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Hope & Faith

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Cafe El Mar

Cafe El Mar

Amanda Hope Fernandes

Some journeys begin with a carefully laid-out plan, while others start unexpectedly. For Hope & Faith, the spark came in 2020, born out of simple weekend boredom while still completing a hospitality degree in Mumbai. What began as a pastime quickly evolved into a flourishing baking business, rooted in childhood memories of chaotic yet joyful moments spent helping her mother prepare dishes during family gatherings and festivities. That sense of lively chaos has never left—it remains a part of the charm she brings into her kitchen today.

A Methodical Baking Philosophy

Precision defines Hope & Faith’s baking style. Even today, she follows recipes she created five years ago to the letter, believing that consistency is the secret to lasting success. Her goal is for her baked goods to taste just as perfect ten years from now as they do today. Combined with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to offering high quality at fair prices, this philosophy sets her creations apart.

The Art and Science of Baking

Baking, she insists, is equal parts art and science. Perfecting smooth cake icing is one of her ongoing artistic pursuits, but she knows that technical accuracy matters just as much. Proportions are critical—a single extra egg or excess butter can compromise an entire order. Every mistake becomes a lesson, and she welcomes the growth that comes from trial and error.

A Signature Start

Her journey as a professional baker began with her signature Fudge Brownie recipe—a dessert that remains her personal favorite to bake and enjoy. Over time, she has expanded her offerings, yet this original recipe continues to hold a special place in her repertoire.

Personalized Creations for Every Occasion

Custom orders receive her full attention. She begins with detailed conversations to understand each client’s vision and flavor preferences before dedicating time to craft a cake that is both visually stunning and perfectly matched to the occasion.

fudge brownies

Quality Ingredients, Locally Sourced

Ingredient quality is a non-negotiable at Hope & Faith. She uses only premium chocolate, fresh fruits, and real dairy products, all sourced from trusted local suppliers. While her standard menu features traditional favorites, she also accommodates special requests with gluten-free items, eggless brownies, and cakes available on demand.

Overcoming Challenges with Precision

The most demanding items on her menu are custom cakes, each with unique challenges. As she sees it, a baker’s responsibility is to ensure perfection, because a single mistake could overshadow someone’s special day. Her solution is unwavering focus, close attention to detail, and constant practice.

Staying Current with Trends

While Instagram and YouTube often provide the inspiration to explore new and trending styles, mastering them is never instant. She commits to multiple rounds of testing before adding anything new to her menu, ensuring her customers receive flawless results.

Looking Ahead

Hope & Faith’s ambitions for the coming years include hosting workshops for all age groups, teaching the joys and complexities of baking.

She also plans to keep pushing her own creative boundaries by experimenting with new flavors and techniques—because in her words, “With baking, the learning never stops.”

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