Belgaum, also referred to as Belagavi, holds a central place in Karnataka. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful sweets, Belgaum beckons you to explore its bustling streets, where the flavor of freshly baked sweets invites you on an unforgettable journey.
Reflecting its diverse population and long-standing history, Belgaum boasts a culinary scene that embraces various influences. Over the years, people from different backgrounds have made Belgaum their home, bringing with them unique flavors and cooking techniques that enrich the local cuisine. Among the culinary treasures of the city, its sweets stand out, showcasing Belgaum’s culinary prowess.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the top 10 beloved sweets of Belgaum, adored by both residents and visitors alike. From timeless classics to innovative creations, these desserts capture the essence of Belgaum’s culinary identity.
So, let’s dive in and explore the irresistible world of Belgaum’s sweets.
10 Must-Try Famous Sweets of Belgaum
1. Kunda
Kunda is Belgaum’s most famous sweet, earning the city the nickname “Kunda Nagari.” It’s a soft, creamy delight made by boiling milk and sugar until it thickens and caramelizes.
Kunda’s origin story is quite fascinating. It all began with Raghunathji Joshi, a confectioner from Rajasthan who made his home in Belgaum during the late 19th century.
One day, Joshi accidentally left a pot of milk boiling unattended. When he returned, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the milk had magically transformed into a delicious sweet.
Inspired by this accidental discovery, Joshi named the sweet “Kunda,” which means pot in Marathi. He began selling it from his shop, a tradition that continues to this day, preserving the legacy of this delightful treat.
While you might find Kunda in many places, tasting the real deal in Belgaum is a must. Some of the best places to try it are Guru Sweet Mart, Camp Purohit Sweets, and Sankam Residency.
Over time, the traditional Kunda sweet has gained even more popularity and now comes in various delightful variations, each with its own unique backstory. These sweets enrich Belgaum’s culinary heritage.
Here are some variations of Kunda:
- Belgaum Kunda Peda: These are small balls of Kunda coated with powdered sugar. They were likely created to make the sweet more convenient and bite-sized. You can find Belgaum Kunda Peda in almost every sweet shop in Belgaum, but some of the most popular ones are Purohit Sweets, Camp Purohit Sweets, Sai Purohit Sweets, and M K Swamy & Sons.
- Belgaum Kunda Halwa: This variation of Kunda is cooked longer to form a thick, glossy paste, resembling halwa. It showcases the creativity of Belgaum’s chefs in experimenting with cooking techniques. Some of the most popular places to enjoy Belgaum Kunda Halwa are Purohit Sweets, Camp Purohit Sweets, Sai Purohit Sweets, and M K Swamy & Sons. These establishments are well-known for their delicious variations of Kunda and are favored by locals and visitors alike.
- Belgaum Kunda Ladoo: These are round balls of Kunda adorned with silver vark. By cooking the milk and sugar mixture for a longer time, chefs achieved a crunchy texture for these flavorful treats. You can find the best Belgaum Kunda Ladoo at Purohit Sweets, Camp Purohit Sweets, Sai Purohit Sweets, and M K Swamy & Sons
- Belgaum Kunda Ice Cream: This dessert combines Kunda with cream, milk, and vanilla essence, frozen into ice cream. It’s a modern twist reflecting Belgaum’s embrace of contemporary culinary trends. You can find Belgaum Kunda Ice Cream at select ice cream parlors in Belgaum, including Natural Ice Cream and Baskin Robbins.
- Belgaum Kunda Cake: This cake incorporates Kunda into a sponge cake, adding a delightful caramel undertone. It showcases the versatility of Kunda as an ingredient in baking. For Belgaum Kunda Cake, popular places to try include Kake Walk and Swamy Bakery.
- Belgaum Kunda Barfi: Shaped into square or rectangular pieces and garnished with nuts, this variation of Kunda has a melt-in-the-mouth texture. It’s a tribute to the enduring popularity of the original Kunda sweet. Some of the most popular establishments for various Kunda sweets are Purohit Sweets, Camp Purohit Sweets, Sai Purohit Sweets, and M K Swamy & Sons.
- Gokak Karadant: It is a special type of Karadant made in the town of Gokak, around 70 km from Belgaum. Unlike regular Karadant, it uses dates instead of jaggery or sugar, along with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coconut, and dry fruits and nuts. This chewy and sticky sweet offers a unique flavor and aroma. Gokak Karadant is known for its long shelf life, lasting up to a year. You can find it at select sweet shops in Belgaum like Camp Purohit Sweets and Purohit Sweets, or purchase it directly from local vendors in Gokak.
2. Mandige
Mandige is a thin and crispy crepe-like sweet filled with a delightful mixture of coconut, sugar, and cardamom. Also known as Surali Puri or Surali Wadi in certain parts of Karnataka, it’s often prepared during special occasions like festivals or weddings.
The batter is made with rice flour, maida, and water, then cooked on a hot griddle. Once cooked, the sweet filling is spread over the crepe and folded into a triangle or roll.
Mandige is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Krishnamurthy Saralaya is a renowned place to savor Mandige, a tradition in their family since 1965. You can purchase it from their residence in Konwal Galli or Tilakwadi, or order online from their website.
3. Karadant
Karadant is a traditional sweet from Karnataka that’s beloved in Belgaum. It’s made by mixing fried edible gum, dry fruits, nuts, jaggery or sugar, and ghee.
The mixture is then shaped into balls or bars and cut into pieces. Karadant is a rich and nutritious sweet often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Two varieties are common: one made with jaggery and another with sugar.
For the best Karadant in Belgaum, head to Camp Purohit Sweets, renowned for crafting this delicacy since 1950. You can also order Karadant from their website.
Krishnamurthy Saralaya is famous for its Mandige, a sweet treat passed down as a family tradition since 1965. You can buy Mandige from their residence in Konwal Galli or Tilakwadi, or order it online from their website.
4. Dharwad Pedha
Though not exclusive to Belgaum, Dharwad Pedha has earned its place as one of the city’s favorite sweets. Originating from the nearby city of Dharwad, this delectable sweet is made from khoa (reduced milk), sugar, and a hint of cardamom.
Its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor make it a must-try delicacy. If you’re craving the finest Dharwad Pedha in town, be sure to stop by Kirtikumar Kalar, Suruchi Fine Dining, or The Mango Tree. They serve up some of the most delicious ones around!
5. Mysore Pak
Hailing from the neighboring city of Mysore, Mysore Pak has found its way into the hearts of Belgaum’s residents.
This indulgent sweet is made from generous portions of ghee, gram flour, and sugar, resulting in a fudgy consistency and a heavenly taste.
Mysore Pak is often served as a dessert during festivals and celebrations. You can find it at Gundappa Sweets and Bakery, Zaika, and Top In Town.
6. Khawa Jali
Khawa Jali is a lesser-known gem among Belgaum’s sweets but is cherished by those who have had the pleasure of tasting it.
This delicate sweet is crafted from khava, sugar, and a hint of saffron, creating a luscious treat with a hint of floral aroma. Its intricate lattice-like appearance adds to its allure. You can taste it at KAVA, The Hidden Door, and Niyaaz.
7. Badam Puri
Badam Puri is a delightful, sweet pastry that combines the richness of almonds with the sweetness of sugar and the subtle flavors of cardamom.
These golden-fried pastries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a delightful indulgence for any occasion. You can try Badam Puri at Paratha Corner, Annapurneshwari, or Saffron.
8. Rava Laddu
Rava Laddu, also called Semolina Laddu, is a simple and satisfying sweet loved by people of all ages. While you can find this laddu in many places across India, the ones in Belgaum have a unique flavor.
Made from roasted semolina, sugar, ghee, and flavored with nuts and cardamom, these little delights offer a crunchy texture and a burst of sweetness in every bite.
For the best taste experience, head over to Hotel Malhar, Zaara’s Khana Khazana, or Vaishali’s Kitchen. They serve up some of the most delicious Rava Laddus in town!
9. Chiroti
Chiroti is a traditional Karnataka sweet that has found its way into the culinary landscape of Belgaum. These flaky, crispy pastries are made from refined flour, ghee, and sugar and are often served with a drizzle of sugar syrup or powdered sugar.
Chiroti’s delicate layers and subtle sweetness make it a popular choice for special occasions. You can enjoy it at La-Primera, Momo’s Chinese and Thai Restaurant, and Amar.
10. Pineapple Sheera
Pineapple Sheera is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the tropical flavor of pineapple with the richness of semolina (sooji) and ghee.
Cooked to perfection and garnished with nuts, this sweet dish offers a refreshing twist to Belgaum’s traditional sweets, making it a must-try for those with a penchant for innovative flavors. You can taste it at Suruchi Fine Dining, The Mango Tree, and The Hidden Door.
Also Check Out Indore Famous Sweets: A Guide to the City’s Sweet Delights
Conclusion
Belgaum’s food scene is a true reflection of its vibrant culture, boasting a wide variety of sweets to tantalize your taste buds.
Whether it’s the renowned Kunda or the hidden gem Khawa Jali, each sweet tells a story of tradition and flavor unique to the city.
So, when you find yourself in Belgaum, never forget to explore its culinary treasures and treat yourself to these top 10 famous sweets that capture the essence of this charming destination.