Jaipur's Sweets and Desserts: Indulge in Sweet Temptations

Mithai can be described as food for your soul. In India, every region or city offers different kinds of sweet temptations. Jaipur, the Pink City, is renowned for its grand palaces, and vibrant bazaars. And those bazaars are lit up with the aromas of the sweet delights. These tempting mithai are not just treats for the taste buds but also significant in Jaipur's culture and history. Each bite tells a story of the city's royal past, festive traditions, and the artistry of its skilled halwais. Jaipur’s culinary landscape is a tapestry woven with flavors and aromas of its traditional mithais. From the iconic ghewar, which tells the arrival of monsoons, to the luscious imarti, a festival favourite, each sweet is the pride of the city.

1. Ghewar

Ghewar is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of Rajasthan around the 15th century, designed to celebrate the monsoon season with a sweet treat. This disc-shaped sweet is traditionally associated with the Teej festival, celebrated to welcome the monsoon season. Made from a batter of refined flour, ghee, and milk, Ghewar is deep-fried until it forms a honeycomb-like texture and then soaked in chaashni. 

Where: Bombay Misthan Bhandar (multiple outlets) is famous for its Ghewar, offering a variety of flavors, including plain, mawa, and malai.

2. Akhroat Barfi

Akhroat Barfi, a relatively modern addition to Rajasthani sweets, highlights the influence of nut-based mithai that gained popularity in the 20th century. This sweet is especially popular during festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan, symbolising prosperity and health due to its rich walnut content. Made from ground walnuts, khoya, and sugar, this barfi is cooked until the mixture solidifies and is then cut into squares. 

Where: Try Akhroat Barfi at Amar Lal Sweet in Bani Park, known for its rich quality of sweets.

3. Fini

Fini is a part of ancient culinary traditions and showcases the delicate art of sweetmaking in Rajasthan, evolving over centuries. Traditionally enjoyed during the festival of Makar Sankranti, Fini is a testament to the artistry of halwais of Rajasthan. Prepared from dough made of refined flour and ghee, Fini is spun into fine threads, deep-fried, and then soaked in chaashni. 

Where: To have perfect Fini visit Sambhar Fini Wala in Johri Bazar, known for its fresh and finely crafted version of this sweet.

4. Churma Ladoo

Churma Ladoo is made from churma, a significant item from the rural kitchens of Rajasthan as an energy-rich food for farmers, later becoming a festive favourite. A staple in Rajasthani households, especially during festivals, these laddoos are cherished for their wholesome taste. Made by coarsely grinding wheat flour, which is then roasted in ghee and mixed with gud and nuts before being shaped into laddoos. 

Where: Bhagat Laddu Wala in Bhan Nagar offers some of the best Churma Ladoos in Jaipur city.

5. Makhan Bada

Makhan Bada dates back to the royal era of Rajasthan, where it was favoured by kings and queens for its rich taste and texture. This sweet is particularly popular during weddings and festive celebrations, symbolizing joy and prosperity. The dough, made from refined flour and ghee, is shaped into round balls, deep-fried, and then soaked in chaashni. 

Where: Try the delicious Makhan Bada at Doodh Misthan Bhandar (multiple outlets), known for its authentic taste.

6. Milkcake

Milkcake, also known as Alwar ka Mawa, originated in  Alwar City in the early 20th century and quickly became popular in Jaipur for its unique texture. This sweet is often made during festivals and special occasions, representing the rich dairy culture of Rajasthan. Prepared by boiling milk until it thickens, then sweetened with sugar and allowed to set, creating a dense, grainy texture. 

Where: Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (multiple outlets) is famous for many sweets and one of them is its delicious Milkcake.

7. Imarti

Imarti, with its intricate, flower-like shape, has been a festive dessert in Rajasthan since the Mughal era, symbolising culinary artistry. Often served during weddings and religious ceremonies, Imarti symbolizes richness and royalty. Made from a batter of urad dal flour, which is piped into hot ghee in a circular pattern, deep-fried, and then soaked in chaashni. 

Where: For the best Imarti, head to Bombay Misthan Bhandar in Durgapura, where this sweet is prepared fresh daily.

8. Tilsakri

Tilsakri, a traditional til (sesame seed) mithai, has roots in Rajasthan's agrarian society, where it was made to celebrate the harvest season. It is particularly popular during the festival of Makar Sankranti, symbolising the harvest season and the warmth of family gatherings. It is made by mixing roasted sesame seeds with jaggery syrup and then shaped into small discs or squares. 

Where: Check out Narayan Ji Gajak Wale (multiple outlets) for authentic Tilsakri, known for its perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.