There are sweet shops in Kolkata and there are Heritage Sweet shops in Kolkata. Kolkata or Bengal is synonymous with sweets. Kolkatans are incredibly proud of the sweets of Bengal and their unique appeal. There are numerous sweet shops in Kolkata which has sprouted like mushrooms and which are known for fusion or modern sweets. However, if you are looking for authentic and tasty sweets in Kolkata then where should you head?
My friends who come to Kolkata from outside Bengal often ask me this question - From where can I buy sweets to take back for my family. Most people are aware of one or two shops, however, there is a treasure trove of heritage shops which are serving Kolkata for more than 100 Years.
Yes, these Heritage sweets shops in Kolkata are more than 100 years old and you have to visit these places to get the real taste of sweets which Kolkata or Bengal is known for. They still have the old world charm and follow the authentic recipes of the sweets without adding any fusion to them. These legendary and heritage sweets shops in Kolkata are absolutely a must-visit in your lifetime.
History of Sweets of Kolkata
The contribution of Portuguese who were one of the first European settlers in Bengal can't be forgotten. The use of "Chhana" or Cottage Cheese in Bengali sweets are the contribution of Portuguese settlement who loved their cheese.
However, did the people of Bengal consume sweets before the Portuguese came to Bengal? Yes, they did. Ancient Bengal was known for the finest quality of sugar and jaggery in the world. The jaggery which is called as Gur gave the name of Gauda to Ancient Bengal. In ancient times Bengal was known as Gauda Bengal.
The early sweets of Bengal were mainly made from jaggery and coconut. Sweets like "Naru", "Moya" were well known in ancient Bengal.In earlier days "Monda" were made from sugar and they were basically sugar lumps and "Batasha" were the simplest form of sweets which were made from sugar.
| A worker boiling Milk to Prepare Sweets |
Iconic Sweets in Kolkata
Before we get into the list of heritage sweet shops in Kolkata, let's see which are the iconic sweets of Kolkata and how it is made.
Rosogolla
The iconic sweet dish Rosogolla which has got synonymous with Bengal was created by Nabin Chandra Das in a small shop in Baghbazar in 19th Century. If you are interested to know in detail you can watch this movie in Bengali called "Rosogolla".
It is made of cottage cheese. The cottage cheese is made into dumplings and then cooked in light sugar syrup. There are two versions of Rosogollas which you will find in the heritage sweet shops in Kolkata:
a. Normal Rosogolla
b. Sponge Rosogolla
Try having the Normal Rosogolla at these heritage sweet shops in Kolkata and you will love it.
| The Famous Rosogolla of Kolkata |
Ledikini
The history of this sweet dish is rather interesting. The sweet gets its name from Lady Canning the wife of Lord Canning. The iconic sweet was made by Bhim Chandra Nag for Lady Canning who was visiting India on her birthday. This the name got transformed into Ledikini
'Ledikini’ the sweet is a deep-fried sweet which is cylindrical and made from cottage cheese.
Sandesh or Sondhesh
This is another kind of Sweet which you will find in the heritage sweet of shops of Kolkata. This is made of fresh cottage cheese and either sugar or jaggery is used to make it sweet. The white color Sandesh is made of normal sugar and if you find the sweet little brownish in color, then the sweet is made of jaggery of dates.
15 Heritage Sweet Shops in Kolkata
The following are the must-visit heritage sweet shops in Kolkata if you plan to buy or eat authentic sweets of Kolkata.
Adi Haridas Modak Mistanna Bhandar
Address: 20, Shyambazar More, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd, Fariapukur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004
Established in the Year: Approx 1780
History: This was started by Sri Haridas Modak around 250 Years back. This is currently run by 7th Generation of Sri Haridas Modak. They serve luchi ( puri in Hindi) and aloo torkari (a vegetable dish made of potato) and serve it on Banana leaves. This tradition they are following for the last 250 years.
Famous Sweets : Chanar Jilepi , Kalakand , Kheer Kadam
Established in the Year: Approx 1780
History: This was started by Sri Haridas Modak around 250 Years back. This is currently run by 7th Generation of Sri Haridas Modak. They serve luchi ( puri in Hindi) and aloo torkari (a vegetable dish made of potato) and serve it on Banana leaves. This tradition they are following for the last 250 years.
Famous Sweets : Chanar Jilepi , Kalakand , Kheer Kadam
| Chhanar Jilepi |
| Kalakand Sweet |
| 200 years Old Locker at Adi Haridas Modak Mistanna Bhandar |
Sen Mahashay
Address: Sen Mahasay, shop no 1, 1C, Sibdas Bhaduri St, Sovabazar, Hati Bagan, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004
Established in the Year: Approximately 1897
Snippet about the Shop: Started by Sri Ashutosh sen and currently run by 4th Generation of the Sen family. It was started approximately 120 years back. Sen Mahashay's famous sweet is Ratabi Sandesh which was named by the great poet Sri Rabindranath Tagore. The sweets in this heritage sweet shop have extremely unique names like "Monmatano", "Monohora", "Aporupa".
Mihidana of Sen Mahashay is extremely famous and they are famous for making sweets based on seasonal fruits. They use real fruit juices to make these sweets and this gives a unique taste to the sweet.
Mihidana of Sen Mahashay is extremely famous and they are famous for making sweets based on seasonal fruits. They use real fruit juices to make these sweets and this gives a unique taste to the sweet.
Famous Sweets: Ratabi ,Monmatano, Monohora, Aporupa, Abar Khabo
| Sita Bhog of Sen Mahashay |
| Ratabi Sandesh in Sen Mahashay |
| Kanthal (Jackfruit) Sandesh made of real Jackfruit Juices |
| Sandesh with Rose Petals |
Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar Pvt Limited
Address: V School, 34B, Shyam Bazar St, Near to, Hati Bagan, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005
Established in the Year: 1907
Snippet about the Shop: Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar pvt. Ltd. is currently reined by the sixth generation of the family lineage. This was established by Hiralal Ghosh in the year 1907. Their Madhuparka is extremely famous and its a must-have when you visit Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar.
Famous Sweets: Madhuparka, Rasgullas, Rasho Malai, Kesar Raj Bhog
| Famous Madhuparka |
| Rosogolla |
Bhabhatarini Sweets
Address: 77B,35, Syampukur Ln, Hati Bagan, Shyam Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004
Established in the Year: 1952
Snippet about the Shop: Nitai Chandra Ghosh & Srishti Dhar Ghosh established Bhabhatarini sweets in the year 1952. Currently, their son runs the shop. Since 1952 the variety of sweets changes every month and they use cow's milk since inception.
Famous Sweets: Vanilla Rosogolla which uses original vanilla, Kesar Chamcham
| Vanilla Rosogolla |
| Vanilla Rosogolla |
| Kesar Chamcham |
Nobin Chandra Das
Address: 77, Jatindra Mohan Ave, Sovabazar, Shobhabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005
Established in the Year: 1864
Snippet about the Shop: This person Nobin Chandra Das has given the famous sweet Rosogolla to the Bengalis and the world. However it's sad that many people believe that KC Das invented rosogolla. KC Das , son of Nobin Chandra Das invented rasmalai.
If you plan to have rosogolla then visiting this place is must.
If you plan to have rosogolla then visiting this place is must.
Famous Sweets: Rosogolla
Address: 56, Ramdulal Sarkar St, Near Bethune college, Hedua, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
| Nobin Chandra Das Rosogolla |
Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy
Address: 56, Ramdulal Sarkar St, Near Bethune college, Hedua, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
Established in the Year: 1844
Snippet about the Shop: Girish Chandra Dey and Nakur Chandra Nandy is a mishti lover's paradise and if you really want to enjoy the experience of having sweets from this shop, we suggest you visit their first outlet at 56, Ramdulal Sarkar Street in Hedua. They have Sandesh after the names of famous cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar.
Nakur Chandra Nandy hailed from Janai in Hoogly district and came to Calcutta as a son-in-law of renowned confectioner of Simla, Girish Chandra Dey. A joint venture started by the father-in-law and the son-in-law has grown from strength to strength over the decades.
Nakur Chandra Nandy hailed from Janai in Hoogly district and came to Calcutta as a son-in-law of renowned confectioner of Simla, Girish Chandra Dey. A joint venture started by the father-in-law and the son-in-law has grown from strength to strength over the decades.
Famous Sweets: Jol Bhora Sandesh , Chocolate Malai Roll, gurer sandwich.
Makhan Lal Das & Sons
Address: 313, Rabindra Sarani, Company Bagan, Balaka Natun Bazar, Jorabagan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
Established in the Year: 1827
Snippet about the Shop: Moira Ramchandra Das, came 196 years ago from Bardhaman,Khandagoshi to Pathusarihatara market to sell sweets. Currently, the shop is handled by 6th generation. According to the custom of the era, the shop continued in the name of Moira. Being orphaned at a young age, the charge of the shop fell in the hands of Makhanlal, three years before the Sepoy rebellion.
They still display their sweets on metal plates for people to buy, unlike other sweet shops who display in glass display counters.
They still display their sweets on metal plates for people to buy, unlike other sweet shops who display in glass display counters.
Famous Sweets: Ratabi, Chocolate Sandesh, Mishti Doi
| Sweet shop of Makhanlal Das & Sons |
| The sweets are displayed on a metal plate in the shop |
| Mishti Doi of Makhanlal Das and Sons Sweet Shop |
Nalin Chandra Das and Sons
Address: 313, Rabindra Sarani, Company Bagan, Balaka Natun Bazar, Jorabagan, Kolkata, West Bengal 700006
Established in the Year: 1841
Snippet about the Shop: Nalin Chandra Das and Sons is the oldest sweetmeat shop in Kolkata, established in 1841. Their variety will take you through the journey of five generations and eventually land you onto a platter of modern stuff such as green mango, Kesar jalbhara, butterscotch jalbhara, Chocolate jalbhara, Chocolate talsansh, Spanish tikitaka, Brazilian samba, and parma.
Famous Sweets: Chocolate Jalbhara, Chocolate Talsansh, Chandra Puli
| Chocolate Sandesh of Nalin Chandra Das and Sons Sweet Shop |
| Sandesh in the Making |
Putiram
Address: Adjacent City College of Commerce, 12B, Surya Sen St, Lalbajar, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012
Established in the Year: 1852
Snippet about the Shop: Putiram sweet shop is in the hub of College Street area. Head to Putiram sweets if you just want to get some light snacks and indulge your sweet tooth while you’re on your hunt for books, this is where you should go. Their Hing-er Kochuri and Mung Dal Kochuri are pretty popular. Also, try the several varieties of stuffed gulab jamun and their juicy rosogollas.
Famous Sweets: Stuffed Gulab Jamuns & Rosogollas.
Bhim Chandra Nag
Address: 5, Nirmal Chandra St, near, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012
Established in the Year: 1826
Snippet about the Shop: It was established by Bhim Chandra Nag and hence the name. They are a pioneer in making Sandesh.The sweet shop is known for inventing delicacies such as ladikeni (named after Lady Canning who was the wife of the then British governor Lord Canning) and Ashubhog Sandesh (named after the distinguished educationist Sir Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay), among others.
Head to this shop to get nostalgic feel and don't miss the wall clock in Bengali by Cooke & Kelvey.
Head to this shop to get nostalgic feel and don't miss the wall clock in Bengali by Cooke & Kelvey.
Famous Sweets: Abar Khabo, Dilkhush
| Famous Sandesh of Bhim Chandra Nag |
Jayashree Sweets
Address: 8, Nirmal Chandra St, Bowbazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700012
Established in the Year: Approx 1890s ( The exact year couldn't be informed by the sweet shop owner)
Snippet about the Shop: Jayashree is known for their bhaja mishti—fried sweetmeats. This form of sweet making originated in Krishna Nagar in West Bengal and has been perfected by Jayashree. One must try all the different varieties like Kheerer Chop, Sorbhaja, Jibhegoja and more. They're also known for their Chandan Kheer.
Famous Sweets:Kheerer Chop, Jibhegoja, Sorbhaja, Chandan Kheer
KC Das
Address: 11 A&B, Central Ave, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal 700069
Established in the Year: 1855
Snippet about the Shop: They claim to invent the rosogolla however if you look at the history the rosogolla was invented by Nobin Chandra Das. Krishna Chandra Das was the son of Nobin Chandra Das and was born in the year 1869. Rosogolla was invented by Nobin Chandra Das in the year 1868. KC Das has marketed rosogolla extremely well and hence the name has become synonymous to rosogolla.
Famous Sweets: Rosogolla , Rasho Malai , Kesar Raj Bhog
The below old shop clearly states that KC Das was inventor of Rasmalai and they only sold Rosogolla & Sandesh
The below old shop clearly states that KC Das was inventor of Rasmalai and they only sold Rosogolla & Sandesh
| Old KC Das Shop which is not in Use |
| KC Das Rosogolla |
| KC Das Rosogolla |
Amrit
Address: 94 Bidhan Sarani, Shyambazaar
Established in the Year: 1912
Snippet about the Shop: Amrit is known for Mishti Doi. They make kilos of mishti doi and it gets sold with a single day.Visit to this shop is must if you love mishti doi. If you are in Kolkata you have to visit this heritage sweet shop in Kolkata for the sheer love of Mishti Doi. The mishti doi of Amrit sweets melts in your mouth as soon as you take a spoonful of it.
Famous Sweets: Mishti Doi & Sor Bhaja
Ganguram & Sons
Address: 159C, Vivekananda Road, Maniktala, Kolkata
Established in the Year: 1885
Snippet about the Shop: Ganguram Chaurasia came from Varanasi to Kolkata and started working in a sweet shop owned by Raja Kamala Prasad Mukherjee. However, the shop got closed due to eviction notice by the Britishers. While closing the shop Raja Kamala Prasad Mukherjee gifted a small plot to Ganguram in Manicktala. Here Ganguram Prasad started his sweet shop which features in the list of heritage sweet shops in Kolkata.
Famous Sweets: Jalebis & Gulab Jamuns
