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.


From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

From Soulful Music to Story-Driven Cocktails: Valentine’s Plans Across Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

Mumbai’s Valentine’s celebrations this year move beyond predictable dinners, unfolding instead through music-led evenings, narrative cocktails and comfort-driven dining across some of the city’s most distinctive venues. From Andheri to Juhu and Versova, spaces are curating experiences that feel personal, expressive and unhurried.

At The Stables on Airport Road, Valentine’s Day becomes an intimate blend of sound and flavour. Known for its rustic-chic aesthetic and evolving 7-days-7-experiences calendar, the venue adds a romantic layer with a special evening featuring live music by Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Suhayb Nazyr. His soulful originals, contemporary Sufi influences and Bollywood renditions set a reflective, immersive tone for couples. Complementing the music is The Stables’ Sweetheart’s Menu, a Valentine’s-exclusive cocktail line-up inspired by love stories from across the world. From the floral, tropical notes of A Korean Affair to the citrus brightness of An Italian Romance and the bold warmth of An Irish Promise, the menu also includes playful mocktails and indulgent shots designed to be shared..

In Juhu, KOJAK stretches Valentine’s into a week-long narrative. From 10th to 15th February, the bar introduces a specially curated Valentine’s menu featuring cocktails, food and desserts built around fresh flavours and shareable formats. The celebrations evolve each night, beginning with flute and violin performances, moving into a Magic & Cocktails evening, and culminating in a high-energy bar night with Ravetek. Interactive elements such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a nostalgic dessert cart and intimate seating corners add depth, with reservations recommended to maintain a limited, immersive feel. 

For couples seeking a quieter celebration, Kefi in Versova offers a comforting Valentine’s Day menu centred on familiar flavours. Featuring dim sums, baos, indulgent mains, decadent desserts and relaxed sips, the experience leans into warmth and simplicity within Kefi’s cosy setting. The Valentine’s offering is available in the evening onwards, Together, these venues reflect Mumbai’s evolving Valentine’s mood—less about spectacle, more about connection, stories and shared moments


Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

Mirth Cocktail Conservatory Unveils “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” Valentine’s Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

This Valentine’s Day, Mirth Cocktail Conservatory is redefining romance with the launch of its special “Wild Hearts & Clear Intentions” collection, inviting guests to celebrate love through craft-driven cocktails rather than predictable tropes. Designed for modern romantics, the curated menu focuses on texture, clarity and expressive flavours, making it equally suited for first dates and long-standing toasts.

The collection features four signature serves that highlight Mirth’s mixology philosophy of intention over excess. The Cheesecake Sour pairs a robust whiskey base with a silky cheesecake foam, offering a dessert-inspired indulgence, while the Strawberry Negroni reimagines the classic with an airy strawberry cloud that softens its bitter-sweet profile. For bolder palates, the Wild Heart delivers a vibrant mix of tart berry shrub accented by a distinctive jamun strip, and the Clear Intention showcases technical finesse through a crystal-clear, clarified blend of gin, basil and lychee.

Set within Mirth’s intimate, velvet-toned interiors in Indiranagar, the Valentine’s collection underscores the bar’s reputation for contemporary, experimental mixology. With this limited-time offering, Mirth positions cocktails not just as drinks, but as expressions of mood, chemistry and connection, encouraging guests to celebrate romance with clarity, confidence and a sense of play


Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

Barista Coffee Launches “Currently Romantic” Valentine’s Menu Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on February 10, 2026

As Valentine’s season sets in, Barista Coffee Company is spreading the spirit of love with the launch of its special campaign, “Currently Romantic,” inviting customers to celebrate togetherness over thoughtfully crafted flavours. Rooted in the idea of creating meaningful moments, the campaign reflects Barista’s focus on turning everyday café visits into warm, memorable experiences for couples, friends and self-care enthusiasts alike.

Available from 1 February across Barista outlets, the limited-time Valentine’s menu features indulgent offerings designed to balance comfort and celebration. Highlights include the Strawberry Brownie Frappe, which blends fruity freshness with rich chocolate notes, and the Brownie Latte, a creamy and indulgent coffee crafted for those seeking a cosy, dessert-inspired cup. Adding to the festive spread is the Valentine’s Cake, positioned as a shareable sweet treat that captures the emotion of the season in every slice.

Commenting on the initiative, Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee Company, said the campaign is aimed at making people feel special during the season of love by spreading warmth, happiness and indulgence across cities. He noted that the specially curated treats are meant to bring customers closer to their loved ones, whether through a quiet café date, a cheerful outing or a simple moment of self-indulgence.

The “Currently Romantic” campaign stays true to Barista’s vibrant brand identity, combining flavour, emotion and experience. With visually appealing, ‘gram-worthy’ desserts and beverages, the Valentine’s menu encourages customers to create and share moments over coffee. The exclusive offerings will be available at select Barista cafés across India from 1 February, inviting everyone to indulge, celebrate and fall in love with every sip and bite

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