Kolkata, a vibrant city in the heart of West Bengal, is not only famous for its rich culture and history but also for its delectable array of sweets. Often referred to as the sweet capital of India, Kolkata offers a variety of traditional desserts that are a testament to its culinary heritage. For anyone visiting, indulging in these sweets is a must. Here’s a guide to the Kolkata famous sweets you shouldn’t miss.
1. Rasgulla
Starting with perhaps the most iconic of Bengali sweets, the Rasgulla or Rosogolla is a soft, spongy ball made of chenna (an Indian cottage cheese) soaked in a light and sweet sugar syrup. This sweet is pure white, mildly sweet, and incredibly soft, literally melting in your mouth. Originating from Kolkata, Rasgulla has a prestigious GI tag, affirming its origins and uniqueness.
2. Sandesh
Sandesh is another marvel of Bengali confectionery. Made from chenna that is mixed with sugar or jaggery and sometimes flavored with cardamom or saffron, it’s then molded into various shapes and sizes. The texture can vary from soft to fudgy. Some popular varieties include ‘Jalbhora’ (syrup-filled) and ‘Nolen Gur Sandesh’ (made with seasonal date palm jaggery).
3. Mishti Doi
Mishti Doi, which translates to sweet yogurt, is a fermented sweet doh made with milk and sugar that’s then baked until it caramelizes, giving it a rich brown color. This dessert is creamy, thick, and has a distinct caramelized taste. It’s traditionally served in a clay pot which adds an earthy flavor.
4. Kalakand
Kalakand, or milk cake, is made by reducing milk and sugar along with paneer until it solidifies. The texture is grainy yet melts in the mouth, and it’s usually garnished with pistachios or almonds. Kalakand in Kolkata often incorporates a hint of rose water that elevates its flavor profile.
5. Pantua
Similar to Gulab Jamun, Pantua is made with deep-fried balls of chenna, khoya (milk solids), and flour soaked in sugar syrup. It’s slightly denser than gulab jamun and has a rich brown color, often served warm. Pantua is particularly popular during festive seasons in Kolkata.
6. Chomchom
Originating from the town of Porabari in Tangail, Bangladesh, Chomchom was brought to Kolkata where it became a staple sweet. It’s a variation of Rasgulla, elongated in shape, and coated with coconut flakes. The texture is denser and it’s typically more syrupy than a rasgulla.
7. Kheer Kadam
Kheer Kadam is an exquisite sweet that involves a mini rasgulla encased in a layer of khoya and then rolled in dried and powdered chenna. The result is a multi-textured sweet that combines the softness of rasgulla with the richness of khoya, offering a unique taste experience.
8. Shondesh Patisapta
A delightful variation of the traditional Sandesh, Shondesh Patisapta involves thin crepes made from refined flour, rice flour, and semolina, filled with coconut and jaggery. The rolls are then filled with a dense Sandesh, creating a combination of soft and creamy textures.
9. Bhapa Doi
Bhapa Doi is a steamed yogurt that’s similar to Mishti Doi but has a texture akin to cheesecake. It’s made by blending yogurt with condensed milk, then steamed to perfection. Often flavored with cardamom and adorned with pistachios, it offers a refreshing taste.
10. Langcha
Langcha, from the town of Shaktigarh, is a cylindrical shaped sweet similar to Pantua but longer in size. The dough is made from khoya and flour, deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. It’s denser and more intense in flavor compared to Pantua.
Conclusion
Visiting Kolkata without experiencing its range of traditional sweets would be an incomplete trip. Each sweet mentioned here not only delights the taste buds but also carries with it a piece of Bengal’s history and culture. Whether you are a connoisseur of sweets or a casual traveler looking to indulge in local flavors, these Kolkata famous sweets are sure to provide a memorable culinary journey.
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