Sardines on Cake by Anant — A Journey of Dreams, Entrepreneurship and Building Babka

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Review:

“You can copy everything, but you can never copy the soul. You can’t copy the intent behind the craft, or the years of care that give a place its character.”

Some books inspire you, some make you reflect on life, and some make you want to visit a place and experience it for yourself. Sardines on Cake by Anant turned out to be one such book for me. In fact, this book has made me want to visit Babka the next time I am in Goa. If there is one thing this book taught me, it is that no matter where life takes you or what you choose to do, do it with the right intentions and give it your best. Things may not always go according to plan, but what matters is how you respond to them and the effort you put into moving forward.

Sardines on Cake is a memoir that reminded me of the song, “Duniya mein rehna hai toh kaam kar pyaare, haath jod sabko salaam kar pyaare.” Somehow, that song captures the spirit of Anant’s journey, his willingness to work hard, connect with people and make the most of the opportunities that came his way.

The book takes us through Anant’s journey of building Mystical Bundle and eventually Babka from scratch. But it is not merely about starting businesses. It is about the experiences, relationships, decisions, failures and unexpected opportunities that shaped him along the way. What makes this memoir interesting is the way Anant brings these experiences together through an honest, conversational narrative that feels more like someone sharing his journey than recounting a series of achievements.

The memoir begins with Anant’s younger years and his relationship with his parents. I particularly liked how he reflects on the lessons he learnt from them. His mother gave him the courage to step outside his comfort zone, while his father taught him the importance of taking responsibility and looking after things. The tone in these early chapters is personal and reflective, giving readers a glimpse into his upbringing and the values that shaped him. Rather than rushing into his entrepreneurial journey, Anant allows readers to understand the person behind the businesses.

At just seventeen, Anant left home and moved to Delhi, where he took up different jobs, met people, built connections and continued searching for something more meaningful in life. I liked how he narrates this phase without making every experience sound like a major achievement. His straightforward writing makes the uncertainties, mistakes and small victories relatable, while the progression from one opportunity to another keeps the narrative engaging. It is interesting to see how these experiences gradually shaped his ambitions, even when he did not have a clear plan for what came next.

One of the parts I particularly enjoyed was reading about how he built Mystical Bundle from scratch. From learning baking and experimenting with food photography to understanding the different aspects of running a business, Anant was constantly learning and trying something new. What fascinated me was how every little effort contributed to building Mystical Bundle. Every Instagram post, every photograph, every connection he made and every small decision played a role in its growth.

Anant describes this journey with enough detail to make readers appreciate the effort behind it, without turning the memoir into a business manual. I liked how he brings together the creative and practical sides of entrepreneurship, showing how learning a skill, presenting a product and connecting with customers are all part of building something from scratch. The writing remains accessible, and the personal anecdotes make even the business-related experiences interesting to read.

After spending years building Mystical Bundle, Anant eventually decided to sell the business and move to Goa. I found this transition particularly interesting because it changes the direction of the narrative. After following his efforts to establish something of his own, readers see him make the decision to move on and begin again. The way he narrates this turning point captures both the uncertainty and excitement of starting a new chapter. His journey also brought Karishma into his life, and together they began building a future in Goa.

The narrative becomes even more engaging as the story moves to Goa. Anant describes their decision to settle there, the people they encountered and the challenges of starting a new life. I particularly enjoyed how Goa is portrayed beyond its beaches and tourist attractions. His descriptions are warm and observant, bringing out the character of the place through its people, everyday interactions and the relationships they developed. Goa gradually becomes more than just a setting; it becomes an important part of their journey.

One of the most memorable parts of the memoir for me was how Babka emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when uncertainty had taken over everyday life, Anant and Karishma began taking orders and delivering them with small, thoughtful notes. What started in such a simple and personal way gradually grew into Babka.

I loved the way Anant narrates this phase. There is a balance between the challenges they faced and the happiness of seeing their efforts take shape. The little notes accompanying the orders were a particularly lovely detail, reflecting the thought and personal attention behind what they were creating. These small moments make the storytelling more personal and help readers understand why Babka gradually developed an identity of its own.

The COVID-19 phase also adds an element of uncertainty to the narrative, making it particularly engaging. You find yourself following their decisions, wondering how things will unfold and appreciating the effort behind every step forward. Rather than simply describing the outcome, Anant takes readers through the process, and that makes Babka’s journey interesting to follow.

Another aspect I genuinely appreciated was the relationship between Anant and Karishma. Their bond and the way they work together are beautifully described. Their partnership comes through naturally in the narrative, whether they are making decisions, sharing responsibilities or dealing with unexpected situations. The warmth in Anant’s writing makes their relationship an important part of the story without overshadowing his individual journey.

What impressed me throughout the memoir was Anant’s ability to make readers feel involved in his experiences. Whether it is the tension of making an important decision, the uncertainty of starting something new or the happiness of seeing an idea take shape, you can almost experience those moments alongside him. There were instances when I found myself wondering what I would have done in his place, and that is what made the reading experience more engaging for me.

His writing style is straightforward, conversational and to the point, while the overall tone remains honest, warm and reflective. There are moments of humour, uncertainty and excitement that prevent the narrative from becoming overly serious. The pacing is steady, with the early chapters establishing his background before the story gains momentum through Mystical Bundle and eventually Babka. The transitions between his personal and professional experiences are handled well, making the memoir feel cohesive.

Another strength of the storytelling is how Anant brings the people around him into the narrative. From his parents and the connections he made in Delhi to Karishma and the people of Goa, each relationship contributes to the larger story. These interactions add depth to the memoir and remind readers that his journey was shaped not only by the decisions he made but also by the people he met along the way.

What makes Sardines on Cake different from many entrepreneurial memoirs is that it does not read like a business guide or a series of lessons on achieving success. Instead, it is a personal account of learning through experience, taking chances, facing setbacks and making decisions without always knowing where they will lead. Anant’s honest approach to storytelling makes the journey relatable, even for readers who may not be particularly interested in entrepreneurship.

And that brings me back to the quote at the beginning of the review. An idea or business can be replicated, but the experiences, relationships and care behind it cannot. After reading about Babka’s journey, I understood why that distinction matters so much to Anant.

In all, Sardines on Cake is an engaging, inspiring and well-narrated memoir that brings together entrepreneurship, relationships, courage, uncertainty and new beginnings. With its conversational writing style, personal anecdotes, warm tone and steady pacing, the book offers readers an interesting look at the experiences behind building Mystical Bundle and Babka, while reminding us that every journey has its own share of unexpected turns.

And as for me, Babka is definitely on my list for my next Goa trip. This time, I won’t just be visiting a café; I’ll be visiting a place whose story I already know.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is A Penny for My Thoughts by Dr. Kanchana Chandran Nair about?

A Penny for My Thoughts: The Cost of Feeling Everything is a collection of poetry exploring love, loss, childhood, family relationships, heartbreak, healing, resilience, and self-discovery. It takes readers through different emotional experiences and the journey of finding strength through life’s challenges.

2. How many sections are there in A Penny for My Thoughts?

The book is divided into five sections: The Girl Who Asked Questions, The Words That Answered, The Mirror That Forgot Her Name, The Love That Remained, and And So I Became. Each section explores a different phase of emotional growth and self-discovery.

3. What is the writing style of Dr. Kanchana Chandran Nair?

The author’s writing style is lyrical, heartfelt, and reflective. Her poems use simple yet meaningful language to explore complex emotions, making the collection accessible and relatable.

4. Is A Penny for My Thoughts suitable for readers who enjoy emotional and reflective poetry?

Yes. The collection is ideal for readers who appreciate poetry about personal experiences, relationships, vulnerability, healing, hope, and finding strength during difficult phases of life.

5. What makes A Penny for My Thoughts worth reading?

Its emotional range and relatable themes make the collection meaningful. The five sections come together to explore different stages of life, reminding readers that healing takes time, relationships shape us, and personal growth often comes through challenging experiences.

Reader_Viddh’s Take

A Penny for My Thoughts by Dr. Kanchana Chandran Nair is a heartfelt and relatable poetry collection that explores emotions we experience but don’t always express. What I particularly loved was how all five sections connected with me, from childhood curiosity and family relationships to heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery. The poems about family, especially the sacrifices of fathers and the bonds shared with mothers and sisters, add depth to the collection. A beautiful reminder that every experience shapes us, every relationship leaves something behind, and sometimes, the words we read help us understand our own emotions a little better.

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Wrong Turns Only by Priyanka Pradhan — A Story About Family, Choices and Finding Your Own Way