Laddoos To Cham Chams: Where To Get Your Mithais For The Festive Season

What started off in 1957 as a small counter in Kempegowda Circle now has nearly 50 outlets across town, all offering traditional sweets from different regions in the country. Whether it’s Bengali sweets such as Badam Bhog and Cham Cham {aka Chom Chom}, or Agra Petha, you’ll find them all here. Known for their dry fruit laddoos, we’d happily sneak off with some of those while we pack up gift boxes for Dussehra and Diwali. If you’re too worried about piling on calories {it’s festive season, why bother?}, they also have zero sugar sweets.

While their array of pedas and burfis are tempting enough, the regulars at this Coimbatore-based sweets shop swear by their Mysore Pak. Said to be truly melt-in-the-mouth and loaded with ghee, this is just what you need to begin the festivities on a sweet note.

Based in Adyar and boasting of over 93 outlets across the country, Adyar Ananda Bhavan {or A2B as it’s popularly known}, has plenty for the sweet-toothed to pick from. Be it the rich Kesar Badam sweets, ghee-laden Chandrakalas, Cham Chams or dry jamoons, this one will sort you out for the occasion.

From Motichoor Laddoos and juicy Kalakhands to rasgullas, Anand Sweets & Savouries has quite a selection of the regular mithais to spoil you for choice. Available in large, small and assorted packs, their Diwali season specials include Baklava Dry Fruit tart, Rose Cashew Twirls and Butterscotch Badam Bhog. Hoping to impress your friends and relatives? Their Almond Ballotins, Fruits Leather and dry fruits boxes make for great gifting options.

Started in 1951 with its first outlet in Malleswaram, Asha Sweet Centre is a favourite among old-timers in the city. The display bay with trays holding everything from Cashew Burfis and Kesar Malai Pedas to halwa and Chandrakalas is bound to confuse you. We suggest you take home some of their gift boxes which come with a mix of options. Planning to celebrate Diwali here, sampling sweets with your family? Their Litchi Rabdi is a must-try, we hear.

If authentic Bengali sweets is what you have in mind for the festive season, look no further than KC Das. Often acknowledged to be the original creators of the popular sweets, Rossogolla and Rossomalai, these are definitely worth a try here. We’re also fans of their Khir Kadham and Sondesh, perfect when you’re looking for something beyond the regular burfis.

A popular choice among many for their authentic Mishti Doi, Banchharam is another spot to stock up on Bengali sweets. While their Kaju Katlis and Malai rolls have quite a fan following, turn your attention to the Mauchak, Rasmalai, Sondesh and Rasgullas {they also have a baked version of the sweet, we hear} here. Although their treats can be slightly on the pricier side, it can really be worth the splurge. ‘Tis the time to celebrate, after all.

Having been around for over six decades, this Andhra sweets shop has a regular stream of customers for their Putarekulu {a regional delicacy}. Known for their pure ghee sweets, the dry fruit laddoos, cashew burfis and jalebis here are just what you need to amp up the celebrations.

What better way to celebrate the triumph of good over evil than with an array of sweets, right? Apart from the great chaats and Chhole Bature here, Kartik’s also has a selection of Indian sweets to load up on for every festive occasion. Sticking to top favourites, their most popular picks here include the classic Motichoor Laddoos and Kheer Kadams. While you’re at it, we suggest you also get yourself some of their hot and crispy jalebis.