They are Sufis, those who travel the world, spreading the message of peace and love. So, when Nouman and Shahnaz Sufi moved to the US in 2013, they took along with them, their family customs and tradition. The most adored among them was baking. It was their way to spread joy, albeit on a small scale. In June last year, they started a commercial setup, The Clay Oven Foods, that offers the famous hand-tossed Kashmiri roghni kulcha. For those who know, it is an absolute treat to the senses. A soft cloud like dough is kneaded with milk, and once risen, is given ample rest before gently stretching it by hand. Sprinkled with sesame seeds, it is baked in the oven, and when it comes out, the, soft, airy, golden goodness can be had as is, with nun chai or be dunked into a favourite curry or dips or with barbecued meat. In its westernised version, it can even be transformed into a densely flavoured pizza with an unusual pillowy base.

Shahnaz with father Sufi Ghulam Hussain