Famous Bengali Sweets and Desserts for Those with a Sweet Tooth

The culturally rich state of West Bengal is known for its sophisticated literature, music, movies, and most iconic libraries, monuments, and bridges in India.

West Bengal is also known for their delicious food, including the endless varieties of delectable Bangla sweets. Unlike the north Indian sweets, which are mostly made of khoya, sweets of Bengal are mostly made of chhena, which is essentially sweet cottage cheese. 

The state is sure to give you an experience of authentic Bengali sweets like you have never had before.

We have put together a list of the most delicious Bengal sweets that would surely leave you drooling. 

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. 
13. Malpua: Syrup-drenched pancakes with coconut, a sweet delight.
14. Payesh: Classic creamy rice pudding, a Bengali favourite.
15. Amriti: Deep-fried spirals with dal, sugar, and cardamom, a divine treat.
16. Langcha: Fried dessert made with khoya, a festival speciality.
17. Joynogor-er Moa: Seasonal dry delight with jaggery and puffed rice.
18. Mihidana: Small fried spheres soaked in sugar syrup.
19. Sar Bhaja: Deep-fried milk cream, a delicious and indulgent treat.
20. Darbesh: They have a unique taste, enjoyed during festivals.
21. Kacha Golla: Soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made with pure milk.
22. Chandrapuli: Crescent moon-shaped dessert with cottage cheese and jaggery.
23. Kalo Jam: Dark, fried dumplings soaked in sugar syrup, delightful.
24. Nikuti: Elaborate dessert with chhena, flour, and cardamom, soaked in syrup.
25. Naru: Sticky spheres made from coconut, til, cardamom, and jaggery.
26. Rabri: Sweet condensed milk delight with dry fruits.
27. Labong Latika: Sweet pocket with khoya, fried, and soaked in sugar syrup.
28. Ledikeni: Light brown sweet ball made of Chenna, fried, and soaked in syrup.
29. Sitabhog: Sweet dish with vermicelli, rice flour, cottage cheese, and sugar.
30. Kolar Bora: Sankranti delight, fried banana fritters with rice.
31. Goja: Small fried maida pieces dipped in sugar syrup, a sweet treat.

 

Here’s more detail on these famous Bengali sweets.

Famous Sweets of Bengal

From the iconic Rasgulla to the exquisite Sandesh, authentic Bengali sweets encapsulate the artistry and sweetness of Bengali food.

Let’s explore this Bengali sweets list is depth.

• Kheer Kodom

They say, good things come in small packets, and this famous Bengali sweet 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 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 authentic Bengali 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. This is one of the sweets of Bengal that 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 delightfully 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!

Also Read: Craving Bengali Food? Head to These Club Mahindra Resorts

• Mishti Doi

Mishti Doi is a traditional Bengali dessert adored for its creamy and sweet taste. This is another of the Bangla sweets that is made with yoghurt. This delightful delicacy is made by fermenting sweetened milk, resulting in a thick and luscious yoghurt. 

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 yoghurt. 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, these authentic Bengali sweets 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 to celebrate 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, this famous Bengali sweet 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 Bengali sweet 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.

Also Read: A Quick Vegetarian Meat aka Dhokar Dalna Recipe for you to Try

 

• Malpua

Malpua, a sweet pancake bathed in sugary goodness and crafted from a mix of flour, sugar, and coconut, stands out as a beloved treat. Its popularity extends beyond Bengal, making it a cherished delight in various regions of North India and Odisha, securing its place in the heart of the Bengali sweets list.

 

• Payesh

 

The list of sweets of Bengal is complete without Payesh. This tasty Bengali dessert has a thick, creamy texture and is made with milk, rice, sugar, ghee, and spices like cardamom and bay leaf, along with dry fruits and nuts. There are different versions, including gurer payesh with jaggery and chhenar payesh with chhena.

 

• Amriti
  

 

Named after Amrita, which translates to 'manna' or the food of the gods, the amrita lives up to its divine inspiration. Resembling a jalebi, this Bangla sweet is crafted into spirals with decorative curlicues along the edges. Prepared from ground dal, sugar, and cardamom, the mixture is delicately fried in ghee, creating a delectable treat.

 

• Joynogor-er Moa/ Jaynagarer Moa
  

 

Moa, a delightful treat in the realm of Bangla sweets, is a flavorful dry mix crafted from jaggery, puffed rice, and ghee, skillfully moulded into delightful round balls. For an exquisite taste, indulge in the seasonal Joynagar-er Moa, celebrated as one of the most delicious offerings in Bengali sweets. This special variant is enriched with an array of dry fruits and nuts, enhancing its delectable charm. Moa can be prepared using either 'muri' or 'Khoi' for a delightful culinary experience.

 

• Mihidana

 

Mihidana, the minuscule relative of boondi, is crafted from a blend of powdered rice, flour, and saffron mixed with water. The resulting mixture is poured through a sieve-like ladle and deep-fried, creating tiny, crispy particles. These delicate nuggets of fried delight are subsequently immersed in sugar syrup, allowing them to absorb the sweetness before being drained.

 

• Sar Bhaja/Shor Bhaja

 

Also known as Shor Bhaja, this delectable dessert is crafted from deep-fried milk cream. Although the preparation may take some time, the ultimate outcome is truly rewarding. While Sar Baja might not be as widely recognized outside the Bengali community, it stands out as one of the finest Bangla sweets. In a different rendition, layers of creamy milk are baked to create a dessert known as sarpuria. The fried or baked pieces are then immersed in sugar syrup before reaching the perfect moment of enjoyment.

 

• Darbesh

 

This famous Bengali sweet is a rendition of laddus and bears a striking resemblance to yet remains distinct from those found in the rest of the country. Known as Darbesh in Bengal, these boondi laddus offer a unique taste and texture, becoming a popular treat during festive occasions.

 

• Kacha Golla

 

An authentic Bengali sweet, Kacha Golla is a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth dessert crafted from pure milk and can be prepared in various delightful variations. Known for its healthiness, it is a popular choice during religious ceremonies and festivals.

 

• Chandrapuli

 

Taking the form of a delicate crescent moon, this dessert is crafted from a blend of cottage cheese, mawa, coconut, and jaggery. With its unique combination of ingredients, it serves as an ideal treat for satisfying your sweet cravings. However, it's worth noting that for some, its sweetness might be a tad overwhelming. One of the beloved sweets of Bengal, it finds its place on the table during festive celebrations like Durga Puja.

 

• Kalo Jam

 

Kalo Jam, a distant relative of the popular Gulab Jamun, is crafted from ingredients like flour, milk, and cardamom, and undergoes deep-frying. These small, round dumplings are then immersed in a sweet syrup before being presented. With its distinctive dark, almost black hue, this dessert is widely regarded as delicious by many.

 

• Nikuti

 

An elaborate delicacy among the authentic Bengali sweets, Nikuti is a delightful blend of chhena, flour, and cardamom. These deep-fried, oblong-shaped treats are immersed in sugar syrup and later bathed in a concoction of condensed milk, adding a luscious touch to this famous Bengali sweet.

 

• Naru

 

A delectable addition to the Bengali sweets list, Naru takes the form of small, spherical, dry sweets, crafted from diverse ingredients such as coconut and til. Infused with cardamom, jaggery, and grated coconut, these slightly sticky orbs offer a sweet explosion of flavours, making them a must-try on any Bengali sweets list.

 

• Rabri

 

A rich and sweet delight among the famed Bangla sweets, Rabri is a sumptuous dessert crafted through the slow cooking and thickening of condensed milk. Garnished with a medley of dry fruits and nuts, this heavy and filling recipe is seasoned with sugar and spices, creating a delectable treat worthy of any authentic Bengali sweets collection.

 

• Labong Latika/Lavang Latika

 

Labong Latika, a traditional gem in the realm of the sweets of Bengal, is a pocket of all-purpose flour filled with sweetened khoya, enclosed in a crusty pastry sealed with a clove. Fried to perfection and then cooled in a bowl of sugar syrup, this addictive treat, named after the clove (labong in Bengali), showcases the culinary artistry inherent in authentic Bengali sweets.

 

• Sitabhog

 

Originating from the Bardhaman area of Bengal, Sitabhog presents a fascinating twist among Bangla sweets. Though it resembles pulao in appearance, this sweet dish combines white rice flour, cottage cheese, and sugar, creating a unique and tasty dessert that has evolved from traditional roots.

 

• Kolar Bora

 

A renowned Sankranti dish in the world of Bangla sweets, Kolar Bora features fried ripe banana fritters filled with rice. With a hot and soft interior contrasting a crunchy exterior, it's a delightful treat best enjoyed with tea, making it a popular choice among authentic Bengali sweets.

 

• Goja

 

A sweet revelation among authentic Bengali sweets, Goja consists of small pieces of maida, deep-fried, and generously dipped in sugar syrup. Resembling namkeen but with a sweet twist, these treats offer a delightful combination of crunch and sweetness that adds a unique touch to any Bengali sweets collection.

Also Read: A Quick Vegetarian Meat aka Dhokar Dalna Recipe for you to Try

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. 

Visit West Bengal to enjoy authentic Bengali sweets. Enhance your experience by choosing a stay at the premium Club Mahindra Resorts, ensuring a memorable trip filled with the rich flavours and warm hospitality the region offers.

So, plan your trip and dive into the enticing world of Bengali sweets - it's an experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.