake decorations.
  • Durable Baking Tools: Our cake turntable for decorating is designed with high-quality materials for stability and smooth rotation. Includes essential cake frosting tools and icing spatula, making it a must-have for professional cake decorating.
  • Versatile Cake Decorating Tools: This set features a cake spinner stand, frosting piping kit, fondant tools, and cake icing smoother. Ideal for creating intricate cake designs and perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Essential baking accessories included.
  • Professional Cake Decorating Kit: Includes a cake decorating turntable, cake spatula icing smoother, icing scraper, and cake piping kit. Designed for precision and ease, this kit ensures a flawless finish for your cake baking supplies.
  • Comprehensive Cake bakery supplies: Our baking sets for adults feature a cake stand spinner and baking gadgets. Includes a complete icing bags and tips set, making it an essential addition to your cake making supplies and bakery tools.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.