For Bengalis, mishti is far more than dessert; it is woven into every celebration, festival and family gathering, with every sweet carrying a personality and a story of its own. That enduring tradition has gained fresh recognition, with Chandannagar&rsquo;s iconic Jolbhora Sandesh recently being awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on June 29, honouring the town&rsquo;s confectionery heritage.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Ananya-Banerjee_e.jpg" alt="Ananya Banerjee fills the perfect Jolbhara Sandesh. Pics courtesy/Banchharam, Ananya Banerjee" width="1280" height="720" /> Ananya Banerjee fills the perfect Jolbhara Sandesh. Pics courtesy/Banchharam, Ananya Banerjee
&ldquo;According to local folklore, confectioner Surjya Kumar Modak created the sweet for a zamindar&rsquo;s visiting son-in-law by concealing fragrant syrup inside what appeared to be an ordinary sandesh, turning the first bite into an unforgettable surprise,&rdquo; explains Mumbai-based home chef Ananya Banerjee.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Sujya-Kumar-Modak_e.jpg" alt="The Surjya Kumar Modak sweet shop in Chandannagar, Hooghly is widely regarded as the birthplace of the iconic mishti, Jolbhora Sandesh. Pics courtesy/Facebook, Surjya Kumar Modak" width="1280" height="720" /> The Surjya Kumar Modak sweet shop in Chandannagar, Hooghly is widely regarded as the birthplace of the iconic mishti, Jolbhora Sandesh. Pics courtesy/Facebook, Surjya Kumar Modak
While the seasonal Nolen Gur version is a favourite among Bengalis, the classic white Jolbhora is made year-round with fresh chhena &mdash; an unripened, soft cottage cheese used in Indian sweets &mdash; and a sugar syrup centre.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Surjya-Modak_e.jpg" alt="Surjya Kumar Modak" width="1280" height="720" /> Surjya Kumar Modak
Depending on the confectioner, the outer shell may be prepared as norom pak, with a softer, more delicate texture, or kora pak, which is firmer and holds its shape better. To understand the technique behind this deceptively simple confection, chef Banerjee helps us decode the recipe.
<h2>Jolbhara Sandesh</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Sandesh-Banerjee_e.jpg" alt="A norom pak Jolbhara Sandesh" width="1280" height="720" /> A norom pak Jolbhara Sandesh
INGREDIENTS &gt;&gt; 500 gms fresh cow&rsquo;s milk chhena &gt;&gt; 100&ndash;120 gms fine caster sugar or powdered sugar &gt;&gt; 1 tsp rose water or kewra water (optional) &gt;&gt; Thick sugar syrup (for the filling)
METHOD Hang the freshly prepared chhena for about 30-40 minutes so that it remains moist but not watery. Knead it with the sugar until smooth and silky. Cook over a low heat for 3&ndash;5 minutes, stirring continuously until it just comes together. Avoid overcooking. Allow it to cool completely, then knead it again until smooth. Prepare a thick sugar syrup and allow it to cool. You may flavour it lightly with rose water. Shape a small portion of the sandesh into a cup, fill the centre with a spoonful of syrup, and carefully seal it. Mould it traditionally or shape it by hand, then chill briefly before serving.
<h2>Find your mishti</h2>
<h2>Within Mumbai:</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Sandesh-beyond_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/Sandesh &amp; Beyond" width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/Sandesh &amp; Beyond
&gt;&gt; Sandesh &amp; beyond At Shop number 41, behind Jankalyan Bank, Gandhi Bazar, Chembur. Call 9004760043 &nbsp; Cost Rs 350 onwards
&gt;&gt; Banchharam At Shop 131, 1st Floor, Galleria Shopping Mall, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. (Also available at Ghansoli and Vashi) Call 8697975769 Cost Rs 200 onwards
&gt;&gt; Sweet Bengal At Bandra, Vile Parle, Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivli, Mira Road, Dadar, Matunga, Kurla, Chembur, Powai, Vashi, Thane, Kalyan, CBD Belapur Call 7738432872 &nbsp; Cost Rs 585 onwards
<h2>Straight from Kolkata:</h2>
For a taste closer to the original, these Kolkata confectioners will prepare and courier freshly made Jolbhora Sandesh with advance orders. Delivery typically takes 24&ndash;48 hours
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Ganguram-sweet_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/Ganguram" width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/Ganguram
&gt;&gt; Ganguram At Everest House, Ground Floor, 46C, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata. Call 79806 96322
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/jul/Banglar-Misti_e.jpg" alt="Pic courtesy/Banglar Misti" width="1280" height="720" /> Pic courtesy/Banglar Misti
&gt;&gt; Banglar Misti At 87/22, Yogoda Abasan, AK Mukherjee Road, Palpara, Baranagar, Kolkata. Call 9830019105

As Chandannagar’s Jolbhora Sandesh receives a GI tag, we reach out to a Mumbai-based Bengali chef for a wholesome, easy-to-make recipe

Celebrate Chandannagar's GI-tagged Jolbhora Sandesh with this easy homemade recipe

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Home / Mumbai-guide / Mumbai Food / Article / Celebrate Chandannagar's GI-tagged Jolbhora Sandesh with this easy homemade recipe

Celebrate Chandannagar's GI-tagged Jolbhora Sandesh with this easy homemade recipe

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