Famous Bengali Sweets and Desserts for Those with a Sweet Tooth

Best Bengali Sweets

1. Kheer Kodom: Mini rasgulla with a surprise.
2. Sandesh: Bengali sweet that completes every meal.
3. Roshogolla: You can’t have just one!
4. Chenar Jeelapi: Bengali version of a jalebi. 
5. Lady Kenny: The fancy mithai.
6. Patishapta: Stuffed Bengali pancake dessert. 
7. Bhapa Doi: Steamed yoghurt delight.
8. Nolen Gurer Paayesh: The rice pudding of West Bengal. 
9. Mishti Doi: The go-to dessert of every Bengali. 
10. Cham Cham: Craving for more with every bite. 
11. Rasmalai: Melt-in-your-mouth sweet indulgence.
12. Pantua: The distant cousin of Gulab Jamun. 

The culturally rich state, West Bengal is known for its sophisticated literature, music, movies, and most importantly their delicious cuisine, including the endless varieties of delectable sweets. Unlike the north Indian sweets, which are mostly made of khoya, Bengali sweets are mostly made of chhena, which is essentially sweet cottage cheese. 

Home to some of the most iconic libraries, monuments, and bridges in India, you can also travel to West Bengal to indulge in its delicious food and sweets. The state is sure to give you a culinary experience like you have never had before. If you have always wanted to try Bengali sweets, we have put together a list of the most delicious Bengal sweets that would surely leave you drooling.

Famous Sweets of Bengal

• Kheer Kodom

They say, good things come in small packets, and this sweet wonder from West Bengal is the ultimate proof. These round balls of goodness look like mini rasgulla and are made with milk cream and coated with grated khoya. 

The sweet, which looks like an ordinary laddu from the outside, holds a delicious surprise inside. As you bite into it, you would get a hit of chenna filling, that would instantly make you go back for more. One of the best Bengali sweets, Kheer Kodom are small bits of big happiness!

• Shondesh

Talking of authentic Bengali sweets, you cannot leave this little sweet dynamite out. Shondesh is a staple served during all Bengali celebrations. Made with sweetened chenna, there are different varieties of Shondesh. While the base ingredients remain the same, you can find different Shondesh of different flavours like Mango, Chocolate, Pista and more.

• Roshogolla

The king of all Bengali sweets, Roshogolla has become synonymous with Bengali food. These soft balls made from Chenna have a spongy texture and are soaked with sugar syrup. Generally served during special occasions in Bengal, you don’t need a particular reason to have Roshogolla, the most popular Bengali sweet. The heavenly taste is sure to lift your spirits and mood almost instantly.

• Chenar Jeelapi

Imagine the humble Jalebi having a royal makeover, and that would be Chenar Jeelapi. Made with (Chenna) fresh paneer, maida (all-purpose flour), and khoya, Chenar Jeelapi is a mouth-watering delicacy that you can never say no to. 

It is deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup. When it is fresh, it has a delightful crispy texture on the outside and is soft on the inside, which literally melts in your mouth. It is not overly sweet, yet it will satiate your sweet cravings.

Also Read: Authentic Bengali Dishes You Must Try During Durga Puja

• Lady Kenny/Lengcha

As fancy as the name sounds, these delectable oblong balla made of maida are deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup, and have an interesting history. Legend has it that the wife of Lord Lanning, the Viceroy of Bengal in the 19th Century was deeply impressed with this sweet, and hence came the name. It is also commonly known as Lengcha among the locals. 

• PatiShapta

Patishapta is a traditional Bengali sweet that is part of every Bengali’s childhood food memory. Typically, it is made only during special occasions like the Bengali New Year. It is made of rice flour, semolina, and stuffed with coconut jaggery or khoya, and has a delicious filling of sweetened grated coconut. It is basically, a Bengali version of sweet crepes. Patishapta is one of the most delicious Bengali sweets and is loved by kids and adults alike. 

• Bhapa Doi

Doi, in Bengali language means curd or yoghurt. It is made by blending yoghurt and condensed milk, which is then steamed. Though it looks like a pudding and has a panna cotta like texture, it does not contain gelatine or any other setting agent. 

It is cool, refreshing, and delicious. It is one of the best Bengali sweets that you can enjoy straight out from the refrigerator. Have one spoonful of this delightful sweet, and you cannot stop yourself from going for a second helping, we bet!

• Nolen Gurer Paayesh

‘Gur’ is jaggery in Bengali, and Nolen Gurer Paayesh is a famous Bengali sweet that is made on all special occasions, be it a festival or a family function. This dish is made by boiling aromatic basmati rice in milk and is mixed with palm jaggery until the jaggery melts completely and a thick concoction is left behind. It can be served cold or hot with garnishes of nuts. When you are in Bengal, you must definitely try this sweet, a bowl of pure bliss!

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• Mishti Doi

Mishti Doi is a traditional Bengali dessert adored for its creamy and sweet taste. This delightful delicacy is made by fermenting sweetened milk, resulting in a thick and luscious yogurt. Served chilled and often presented in earthen pots, Mishti Doi boasts a unique flavour that blends the sweetness of caramelized sugar with the tanginess of yogurt. It is a beloved sweet treat enjoyed on various occasions and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Bengal's culinary delights.

• Cham Cham

Cham Cham, also known as Chom chom or Chum Chum, is a famous Bengali sweet. Made from fresh chhena (cottage cheese), the oval-shaped dumplings are cooked in a sugar syrup infused with cardamom or saffron for added flavour. After cooking, they are often rolled in grated coconut, enhancing the texture and taste. Cham Cham's soft and spongy consistency, combined with its delightful sweetness, makes it a favourite at festivals, celebrations, and sweet shops across India, showcasing the charm of Bengali desserts.

• Rasmalai

Rasmalai, a beloved Indian dessert, hails from Bengal and holds a special place in the hearts of sweet enthusiasts. It consists of soft chhena (cottage cheese) dumplings, known as ‘malai,’ soaked in a creamy and flavoured milk syrup, often infused with cardamom or rose water. Garnished with chopped nuts and saffron, Rasmalai offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, creating a rich and indulgent treat. Served chilled, it is a delightful finale to any meal and a cherished part of Indian sweet culture.

• Pantua

Pantua is a delectable Bengali sweet closely related to Gulab Jamun but with its distinct characteristics. Made from kneaded chhena, the dough is shaped into small balls, deep-fried until golden brown, and then soaked in sugar syrup infused with cardamom or saffron. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence with a slight crunch on the outside and a soft, syrupy interior. Pantua is a beloved sweet, often served during festivals, celebrations, and joyous occasions, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Bengal.

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In conclusion, the rich culinary heritage of Bengal unveils a delightful world of sweets that are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. From the soft, spongy texture of Roshogolla to the delicious Bhapa Doi, Bengali sweets offer a symphony of tastes and textures that leave a lasting impression. So, embrace the sweetness and dive into the enticing world of Bengali sweets - 

it's an experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.