Rosogolla, the epic dessert and pride of Bengal and Odisha. When we talk about rosogolla we tend to feel nostalgic remembering the sweet memories that it carry. Widely known as Kolkatar Rosogolla remains one of India’s most loved sweets. Rosogolla or Rasgulla can be considered as, “a bowl of sweet, syrupy, soft cheese balls”, as described by famous British Chef William Harold in his Journal.
Controversy around the invention of Rosogolla
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| Pahala Rasagola, which is a bit brownish in color. Credits: Rupa Jana |
The controversy over the origin of rosogolla, the Indian dessert began in 2015 when Odisha started observing a day to celebrate ‘Rasagola Dibasha’ on the festival of Niladri Bije.
Odisha’s former Science and Technology Minister set up a committee to trace the origin of rosogolla. After Oriyas started claiming rosogollas to be originated from Odisha, Bengal rushed to acquire the GI tag (Geographical Invention tag), and the government decided to fight the case legally. In November 2017, Bengal acquired the GI tag for ‘Banglar Rosogolla’, yet the texture of rosogollas differ from that of Odisha’s rasagola. However, in July 2019 Odisha obtained the GI tag for ‘Odisha Rasagola’.
Presently, both the states have the GI tag for their own versions of rosogollas or rasagolas. The history and its origin is still uncertain.
Famous Rosogollas to try in Kolkata
- Chittaranjan Mishtanna Bhandar-
Famous for its spongy rosogolla serving for 100 years, this shop is known to serve the best rosogolla in the city. - Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets
- K.C. Das-
Well known throughout the city, this shop serves rosogollas of different flavours beginning from Rs. 16. - Nobin Chandra Das & Sons-
The inventors of rosogolla in the 19th century, they are the finest rosogolla makers in the city. You must try their baked rosogolla, chocolate and orange flavoured rosgolla. - Mithai-
Mithai has its variations of rosogollas like kamala bhog, raj bhog and so on. - Hindusthan Sweets-
Famous for its variety of fusion sweets. Nolen gurer rosogolla is a worth try. - The other sweet shops are Bhim Chandra Nag, Kamdhenu’s, Banchharam’s, Hindusthan Sweets, Haldiram & sons Bhujiawala, Gupta Brothers Sweets, Nepal Sweets, Sen Mahasaya, Jugal’s, Ganguram, Narayan Mishtanna Bhandar, Panna Sweets and so on.
Believe it or not 200 different types of Rosogolla!
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| Rasagola or Rosogolla, its all about the emotion it holds in our hearts! Credits: Rupa Jana |
With growing modernization and changes in taste the rosogolla has evolved as well. Swati Saraf, a Kolkata based entrepreneur has given a try in evolving rosogollas and it came out to be a success. Swati put up a stall with the rosogollas in a food carnival.
She came up with around 200 different flavours of rosogolla. From fruity flavors to the spicy ones, she has it all, literally. Rosogollas in flavors like strawberry, chocolate, orange, pudina, blueberry, litchi, banana, jeera, green chilli, kala khatta, cappuccino, coriander, cinnamon, curry patta, capsicum, watermelon, pineapple and many others have been discovered by her.
While Indians call it Rosogolla or Rasagola or Rasgulla, you may be surprised to know that in English Rosogolla is referred to as ‘Syrup Filled Roll’.
Author:
Rupa Jana
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