Experience West Bengal's sweet street treats
What's the story
West Bengal, located in eastern India, holds a rich culinary heritage, with sweets being a particular highlight.
The bustling streets of Kolkata are a paradise for food lovers, with vendors offering a wide array of traditional Bengali sweets.
From the syrupy delight of rosogolla to the creamy indulgence of mishti doi, each treat is a testament to cultural traditions and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Rosogolla
Dive into the world of Rosogollas
The king of Bengali sweets, rosogolla needs no introduction.
These heavenly chhena (Indian cottage cheese) balls cooked in light syrup are a must-try for anyone visiting West Bengal.
And at just ₹10 a piece (or even less), they're a treat that everyone can afford.
Stalls throughout Kolkata also serve delicious variations like nolen gur (date palm jaggery) flavored rosogollas during the winter months.
Mishti doi
Savor the richness of Mishti Doi
Mishti doi is a delight on the palate with its creamy texture and caramelized sugar notes.
This fermented sweet yogurt is traditionally served in earthen pots, lending it an earthy flavor.
You can find it at almost any sweet shop lining the streets of West Bengal, with a small pot priced around ₹30.
It's not just a dessert, but an experience that embodies Bengali warmth and culinary passion.
Sandesh
Indulge in sandesh varieties
Sandesh is a versatile sweet made from chhena and sugar or jaggery, with endless variations in flavors and shapes.
From simple, unadorned ones to exotic fruit-flavored creations like mango or strawberry, each sandesh offers a unique taste experience.
Prices range widely based on ingredients, but generally start from ₹20/piece.
Discovering different sandesh varieties gives one a glimpse into the artistry and creativity that define Bengali sweet-making.
Patishapta
Discover the delightful Patishapta
Patishapta is essentially crepes stuffed with a sweet filling made from a coconut or khoya (reduced milk) and jaggery mixture.
This treat is particularly beloved during Poush Parbon (the harvest festival).
Priced at a modest ₹15/roll upwards, patishapta provides a harmonious medley of textures and flavors that pay tribute to Bengal's agricultural traditions and the season's bounty.
Chomchom
Explore street-side chomchom
Chomchom or cham cham is the one that transports you to flavor town with its dense, milky texture and luscious coating of mawa (milk solids) or coconut flakes.
Hailing from Tangail, Bangladesh, it has become an adopted child of West Bengal's sweet family.
You can get it for around ₹25/piece. Fun fact: The different colors indicate different flavors!
For instance, you might find saffron or rose water infused ones.