A bite of sweetness- Bengali desserts

What Comes to Mind When You Think of Bengal?

When I think of Bengal, I am immediately transported to vibrant scenes filled with tradition and celebration. The image of beautiful ladies draped in exquisite red and white sarees, adorned with shankhapola bangles, and sporting a thin strip of sindoor along their hairlines is striking. Men in traditional kurtas paired with white dhotis add to the festive atmosphere as they enjoy sondesh and rosogolla during Durga Puja in the bustling streets of Kolkata. But I want to know: what comes to your mind when you think of Bengal? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!

Bengal is a treasure trove of culture, showcasing not only its rich traditions but also its incredibly diverse culinary landscape. The region is known for its sweet and hospitable people, and the desserts are nothing short of legendary. From the delicate sondesh to the creamy mishti doi, these sweet treats play an essential role in the culture, especially during festivals and special occasions.

The celebrations are filled with various rituals, colorful decorations, and, most importantly, a plethora of delicious dishes. Take a moment to picture a crowd during Durga Puja, holding diyas in their hands, performing rituals, and indulging in the festive spirit. Imagine a one-year-old child, her forehead adorned with kumkum, taking her first bite of kheer during her annaprasan (the rice-eating ceremony). Envision a young boy dressed in a silk kurta and a white sehra, performing pheras with his lady love. These images highlight the essence of Bengal, where food and festivities go hand in hand.

As we dive deeper into this culinary journey, it becomes evident that Bengal's celebrations are synonymous with its desserts. Each sweet has its own unique flavor and story, representing the diverse culture of the region.

So, if you’re planning to visit West Bengal or simply want to explore Bengali desserts, here’s a guide to some of the most iconic sweets you must try:

1. Mishti Doi 

   
   
   
   

   A beloved Bengali dessert, mishti doi is a creamy yogurt made from thickened milk and sweetened with jaggery. This delectable treat is often enjoyed chilled, making it the perfect end to any meal. For an authentic experience, visit Mrityunjay, located around Hooghly district along the Bandel local line, where you can savor this delightful dessert.

2. Roshogolla

   
   
   
   

   Known for its spongy texture, roshogolla consists of soft, round balls made of chhena, soaked in a light sugar syrup. This iconic Bengali sweet has a close relative, rajbhog, which is filled with dry fruits, saffron, and cardamom. Once you taste one, you won’t be able to stop! Head to Kotal’s Satyanarayan in Tollygunge for some of the best roshogolla in Kolkata.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Shondesh 

   
   
   
   

   This traditional Bengali sweet is slightly dry but packed with flavor. Made from condensed milk, sugar, and/or jaggery, shondesh comes in various shapes and sizes. One must-try variation is Nolen Gurer Shondesh, which uses a special type of jaggery for a unique taste. Nalin Chandra Das & Sons is the place to go for the finest shondesh in Kolkata.

4. Malpua 

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Who doesn’t love pancakes? Malpua is a Bengali version, a syrup-drenched dessert made from flour, sugar, and sometimes coconut. These pancakes are fried and then soaked in sugar syrup, creating a sweet indulgence enjoyed across North India and in states like Odisha and Bihar. For the best malpua, visit Balram Mullick and Radharam Mullick in Kolkata.

5. Payesh 

   
   
   
   
   
   

   No list of Bengali sweets would be complete without payesh. This rich and creamy rice pudding is made with milk, sugar, ghee, cardamom, bay leaves, and nuts. Variations like chhenar payesh (made with chhena) and gurer payesh (made with jaggery) add to its charm. You can find the best payesh at Nalin Chandra Das and Sons in Kolkata.

   
   

6. Rasmalai 

   
   
   
   
   
   

   This popular Indian dessert, with roots in Odisha, features soft chhena balls soaked in malai (cream) and flavored with cardamom. It’s cooked in a mixture of milk, saffron, pistachios, and sugar syrup, creating a dessert that’s absolutely delightful. K C Das is renowned for serving some of the best rasmalai in Kolkata, and it’s a must-try for dessert lovers.

7. Pantua 

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Made from a combination of milk, semolina, ghee, khoya, and sugar, pantua is another Bengali sweet soaked in sugar syrup. These flavorful treats are reminiscent of gulab jamuns and are a favorite among locals. Pithe Bilashi in Kolkata serves some of the best pantua you can find.

8. Chomchom 

   
   
   
   

   This traditional sweet, made with flour, coconut, cream, sugar, and saffron, has an oval shape and often features vibrant colors. Sometimes garnished with mawa or coconut flakes, chomchom is a delightful treat. Head to Adi Haridas Modak Mistanna Bhandar for an exquisite version.

9. Jilapi 

   
   
   
   

   For those who love jalebi, jilapi offers a delightful twist. This spiral-shaped sweet is made from chhena, khoya, and flour, providing a unique and delicious flavor. Enjoy it fresh from Mouchak, where it’s best served warm.

10. Kheer Kadam 

Imagine a rasgulla wrapped in sandesh—that’s what kheer kadam tastes like! This unique Bengali treat consists of tiny chhena spheres encased in khoya and powdered sugar. Ganguram Sweets is famous for their delectable kheer kadam.

Conclusion

Desserts are always a highlight after a sumptuous meal, and the wide array of Bengali sweets ensures there’s something for everyone. So, dear readers, the next time you’re on the hunt for desserts, especially during a visit to West Bengal, keep this guide in mind. Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of Bengal, and celebrate its vibrant culture through its delectable desserts!