Kolkata is more than just a city. Sitting on the banks of Hugli, Kolkata is a heritage in itself, the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore and the land of Maa Durga. The busy overflowing with bustling lanes, fragrant with the aroma of beetle leaves is a memorable experience for anyone who has ever been there. And if you haven’t, book your Bangalore to Kolkata flight right now because this read will get your mouth watering.
Kolkata is a land of origin of uncountable sweets. Locals love devouring sweets on any occasion and may be without one. Canning of sweets to carry them began here with the famous Rasogolla that today stands as the ambassador of not only Kolkata but West Bengal. Here are five sweet sins for you to commit while in Kolkata:
1. Baked Rasogolla
It is a re-innovation of the traditional sweet. Rasogolla gets a sweet twist when baked with a mixture of condensed milk, khoya, saffron, rose water, and sugar. The preparation takes a little longer and the effort is so worth it! Only a few sweet chains offer this delicacy, so look for one in advance while planning your stay in Kolkata.
2. Patishapta
The sweet was named after the Bengali festival – Patishapta, which commemorates Makar-Sakranti. It is available in abundance across street vendors and big chains during harvest-related festivals. Generally enjoyed warm, Patishapta is prepared with a filling of jaggery, coconut, dry fruits, and sugar folded in soft rice crepes and sometimes topped with some green cardamom seeds. However, you can enjoy it hot or cold as your taste buds prefer. It melts into your mouth with a burst of flavours.
3. Joyanagarer Moa
Winter comes so do these laddoos. Moa is made with jaggery from date plants, Khoi (a type of rice), gawa ghee, and dry fruits. It originated in Joynagar, where it is prepared with seasonal ingredients to stay warm during colder months. No matter where you are in Kolkata, you will find a Joyanagarer outlet somewhere around you! Since this one is not laden with sugar syrup, it is great to be brought home for your friends and family. Pack a few boxes before your Kolkata to Bangalore flight takes off.
4. Sitabhog
You can spot a huge pile of rice dotted with gulag jamuns from a distance. Looking like a savoury dish, this sweet is unique. It is prepared by boiling rice and topping them with sugar syrup-laden gulab jamuns. Traditionally made with plain rice, today Sitabhog is served with crumbs of chenna, dry fruits, pistachios, and even sugar.
5. Labong Latika
Considered one of the most exotic Bengali treats, Labong Latika takes patience, skill, and a little art to reach your plates. These are deep-fried flour pockets filled with grated coconut, cardamom, ghee (clarified butter), almonds, and khoya or mawa. What is interesting is that the pockets are “locked” with cloves or labong as it is called in Bengali. The sweet is served after keeping it dipped in sugar syrup until it cools down. You can take a Bangalore to Kolkata flight just to try this sweet treat!
