Jaipur’s Gulab Shakri: Culinary Heritage And Best Places To Try

Rajasthani sweets are a regal reflection of the state's culinary heritage. Evoking the opulence of Rajput royalty, these confections are an integral part of celebrations and traditions. Among them, the famous sweet "Gulab Sakri" hails from Jaipur. Crafted from mawa infused with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, it embodies the essence of Rajasthani flavors. This delicate dessert not only satiates the palate but also encapsulates the richness of the region's culture. Like a culinary jewel, Gulab Shakri exemplifies the intricate balance of tradition and innovation that defines Rajasthani cuisine, offering a royal treat for all to relish. 

A common ingredient in Gulab Shakri is mawa, or condensed milk solids. Saffron, cardamom, and rose water all contribute a subtle but enticing aroma. This is yet another no-fuss recipe that can be prepared in advance and served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings during the festivals. Large portions of this delectable dessert, known as Thaal, were traditionally served at the sweet shops in the old city of Jaipur and even outside. The saffron and rose water flavour combination is like enchantment, leaving you wanting more. Gulab sakri, it is theorised, once represented nothing less than royalty and bestowed enormous pride on those who enjoyed it or served it. 

If you break the phrase ‘gulab sakri’ down into its component parts, you'll find that ‘gulab’ refers to roses and ‘sakri’ refers to the term shakkar, which means meetha. It is also said that when adulteration was far beyond anyone's thinking, the mouthfeel of gulab shakri was so robust and savouring that no one would want to drink water or even have anything else to let the flavour linger for a prolonged period of time. 

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This age-old sweet gets its naturally sweet flavour from mawa, in addition to the sugar that is added to it. Kesar and cardamom are two ingredients that are added to this delicacy in order to further enhance both the flavour and aroma. It is claimed that Somilal's Rawat Mishthan Bhandar was the store that first sold this type of confection, and at the time, they were the only ones selling it in the market. But nowadays, there are several sweet shops all across Jaipur where you may get your hands on this exquisite melt-in-your-mouth sweet. Here are the top 5 recommendations to try Gulab Shakri in Jaipur.  

Rawat Mishan Bhandar 

Gulab Sakri, the iconic Rajasthani dessert, finds its origin at Rawat Mishan Bhandar in Jaipur. Pioneers of this delectable creation, Rawat Mishan Bhandar infuses mawa with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, encapsulating the essence of Jaipur's flavours. A visit to their establishment not only offers a taste of this traditional treat but also grants a glimpse into the history and culture that this sweet encapsulates, making it a must-try experience in Jaipur. 

Patwari Misthan Bhandar 

Experience the enchanting flavors of Rajasthan at Patwari Misthan Bhandar in Jaipur. Their specialty, Gulab Sakri, is a sweet masterpiece that captures the essence of the place. Patwari's Gulab Shakri not only delights the taste buds but also transports you to the vibrant heritage of Jaipur. A must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Rajasthani sweetness in the heart of the city 

Bombay Mishthan Bhandar 

Their exquisite Gulab Shakri is a true masterpiece. Picture this: velvety mawa intricately infused with saffron's golden hue, fragrant whispers of cardamom, and the romantic essence of rose water. Each bite is a journey through regal Rajasthani flavors. From Jaipur's heart to your palate, Bombay Mishthan Bhandar's Gulab Shakri is a dessert fit for kings and a must-savor experience for any connoisseur of sweets. 

Doodh Mishthan Bhandar 

At Doodh Mishthan Bhandar, you may indulge in the delectable flavours of Jaipur with Gulab Sakri, a culinary masterpiece. This delicacy from Rajasthan is a sensory explosion of flavours and textures. Intricately created together with saffron, cardamom, and rose water, it displays the luxurious charm of mawa. The Gulab Shakri at Doodh Mishthan Bhandar takes you on a sugary adventure through the ages and represents Rajasthani culture and tradition perfectly. 

Sodhani Sweets 

Sodhani Sweets in Jaipur offers delicious Gulab Sakri, which is the definition of Rajasthani decadence. Royal flavours of the region are captured in this classic delicacy by combining mawa with saffron, cardamom, and rose water. Jaipur's excellent cuisine is the result of generations of tradition and experimentation. Try this sweet treat at Sodhani Sweets, Jaiput as a tribute to the region's gastronomic skill.