Step aside, plain rasgullas! Kolkata, the City of Joy, is undergoing a sweet revolution, and at the forefront are two enticing variations of its beloved rosogolla that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Forget the standard sugar syrup – these royal rasgullas are dressed to impress, offering unique flavour profiles and textures that will leave you wanting more.
A Legacy of Sweetness: The Humble Rosogolla
The rosogolla’s story is as rich as its flavour. Legends trace its origin back to the 15th century kitchens of Odisha’s Jagannath Temple. But it was Kolkata that truly embraced this spongy, syrupy delight. In the 1860s, two families – the Balaram Mullicks and the Radharaman Mullicks – are credited with perfecting the art of rosogolla making.
Balaram Mullick, a cheesemaker by trade, is said to have stumbled upon the recipe by accident. The story goes that he was experimenting with leftover chhena (cottage cheese) and jaggery, resulting in the first true rosogolla. His version, known for its soft, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness, remains a favourite today.
Meanwhile, the Radharaman Mullicks are believed to have introduced the use of date palm jaggery, or gur, in their rosogollas. This lent a deeper, more complex flavour profile that continues to be a cherished tradition.
The Rise of Royalty: Gur & Baked Rosogollas
While the classic rosogolla reigns supreme, recent years have seen a surge in popularity of two innovative variations: the gushing gur rosogolla and the golden baked rosogolla.
The Gushing Gur Rosogolla: A Date with Decadence
Imagine a world where the familiar sweetness of rosogolla takes a luxurious turn. The gushing gur rosogolla does just that. Here, the traditional sugar syrup is replaced with a rich, decadent syrup made from gur, also known as date palm jaggery. This natural sweetener lends a deep, caramel-like flavour with hints of toffee and molasses.
The result? An explosion of complex flavours in every bite. The soft, spongy texture of the rosogolla itself remains, but it’s now infused with the warm, earthy notes of gur, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
The Golden Baked Rosogolla: A Textural Twist
The golden baked rosogolla takes the classic dessert on a delightful textural adventure. These beauties undergo a double-cooking process. First, they are simmered in the traditional sugar syrup, then baked until a golden brown caramelized crust forms on top.
This caramelization adds a whole new dimension to the rosogolla experience. The familiar soft centre is now complemented by a delightful crunch from the caramelized exterior. The flavours, too, undergo a subtle transformation. The baking process intensifies the sweetness of the sugar syrup, creating a perfect balance with the soft, spongy core.
Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar
This iconic sweet shop in Shobha Bazar is a legendary spot for all things Bengali mithai (sweets). Their gur rasgullas are renowned for their perfectly balanced sweetness and the use of high-quality gur.
Bhim Chandra Nag
Established in 1834, Bhim Chandra Nag is another heavyweight in Kolkata’s sweet scene. Their gur rasgullas are known for their melt-in-the-mouth texture and the rich, molasses-like flavor of their gur syrup.
Sen Mahasay Sweets
This popular chain offers a delightful rendition of the gur rasgulla. Their version is known for its slightly caramelized gur syrup, adding a touch of smokiness to the overall flavor profile.
Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy (College Street)
This legendary sweet shop, established in 1884, is a must-visit for any rasgulla aficionado. They offer both gur and baked rasgullas, each prepared with meticulous care and the highest quality ingredients.
Balaram Mullick Radharaman Mullick (Sweet Shops across Kolkata)
A visit to Kolkata wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the original. This iconic chain, descended from the creators of the rasgulla itself, offers both gur and baked versions, staying true to their innovative legacy.
Beyond the Bite: The Enduring Allure of Rosogolla Royalty
The gushing gur and golden baked rasgullas are more than just delicious treats; they represent Kolkata’s vibrant sweet-making culture. They are a testament to the city’s love for experimentation and its ability to elevate the simple to the extraordinary. So, on your next visit to Kolkata, ditch the diet and embark on a sweet pilgrimage to discover these royal rasgullas. After all, in the City of Joy, indulging in a bit of sugary royalty is practically mandatory!
