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.


Rooftop Innings at Pangeo Brings Cricket Fever to Bengaluru’s Skyline

Rooftop Innings at Pangeo Brings Cricket Fever to Bengaluru’s Skyline

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Pangeo has introduced Rooftop Innings, a high-energy cricket screening experience that transforms match days into vibrant social gatherings in the heart of the city.

Set against a lively rooftop backdrop, the experience brings together the thrill of live cricket with an elevated nightlife setting, creating an atmosphere that keeps the energy going from the first ball to the final over. Designed for corporate outings, team evenings, and casual catch-ups, Rooftop Innings seamlessly blends sport with celebration.

The experience is complemented by a thoughtfully curated menu featuring indulgent sharing platters and bold, flavour-forward offerings. Guests can enjoy handcrafted dumpling baskets, sushi platters with balanced umami profiles, and expansive vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections including paneer tikka assortments and tandoori seafood platters.

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Adding to the excitement are crowd favourites such as peri peri tandoori drums, smoky ghost wings, and sriracha wings, each crafted to match the intensity of the game. Special platter combinations paired with beverages further enhance the group dining experience, making it ideal for extended match nights and lively conversations.

More than just a screening, Rooftop Innings at Pangeo positions itself as a destination where cricket feels larger than life, gatherings feel elevated, and every match becomes a shared celebration.

Fact Sheet:
Where: Pangeo
Date: Starting April 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM


Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Unveils ‘Mittha’ – A Summer Dessert Celebration

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Unveils ‘Mittha’ – A Summer Dessert Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace introduces ‘Mittha’, a thoughtfully curated dessert menu that brings together nostalgia, tradition, and seasonal indulgence.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of northern India, the menu celebrates sweets that go beyond taste, drawing from generational recipes and memories of shared moments. At Loya, desserts are not just an end to a meal but a continuation of storytelling through flavour.

The ‘Mittha’ selection blends comforting classics with contemporary interpretations. Highlights include Badana Pearls, where rabri and saffron foam meet pistachios and almonds, and Doodh Jalebi, featuring crisp jalebis paired with pista, chuara, and aromatic kesar milk.

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Adding a playful summer twist, the Kulfi Pop assortment reimagines traditional kulfi into bite-sized indulgences. Guests can explore flavours like rose petal, saffron-cardamom, royal paan leaf, and malai, offering a refreshing take perfect for the season. The Falooda, layered with almond kulfi and rose rabri, adds a cooling, indulgent note to the experience.

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Among the standout creations is Gud–Ke–Maan, inspired by a cherished family recipe of badam kheer, bringing a deeply personal touch to the menu. Meanwhile, Loya Khel introduces a contemporary finish with a light chikoo mousse paired with biscuit cake and coconut elements.

With ‘Mittha’, Loya creates a dessert experience that feels both familiar and new, inviting guests to rediscover Indian sweets through a refined, seasonal lens.


Café Swasthya Expands with Third Outlet at Delhi Metro, Bringing Wellness On-the-Go

Café Swasthya Expands with Third Outlet at Delhi Metro, Bringing Wellness On-the-Go

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Café Swasthya has announced the opening of its third outlet at MG Road Metro Station in New Delhi, marking a significant step in its mission to make wellness-focused food more accessible to people on the move.

Located within the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network, the new outlet represents a notable milestone, given the limited and highly selective retail opportunities within metro stations. Positioned strategically near both malls and residential neighbourhoods, the café caters to commuters as well as the surrounding community.

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Designed as a compact yet inviting space, the 280 sq. ft. outlet accommodates around 10–12 guests. The interiors reflect the brand’s signature aesthetic minimal, calming, and rooted in Ayurvedic philosophy featuring curated artworks and visual elements associated with Butterfly Ayurveda.

The menu focuses on wholesome, accessible offerings aligned with Ayurvedic principles. Guests can choose from breakfast dishes and snacks such as khatta meetha poha, kala chana wraps, and freshly prepared aloo samosas made with a whole wheat crust and fried in mustard oil. Beverage options include desi masala chai, buttermilk, hot chocolate, and a range of herbal and iced teas.

A highlight of the menu is Jivanti Kwath, a traditional herbal drink made using ingredients like Ashwagandha, Giloy, and Pippali, known for their role in supporting immunity and overall wellbeing.

Speaking on the launch, Akshi Khandelwal shared, “Our vision has always been to transform how people perceive wellness food by making it more accessible and inviting. This space is designed for both quick, nourishing bites and moments of pause during a busy day.”

Beyond food, the café also promotes awareness of Ayurvedic concepts through interactive elements such as a QR-based body constitution quiz and informative menu content explaining Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha.

With this expansion, Café Swasthya continues to strengthen its position in the growing wellness dining segment, offering a convenient, thoughtful alternative for everyday commuters seeking healthier choices

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