Just opposite Shyambazar AV School, at 34B Shyambazar Street, is the sweet shop popularly known as the ‘Rasogolla Wala of Kolkata’. No, this is not a reference to the Columbus of rosogolla, Nobin Chandra Das, but is the 115-year-old Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar, famous for their soft, spongy, luscious rosogollas.
A prominent landmark on the maps of Kolkata’s mishti lovers, the shop is one of the 71 certified in the city to sell this GI product of Bengal. Soft as cotton and juicy as a… well… rosogolla(!), every bite has the aroma of fresh milk and a subtle sweetness. Priced at Rs 15 and Rs 20, they are a must-have.
The shop is one of the 71 certified in the city to sell the GI-tagged rosogolla Barnini Maitra Chakraborty
The taste of the rosogollas of this celebrated shop is different from others, but it is a difference that can only be understood by eating it. The bhandar has been serving this sweet for generations and needless to say, it has retained its fame and taste.
Nitai Chandra Ghosh, the present proprietor, has worked to bring standardisation of the product, which is solely based on two items — milk and sugar. “To maintain the quality of the rosogollas, the quality of the milk has to be good,” said Ghosh. To maintain standards, he opened a laboratory to check quality and even started a dairy farm.
A ‘haari’ of rosogollas on their way out Barnini Maitra Chakraborty
While previous generations used to get milk from vendors, the milk that is used in the shop now is procured from their own farm in Durgapur, from where it comes in a refrigerated milk van. Since the quality of the milk is controlled, the quality of the rosogollas too can be maintained.
Another sweet star of Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar is the Madhuporko. Though it is a relatively new creation, it has caught the attention of Bengali mishti premis. To celebrate reaching a milestone, three sweets — Roshabesh, Chandani and Madhuporko — were prepared. The Madhuporko became an instant hit.
The Madhuporko, a relatively new creation, has become a best-seller @TinniMukherjee/Facebook
Madhuporko, as the word suggests, is an oblation of honey, clarified butter, milk, curd and sugar. But the sweet is made only using milk and sugar. And that isn't the only thing unique about it — the sweet neither falls in the category of mishti dois nor kheers. Creamy, but coarser than mishti doi, it has a subtle sweetness that gives it its own persona.
Madhuporko is available in vanilla, elaichi, chocolate and orange flavours @Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar Pvt. Ltd./Facebook
Madhuporko is available in vanilla, elaichi, chocolate and orange flavours. While all of them have their fans, and a distinct taste, the vanilla is a must-try. Priced at Rs 30, the dessert is best enjoyed a little cold. Just dig into the cup with a wooden spoon and experience magic!
It can be stored for three months if kept at 4 degrees Celsius and is a favourite of Ramakrishna Mission maths, where no special occasion goes without Madhuporko.