When you visit Kolkata during Durga Puja, you will understand why it has earned the label of the City of Joy. The autumnal festival of Durga Puja is a time of considerable celebrations in Kolkata. In 2021, Durga Puja was added to UNESCO's 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' list. Food is one of the many intricate details that contribute to the character of Kolkata's Durga Puja festival. Bengalis love to eat, and feasting with family and friends is crucial to the celebrations. One of the most popular ways to conclude a puja meal is with mishti or sweets. Although sweets are always a part of a Bengali's life, the charm of mishti becomes even more pronounced during Durga Puja. If you are in Kolkata during Durga Puja, make sure to visit these iconic sweet shops that cater to the discerning Bengali sweet tooth and have defined Bengali mishti.
This renowned sweet shop is famous for its traditional sweets and has multiple outlets throughout the city. Established in 1885 in Bhawanipur, Balaram offers a variety of classic sweets such as the delectable "makha sandesh" and the refreshing "narom-pak jolbhora." In addition, they also serve exciting new creations like the baked "rasgulla" and the "amrita puri sandesh." Their "Korapak" and "Nolen Gur" creations have been favoured by eminent Kolkatans such as Ashutosh Mukherjee.
Address: Multiple outlets
The historic sweet shop in the old part of Kolkata in Bowbazar has retained its original charm and continues attracting visitors. Over a century later, its classic sweets, including the famous paradise sandesh, have stood the test of time and remain immensely popular. Notably, Bhim Nag is renowned for creating the deep-fried, syrupy ledikeni, a delicacy specially crafted for Lady Canning upon her arrival in Calcutta alongside her husband in 1856.
Address: 5, Nirmal Chandra St, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012
The roshogolla, a syrupy sweet treat hailing from Bengal, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying its unique regional origin. While roshogollas can be found in numerous establishments, the iconic Chittaranjan store in Shyambazar, which has been in operation since 1907, has emerged as the foremost purveyor of this delectable delicacy. Revered as the ‘Roshogolla Wala of Kolkata’, this establishment is celebrated for its exceptionally spongy and flavoursome roshogollas and is one of the 71 certified vendors in Kolkata authorised to sell this distinguished GI product.
Address: AV School, 34B, Shyam Bazar St, near to Hati Bagan, Hati Bagan, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005
Step into the legendary shop, which dates back to 1844 and is renowned for its "makha sandesh" served on a sal leaf. Utilizing thousands of litres of milk, they craft batches of chana, or cottage cheese, which is then meticulously transformed into delectable sweets. Despite its unassuming exterior, locals flock to this hidden gem, knowing it's the ultimate destination for the finest sandesh in Kolkata.
Address: 56, Ramdulal Sarkar St, near Bethune college, Hedua, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
KC Das is indisputably one of the most popular confectioners in the City of Joy, renowned for its iconic roshogolla. Named after Krishna Chandra Das, the shop is synonymous with roshogolla, which is credited to Nobin Chandra Das, the founder of the sweet shop in 1866. Presently, this celebrated establishment has multiple branches in Kolkata, Karnataka, and Chennai.
Address: Multiple outlets
Sen Mahasay's journey began in the late 19th century when Ashutosh Sen, not a professional confectioner but a passionate sweet-maker, established a small shop in Fariapukur. Legends say that renowned Bengali novelists such as Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Tarashankar Bandopadhyay were regular visitors, eventually giving the shop its name, Sen Mahasay. This iconic shop is celebrated for its exquisite sweets, including rabi sandesh, abar khabo, and monohora.
Address: Multiple outlets