Sweet Specialties of Bengal

I am an out and out foodie. I love to eat and I am always on the lookout for specialties. Every place, every city, every country has something which is special to that particular region. A specialty developed by people of that region over the years. I was born in Shillong but came down to Kolkata at the age of one year. In Kolkata I was brought up. When you talk of Bengal and of Kolkata, the first thing that comes to mind is Sweets. Here are some of the specialties of West Bengal:

Bhim Nag’s Sandesh – Sandesh is said to have been created by milkmen. In olden days, the milk produced was more than the consumption. Often the milk used to turn sour and into Chenna (Casein). Sugar was mixed with it to make what we call Makkha Sandesh. Paran Chandra Nag (father of Bhim Chandra Nag) came to Calcutta and set up a sweet shop in Bowbazar area. After his father, Bhim Chandra Nag took over and created some designed Sandesh. Bhim Nag’s Sandesh is still enjoyed by people of Kolkata.

K.C.Das’s Rosogolla – Think of Bengali’s and one thing which comes to mind is Rosogolla. This sweet has become one of the most famous sweets. The famous Bengali “Rasgolla” was actually called “

Gopal Golla”, probably discovered by a confectioner named “Haradhan” from “Phulia”. Nobin Chandra Das (father of K.C.Das) discovered “Sponge Rasgolla”.With K.C.Das, the Rosogolla became famous sweet known to all. Till date, it is one of the most famous sweets and packaged tin Rosogollas are shipped overseas to other countries also.

Dwarik’s Ice Cream Sandesh – Dwarik Nath Ghosh set up this shop. Dwarik is not known for discovering any new sweet but the quality of the sweets prepared is renowned. The speciality at Dwarik is Ice-Cream Sandesh which is mouth watering.

Nakud’s Nalenguder Sandesh – Nakud’s sandesh is a delight for all Bengali’s. The speciality of nakud is in Nalenguder Sandesh. The sweets prepared by Nakud have excellent taste.

Putiram’s Raj Bhog – Putiram’s Raj Bhog (literally means ‘royal meal’) is a enlarged and modified version of Rosogolla. The smell and taste of a raj bhog is just heavenly.

Sharma and Son’s Raabri – This is a speciality of Sharma and Sons. If you want the best Rabri, you have to pay a visit to this place.

Joy Nagar’s Moya – Joy Nagar is a place few hours from Kolkata. This place is famous for “Moya”. It is ball made of “Gur” and Khoi. If made from original Nalen gur, the Moya smells delicious.

Burdwan’s Sitabhog and Mihidana – Sitabhog and Mihidana of Burdwan are renowned world wide. This place produces specialities which any Bengali tries to taste at least once in their life time.

Shaktigarh’s Langcha – This elongated fried sweet is dipped in syrup. Shaktigarh (otherwise small place) has become important place in the map because of it’s langcha. When in Shaktigarh, all around you will see Langcha shops with varied names. It is nothing but langcha heaven.

Chandannagar’s Jalbhora Sandesh – This is a sweet which is hard and dry on the outside and is filled with sweet syrup in the inside. When you eat it, the fluid flows in your mouth and give you a delicacy experience of a lifetime.

Apart from these there are some other very famous specialities like "Lal Doi" of Nabadwip, "Aamer Morobba" of Siuri(Birbhum) or "Shorbhaja and Shorpuria" of Krishnanagar. Every Bengali tries to taste at least once each one of these exotic sweets. For anyone with a sweet tooth, visit to these places is a must.