Famous Sweets of Mumbai You Must Try: Best Mithai in Mumbai

Mumbai’s dessert scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From bustling street stalls to age-old sweet shops, the famous sweets of Mumbai offer a delectable journey through Maharashtrian, Gujarati, and fusion traditions. Whether you're craving syrupy jalebis, festive modaks, or creamy shrikhand, these Mumbai sweets are the perfect way to experience the city's soul. Join us as we explore the most iconic and hidden sweet delicacies you simply can’t miss in this sweet lover’s paradise.

What are the most famous Traditional sweets of Mumbai

• Modak
• Puran Poli
• Pedha
• Basundi
• Kaju Katli
• Jalebi
• Mawa Samosa
• Chikki
• Shrikhand
• Malai Sandwich
• Anjeer Barfi

 A brief about all the famous sweets in Mumbai

Modak

Also known as Ukadiche Modak, this soft dumpling is a beloved Maharashtrian sweet, deeply associated with Ganesh Chaturthi. A steamed rice flour shell encloses a warm, aromatic mixture of jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom. Popular across Mumbai during the festive season, the modak offers a beautiful balance of texture—delicate on the outside and sweetly rich inside. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a spiritual offering, symbolising prosperity and devotion. Truly, the modak in Mumbai is a festive indulgence at its finest. 

Puran Poli

Among the most cherished Maharashtrian sweets, puran poli in Mumbai is a festive delicacy enjoyed during Gudi Padwa, Holi, and especially Ganesh Chaturthi. This soft, golden flatbread is filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery, chana dal, cardamom, and nutmeg, then roasted in ghee. A staple in many households and sweet shops, it stands out among traditional sweets in Mumbai. Loved for its rich taste and cultural warmth, it's a timeless classic in sweets in Mumbai.

Pedha

Pedha in Mumbai, also called Peda, is a soft, milky sweet made from khoya, ghee, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. A staple offering in temples and a favourite at weddings and pujas, this traditional sweet in Mumbai evokes warmth, simplicity, and celebration. Its grainy-yet-creamy texture melts in the mouth, releasing delicate floral notes and nutty richness. Popular variants include kesar pedha and dudhi pedha. Its round, elegant presentation adds to its divine charm. Pedha is a sweet that quietly wins hearts.

Basundi

A thick, creamy milk-based dessert, basundi in Mumbai is slow-cooked with full-fat milk, sweetened with sugar, and infused with saffron, cardamom, and slivered almonds. Known for its silky texture and luxurious richness, basundi is often served chilled during festive occasions or as a royal treat at family gatherings. It’s a traditional dessert that brings comfort and grandeur in equal measure. Whether paired with poori or enjoyed on its own, basundi remains a beloved part of Maharashtrian sweet culture.

Kaju Katli

Elegant and timeless, Kaju Katli—also known as Kaju Barfi—is one of the most cherished festive sweets in Mumbai. Made from smooth cashew paste, sugar, and ghee, this diamond-shaped sweet is often adorned with edible silver leaf (varak), adding to its festive and luxurious appeal. The melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtle nutty sweetness make it a Diwali must-have. Whether gifted or offered at pujas, Kaju Katli in Mumbai is more than a sweet—it’s a symbol of celebration and good fortune.

Jalebi

Crisp, golden spirals soaked in fragrant sugar syrup—jalebi in Mumbai is a beloved classic among street food desserts. Known locally as Jilbi, it’s made from fermented maida batter and deep-fried to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch followed by a syrupy explosion. Often eaten hot for breakfast or during festivals, jalebi has become a symbol of joy and indulgence. Found in both upscale mithai shops and roadside stalls, it’s a sweet that transcends class and occasion.

Mawa Samosa

A unique twist on a savoury classic, the mawa samosa—also called khoya samosa—is a sweet pastry filled with thickened milk solids (mawa), sugar, and dry fruits. Deep-fried to a golden crunch, its flaky exterior contrasts with a rich, creamy filling. This sweet snack in Mumbai is especially popular during festive seasons like Diwali and Holi. The indulgent ingredients and luxurious mouthfeel give it a dessert-like status while keeping it rooted in traditional charm. A quirky must-try in local mithai shops.

Chikki

Crunchy, nostalgic, and delightfully simple, chikki in Mumbai—also known as Gud Chikki—is a jaggery-based brittle loaded with peanuts, sesame seeds, or dry fruits. It’s a rustic sweet snack that brings back childhood memories of winter fairs and train journeys. Made without refined sugar, chikki is packed with energy and earthy sweetness. Popular during Makar Sankranti, it offers a contrast of crisp texture and warm flavour, making it a wholesome yet indulgent choice among traditional sweets in Mumbai.

Shrikhand

A silky, aromatic dessert made from strained curd, shrikhand is lovingly flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and sometimes fruits like mango. Often enjoyed chilled, its creamy richness is balanced by a hint of tanginess. Widely known as a Gujarati sweet in Mumbai, shrikhand is often served during weddings and family meals. Light yet luxurious, it is one of the most beloved milk-based desserts in the city, with a texture so smooth, it’s like velvet on the palate.

Malai Sandwich

Originating from Bengal but deeply loved in Mumbai, the malai sandwich is a soft, spongy treat layered with rich malai (cream) and sweetened paneer. Served cold and topped with pistachios or saffron strands, it offers a luscious bite that blends East Indian sweetness with Mumbai flair. Found in high-end Mumbai sweet shops, this dessert is a refined delight that caters to modern tastes while honouring tradition. Its melt-in-the-mouth texture makes it a favourite among sweet delicacies in Mumbai.

Anjeer Barfi

Nutritious yet indulgent, anjeer barfi—fig fudge—is a rich blend of dried figs, dates, nuts, and khoya. Naturally sweet and often sugar-free, it’s popular among the health-conscious without compromising on flavour. Its dense, chewy texture and jewel-like appearance make it a luxurious addition to authentic Mumbai desserts. Often gifted during festivals, this mithai combines wellness and tradition in every bite. Found in gourmet sweet shops, it’s a reminder that indulgence can also be wholesome.

Conclusion

From festive modaks to syrup-soaked jalebis, the famous sweets of Mumbai are more than just desserts—they’re soulful expressions of the city’s heritage. Every bite offers a taste of nostalgia, tradition, and joy. So, when in Mumbai, don’t miss these must-try sweets.