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Holi is all about vibrant colours, laughter and of course, delicious food. While gujjia remains a festival staple, exploring these traditional sweets will add a new, interesting dimension to your celebrations
Holi 2025: step beyond the usual and let your taste buds revel in the diverse and delicious flavours that Delhi’s iconic sweet shops have to offer.
Holi is incomplete without indulgent sweets and while gujjia has won our hearts forever, Delhi’s legendary sweet shops offer a treasure trove of other traditional delights that deserve just as much attention. The city has something for every kind of sweet tooth with its wide array of delights to choose from. If you are looking to experiment beyond gujjia this Holi, here are five must-try sweets from some of Delhi’s most iconic establishments.
Haldiram’s Rajbhog
Rajbhog, often seen as the richer cousin of rasgulla, is a Holi staple that packs a flavour punch. Haldiram’s serves one of the finest and innovative versions of this saffron-infused dessert. Made from chhena (Indian cottage cheese), Rajbhog is stuffed with a rich mix of dry fruits and cardamom along with a hint of saffron before being soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. Each bite bursts with delectable flavours, making it an irresistible treat during the festival. The delicate balance of sweetness and texture ensures that it’s both indulgent and refreshing, perfect after a long day of Holi.
Chaina Ram’s Mohanthal
If you love besan (gram flour) sweets, then Chaina Ram’s Mohanthal is a must-try. This rich, fudgy sweet is crafted from slow-roasted gram flour, ghee and cardamom, giving it an earthy aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with slivered almonds and pistachios, it has just the right amount of sweetness to leave you craving for more. Chaina Ram’s, known for its heritage sweets, prepares this Sindhi delicacy with a time-honoured recipe that ensures each bite is packed with warmth and nostalgia. Best enjoyed with a hot cup of chai!
Nathu’s Thandai
While technically a drink, thandai is as much a Holi tradition as any mithai. Nathu’s in Delhi serves a version that is fragrant and absolutely refreshing. Made from a blend of almonds, saffron, fennel seeds, rose petals and cooling spices, their thandai strikes the right balance between sweetness and spice. Served chilled, it’s the ideal way to cool down after hours of playing with colours. Opt for this classic version at Nathu’s, whose thandai is an experience in itself.
Bikanervala’s Malpua
Malpua is the kind of dessert that makes Holi celebrations even sweeter. Bikanervala’s version of this traditional Indian pancake is crisp around the edges, fluffy in the center,and drenched in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom and saffron. Often paired with a generous serving of rabri, this deep-fried delight is a festival favourite. The contrast of textures, the crispiness of the malpua against the creaminess of rabri, makes it a treat worth savouring. Bikanervala’s take on this timeless sweet is known for its perfect balance of flavours and rich aroma, making it a must-have on your Holi menu.
Kaleva’s Pista Badam Barfi
For those who love dry fruit-based sweets, Kaleva’s Pista Badam Barfi is the best choice. This rich, nutty delicacy is made with finely ground pistachios, almonds and a touch of cardamom, resulting in a subtly sweet confection that’s both healthy and indulgent. This barfi offers a dense, melt-in-the-mouth texture that lingers long after you take a bite. Known for its premium quality ingredients, Kaleva ensures that each piece of their Pista Badam Barfi is a celebration of flavours, perfect for gifting or personal indulgence during Holi.
Holi is all about vibrant colours, laughter and of course, delicious food. While gujjia remains a festival staple, exploring these traditional sweets will add a new, interesting dimension to your celebrations. Each of the above-mentioned treats brings something unique to the festive table. So step beyond the usual and let your taste buds revel in the diverse and delicious flavours that Delhi’s iconic sweet shops have to offer.
