Reshmi Singh, a doctor, was attending a marriage party of her colleague. It was an elaborate affair consisting of delicacies from all over India. Being a foodie, she was enjoying every bit of her gastronomical experience.
''But what came as a surprise was the dessert: traditional Bengali sweet Malpoa served with Brandy sauce! Though I knew about Bengali sweets gaining international flavour lately- but Brandy sauce! Simply out of the world,'' she enthuses.
This kind of happy surprise is becoming common these days at opulent parties. With increasing overseas travel by Indians, food- along with many other things, are acquiring an international aura. Bengal sweet is not lagging behind.
From the archaic to the ultra modern, from the rich to the plebs- and from the veggies to the non-veg, sweets- typical Bengali sweets have successfully wooed them all.
That includes celebrities, Bollywood stars to international sportspersons visiting Kolkata. Few can withstand the temptation of savouring a hot rosogolla or a Nalen Gurer sandesh (with a jaggary made from date palm). This item hits the menu during winter when this jaggery makes its appearance.
Text and images: Baishali Mukherjee/Trans World Features
