India, Feb. 13 -- Bengaluru's Basque Bakery has finally addressed the wave of criticism regarding its "rude" Instagram comments, but the response is anything but a standard apology. In a multi-slide statement, the Koramangala establishment labelled its controversial remarks as "bold" and necessary to preserve a "discerning niche". The founders argue that their brand, built on "meditative" kitchen practices and Michelin-level standards, is being unfairly targeted by a "mass" audience that prioritises quantity over integrity.

They attribute the online backlash to a "scam culture". While acknowledging their responses were bold, the bakery maintains that such firmness is the "only language" certain hostile voices understand.

The bakery wrot...