The rich culinary heritage of Kolkata definitely needs to be talked about. But maybe some other time. Let’s focus only on ‘Mishti‘ today! And the best sweet shops that you simply can’t miss while you are in Kolkata.
Bengali sweets, or “mishti” as they are called locally, are famous for their unique texture and flavours. They are a delightful part of the region’s culinary culture. You must visit these heritage sweet shops in Kolkata for a tantalising journey to your taste buds.
Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar
Located in the heart of the city, near College Street area, Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar has been serving customers since 1913. This is one of Kolkata’s historic sweet treasures. If you are in Kolkata and have a sweet tooth, a visit to Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar is highly recommended. You need to try their kheer kodombo, sarbhaja, mihidana, madhuparka, roso malai, kesar rajbhog.
AV School, 34B, Shyam Bazar St, near HatiBagan, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005
Ganguram and Sons
Ganguram has a long-standing reputation for its delicious and traditional Bengali sweets. It has multiple outlets spread across Kolkata, serving mouth watering sweets such as sandesh, rosogolla, mishti doi, nolen gur sandesh and other traditional Bengali delicacies. Apart from sweets, Ganguram also offers savoury snacks like samosas, kachoris, and namkeens. “They maintain high-quality standards and their sweets are always fresh. You’ll never feel they have compromised with the quality”, says a local.
Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick
Established in 1885, Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick is a household name in Kolkata’s culinary scene. They offer a wide variety of flavoured sandesh including kesar, nolen gur, chocolate and mango. But wait! Balaram Mullick isn’t just about Sandesh, they also specialise in other traditional Bengali sweets like rosogolla, mishti doi, kheer kodom, and various types of layered and milk-based sweets.They emphasise freshness and strive to maintain the authentic taste that has made them a favourite among locals and visitors. They have many branches across Kolkata. “It is a must-visit place . I’ve tried their chocolate sandesh and I would say it’s better than any chocolate,”says a visitor from California.
Putiram
Dates back to 1852, Putiram is a very basic and simple sweet shop next to the City College of Commerce. They specialise in stuffed gulab jamuns, malpoa, rosogolla, danadar, Chanar Jilipi, Moti Pak and more. Ledikeni and rosogolla are the most famous sweets found here. Additionally, the place is well known for its mouthwatering Luchi Tarkari (Puri Sabzi made in the style of Bengal). Kolkatans also throng to this shop to savour the Hing Kochuri and Moong Dal Kochuri that are its specialties.”Once in a lifetime, you should visit this heritage sweet shop to experience the best rosogolla”, says a regular customer.
46, Amherst St, Lalbajar, College Row, Machuabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700009
Makhanlal Das
One of the first Sandesh producers in India, Makhan Lal Das Sweet Shop is situated in Chitpur, Kolkata and dates back 200 years. Previously they only utilised chenna, milk, and sugar to produce sweets. With time, they started making sweets featuring chocolates, jaggery, and other flavours. Makhanlal Das also offers a range of fusion sweets that combine traditional flavours with modern twists. These innovative creations cater to the evolving tastes of customers while still maintaining the essence of Bengali sweets.
313, Rabindra Sarani, Balaka Natun Bazar, Jorabagan Kolkata West Bengal 700006, 18B, Lake View Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Our Secret: Mishti Doi and the delicate Nolen Gurer Sandesh are Kolkata’s best-loved sweets, but if you’re going, don’t miss these lesser-known treats:
Chanar Jilipi: West Bengal’s version of ‘jalebi’ starring chenna, ghee, semolina and shaped like a figure-8 knot.
Mihidana: This distant cousin of the more famous “boondi” is made from fragrant local rice, gram flour and a touch of saffron.
Patishapta: a festival favourite that will remind you of French crepes. It is stuffed with coconut, cardamom, jaggery and khoya. A sweet lover’s heaven!
Research: Sanhati Saha
Also have a look at: 3 Sweet Treats To Buy in Vienna, Austria
