Types of Sweets

BARFI are types of fudge. Their name comes from the Persian word for snow and in their original form they were probably all white. Barfi are based on khoya, a milk product, and are very sweet. Those with ground nuts or flour in them have a grainier texture than the plain milk (dhoodh) versions.

SANDESH, based on chenna mixed with sugar, are one of the finest Indian sweets. The name means ‘news’ and the sweets were originally sent to friends by messenger as a means of enquiring after them. Sandesh can be made in a variety of textures and flavours and are often pressed into decorative moulds. As a speciality of Bengal, sandesh are shaped into forms such as conch shells or fish, which are representative of that area.