A Bite-Sized Bengali Bliss Ball

A Bite-Sized Bengali Bliss Ball

By Author

Published on March 13, 2024

The world of Indian sweets is a treasure trove of diverse flavors and textures. Among these gems lies the Pantua, a delectable Bengali delicacy offering a unique taste and delightful history.

Pantua, also known as Pontooa, finds its roots in the vibrant culinary scene of West Bengal, India. Its origin story is believed to be linked to the iconic Bengali sweet, Chhena Gaja. Legend has it that leftover chhena (cottage cheese) from making Chhena Gaja was used to create Pantua. This resourceful practice resulted in a melt-in-your-mouth sweet that quickly gained popularity.

Unlike its close cousin, the Gulab Jamun, Pantua boasts a subtler sweetness. The fluffy exterior, made from a mixture of chhena, semolina, and flour, gives way to a soft, slightly grainy interior. The key to its unique flavor lies in the use of cardamom, which adds a warm and aromatic touch.

Traditionally deep-fried in ghee, some modern renditions of Pantua opt for healthier methods like baking or shallow frying. This adaptation caters to health-conscious individuals while preserving the essence of the dish.

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Ready to Indulge? Here's a Recipe for Homemade Pantua:

Ingredients:

250 gms fresh chhena (cottage cheese)

2 tbsp semolina (sooji)

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

A pinch of baking soda

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Sugar syrup (1 cup sugar dissolved in 1/2 cup water)

Ghee (for frying)

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Instructions:

Knead the chhena, semolina, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom powder into a smooth dough.

Divide the dough into small balls.

Heat ghee in a pan (or preheat oven to 180°C).

Deep fry (or bake) the balls until golden brown.

Immerse the fried balls in warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes.

Tips:

Ensure the chhena is well-drained to avoid a wet dough.

Adjust the sugar syrup consistency based on your preference.

For a richer flavor, add a few drops of kewra water to the sugar syrup.


The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hosts Carnival of Smiles Children's Day Brunch

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hosts Carnival of Smiles Children's Day Brunch

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2026

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is marking Children's Day with 'Carnival of Smiles', a special family brunch at Seasonal Tastes on November 15, 2026, featuring playful activities, interactive food experiences and entertainment for young guests.

Centred on the spirit of childhood, the Sunday brunch will combine a dedicated children's food fiesta with creative experiences and carnival-inspired entertainment. The menu will include familiar favourites such as mini burgers, pasta and pizzas, alongside a live pancake and waffle counter and a selection of specially curated desserts.

Children will also have the opportunity to get hands-on with food through pizza-making and cupcake art activities, where they can create their own treats as part of the afternoon's programme.

Beyond the dining experience, the celebration will feature face painting, balloon art, magic shows, mascot appearances and interactive games. A themed Little Stars Photo Booth, complete with props, frames and a Children's Day backdrop, will give families an opportunity to capture moments from the celebration.

Young guests will also receive giveaways to take home as keepsakes. The programme is intended to give children space to play, create and explore, while parents enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon with family.

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With its combination of food stations, creative activities and carnival entertainment, Carnival of Smiles offers families an opportunity to celebrate Children's Day through a shared dining and leisure experience at the hotel.

Experience Details

  • Event: Carnival of Smiles – Children's Day Brunch

  • Venue: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Hyderabad

  • Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026

  • Time: 12:30 PM–4:00 PM


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Presents Toon Town Children's Day Brunch

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Presents Toon Town Children's Day Brunch

By Hariharan U

Published on November 14, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is celebrating Children's Day with Toon Town Brunch, a cartoon-inspired dining experience at The Hebbal Cafe on November 22, 2026. Bringing together colourful food, familiar favourites and a playful atmosphere, the brunch invites children and families to enjoy an afternoon of food and togetherness.

Inspired by the imaginative world of cartoons and childhood favourites, the special brunch has been curated by Executive Chef Kalpesh Kature. The menu features a selection of child-friendly dishes, combining familiar flavours with bite-sized preparations suited to younger diners.

The savoury spread includes Mini Rainbow Vegetable Sandwiches, Cheese Quesadillas, Mini Margherita Pizza and Macaroni and Cheese. Young guests can also enjoy Crispy Chicken Popcorn, Mini Cheese Sliders and Fish Fingers with Tartar Sauce, adding a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to the menu.

For dessert, Mini Pancakes with Chocolate Sauce offer a sweet finish to the meal, giving little food explorers another treat to look forward to.

Designed as a family outing, Toon Town Brunch also offers adults an opportunity to revisit the simple pleasures of childhood while spending time with their little ones. With its playful theme and familiar menu choices, the experience centres on shared moments around the table.

Event Details

  • Event: Toon Town Brunch

  • Venue: The Hebbal Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal

  • Date: November 22, 2026

  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

Faasos Introduces Paratha Burger, Blending Desi Flavours with a Global Favourite

By Hariharan U

Published on November 13, 2026

Faasos, a food brand from Rebel Foods, has introduced its Paratha Burger range, combining the familiar format of a burger with the flaky, layered texture of lachha paratha. Available across 20 cities in India from November 12, 2026, the launch gives a distinctly Indian interpretation to a globally popular fast-food favourite.

Instead of conventional burger buns, the new range uses lachha paratha as its outer layer, enclosing flavourful patties, generous fillings and indulgent sauces. Described by the brand as having a “flaky outside, freaky inside” format, the product is positioned as a loaded burger experience rather than a wrap, roll or stuffed paratha.

The range features six vegetarian and non-vegetarian options across three flavour profiles: Teriyaki, Chipotle and Hot Garlic.

The non-vegetarian selection includes Teriyaki Chicken Dynamite, Chipotle Chicken Blast and Hot Garlic Chicken. The vegetarian options are Teriyaki Paneer Dynamite, OG Chipotle and Hot Garlic Manchurian.

Commenting on the launch, Mohit Mahajan, AVP – Marketing, Rebel Foods, said, “At Rebel Foods, product innovation is about finding new ways to make familiar food formats exciting for consumers. With the Paratha Burger, we have brought together the flaky, layered goodness of Indian lachha paratha with the bold, globally inspired flavours of a burger. The idea was to create something that feels familiar yet new, combining the comfort of a desi favourite with the indulgence of a loaded burger. The pilot across Mumbai and NCR is helping us understand the consumer response to the flavours that resonate the most with them. Our focus remains on expanding our offerings and bringing exciting food experiences to consumers across India.”

The flavour combinations range from the sweet and savoury notes of Teriyaki to the smoky profile of Chipotle and the sharper, more pronounced flavours of Hot Garlic. The concept builds on the appeal of familiar food formats while introducing new textures and internationally inspired flavour combinations.

Customers can order the Faasos Paratha Burger at a promotional price of ₹169. The launch also includes Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers and specially curated combos.

The introduction of the Paratha Burger adds another format to Faasos' menu innovation efforts, bringing together an Indian flatbread and the structure of a burger. The range also reflects the brand's approach of adapting familiar food experiences through new combinations of ingredients, textures and flavours.

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