13 Legendary Mithai Houses That Have Managed To Preserve Their Essence After All These Years

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There’s something so comforting about desserts that however much you’ve eaten, there always seems to be room for your fill of those sinful sweet delights. When it comes to desi meetha, we have all at some point trusted either only our moms to cook the best or a handful of commercial places like Haldiram’s and Nathu’s. Well, no more! Delhi has a lot more to offer when it comes to desi sweetmeats ready to tantalise your tastebuds!

We went on a gastronomic journey only to find the best, lesser known and legendary places which have more or less been in the business for a major part of the 20th century and we can’t stop gushing - read on!

1. Annapurna Bhandar

Picture Credits: Kumud Agarwal

This might not have been on your list till now, but if you ever had a friend who lives in Old Delhi, they would tell you how and exactly why Annapurna is so special to them! Established in the Colonial era in 1929, this place creates an aura of old world Calcutta right here in the heart of Old Delhi and keeps coming back for more. From Mishti Doi to Rosogollas, from Ras Malai to Sondesh, we couldn’t find a single item on their menu NOT worth trying. Also, this place makes  sweets with an overdose of sugar so be sure to check this place out ASAP and thank us later!

Meal For Two | Rs 100
Location | 1463, Near Sheesh Ganj Gurudwara, Chandni Chowk

2. Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners

Picture Credits: food_bombardier

It was the year of 1901 in Lahore when Chaina Ram started his massively famous shop selling different kinds of mithai specialising in one called the Karachi Halwa. It was difficult tracing the year when Chaina Ram relocated to Fatehpuri, Old Delhi but what was easy was visiting this legendary place and giving its speciality a taste check! 

From Karachi halwa to Pateesa, from Kaju Burfi to Sev Badam and from Ghevar to the yummy ladoos, Chaina Ram will leave you high and happy in more ways than one. This place also serves lip-smacking Chana Poori as a breakfast dish in the wee hours of the morning, so why not head over here first thing this Sunday peeps!

Meal For Two | Rs 200
Location | 6499, Fatehpuri Chowk, Chandni Chowk
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/chainaram1901/

3. Sheeren Bhawan

Picture Credits: Saqib Khan

We can bet that only a handful of y’all must have heard the name of this place, let alone visiting this age old mithai shop. Not a commercial sweet shop, the interiors are dry and sober but the sweets prepared at Sheeren are to die for! Using pure desi ghee to create sweet cravings, Sheeren Bhawan offers Gajar Ka Halwa, Baalu Shahi, Jalebi, Moong Dal Halwa and Habshi Halwa to name a few! A jewel right in the middle of the busy streets of Jama Masjid - you gotta check this place out!

Location | 1470, Hakimji Street, Jama Masjid

4. Kallan Sweets

Picture Credits: Bhukism

This place is much easier to locate than Sheeren as it’s the first shop right outside the Gali Kababian in Old Delhi where Karim’s is located! Also in existence since a good 40 odd years, Kallan is the answer to the sweet cravings of the whole of Purani Dilli! Specialising in all kinds of Indian sweets and especifically barfi, this place will not leave you disappointed. You should gorge on their Kalakand, Pista Barfi, Coconut Barfi, Dodha Barfi, Motichur Ladoo and so much more! Do thank us later, won’t you?!

Meal For Two | Rs 100
Location | Shop 4-5, Bazaar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid

5. Bengali Sweet House

Picture Credits: Manik Sain

One single shop originally dominated the Bengali Market near Mandi House many years ago, which went by the name of Bengali Sweet House. Bengali Sweet House is still a legend to reckon, with preparing drool worthy mithais everyday! From barfis to halwas to khoya mithais, this place still gets its share of patrons and it’s time you head over too! Believe us, you won’t return disappointed that’s for sure!

Meal For Two | Rs 400
Location | 30-33, Bengali Market, Mandi House
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/bengalisweethousebm/

6. Bade Miyan Ki Kheer 

Picture Credits: Mahek Gupta

An almost unknown entity in Delhi and yet his shop has been running for almost a century now! Going by the name of ‘Old Kheer Shop’, Bade Miyan comes in everyday and prepares the most creamy and lip-smacking kheer we can ever imagine! Sit down, have a chat with the owner, devour two helpings of kheer, get a family bowl packed and wait to get hit by sugary awesomeness! 

Meal For Two | Rs 100
Location | 2867, Bazaar Sirkiwalan, Hauz Khazi, Chandni Chowk

7. Shyam Sweets

Picture Credits: eatlikeamaniac

Shyam Sweets is said to be the pioneer of the Nagori Halwa breakfast place! Apart from the lip-smacking Bedmi Poori and Nagori Halwa you get for breakfast everyday here, very few people know that Shyam prepares some amazing mithais and winters are the perfect season to gulp down one too many! From Pan Roll to Cham Cham to Kesar Pak to all kinds of barfis, this place has a legendary tag - come drop by!

Meal For Two | Rs 150
Location | 112,Barshahbulla Chowk, Near Metro Station, Chawri bazar
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/shyamsweets112/

8. Singla Sweets

Picture Credits: sincerely_foodie

Singla Sweets can be deemed as the treasured possession of East Delhi. This age-old establishment in I.P Extension has been the go-to place for the locals when they feel like satiating their collective sweet tooth. They mainly offer quick-bites and snack items like Chole Bhature, Pao Bhaji and a wide variety of chaats; but their collection of decadent desserts is also worth checking out. Try some of their Gulab Jamun and Rasmalai and let the exquisite quality speak for itself!

Meal For Two | Rs 500
Where | A-139/140, Main Road, Madhu Vihar, Near Hasanpur Depot, IP Extension
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Singlas-370477249819097/ 

9. Annapurna Sweet House, CR Park

Picture Credits: hoggersbeforebloggers

CR Park can be referred to as a tiny West Bengal in the middle of South Delhi; and where there are archetypes of Bengali culture, there are bound to be sweets. Annapurna Sweet House in a sweet shop that houses authentic Bengali sweets coming straight from the vibrant lanes of Kolkata. Their Khirkodom, earthen pots of Mishti Doi, the myriad options of Sondesh and of course, the delicate Roshogollas are worth checking out! 

Meal For Two | Rs 200
Where | 38, CSC Market 2, Chittaranjan Park  

10. Gulab 

Picture Credits: thepsychologicalfoodie

Now boasting multiple outlets across the city, Gulab started as a good old sweet and snack shop in Pitampura. Gulab is your quintessential snacking joint with a scrummy selection of savoury dishes like Papri Chaat, Dal Kachori, Samosas, Pakodas and much more! Their fabulous collection of sweets is worth visiting for; you gotta get your hands on some Gajar Halwa, Rasmalai and Rabri in a Kulhad and we guarantee you’ll come back running! Also, who can forget their ever-famous and scrumptious Revri that lightens up your Lohri even more!

Meal For Two | Rs 500
Where | 5, Main Road, Pitampura
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/GulabRewri/ 

11. Old Famous Jalebi Wala 

Picture Credits: delicacies_around

There won’t be a single Delhiite who hasn’t heard of this oh-so-popular Jalebi Rabri outlet in CC. Funny thing is that there isn’t much left to say about this place after its self-referencing name lays down the accurate “old” and “famous” labels assigned to the eatery. Their mammoth-sized Jalebis are a delight to enjoy during cold winter mornings with a generous dollop of Rabri and a cup of warm Tapri chai! A trip to Chandni Chowk will go incomplete if you don’t take a break from your shopping spree and drop by this legendary place for a quick snack.

Meal For Two | Rs 250
Where | 1795, Dariba Kalan Rd, opp. Central Baptist Church, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk 

12. Kanwarji Confectioners 

Picture Credits: foodie.since.93/

This eatery can be deemed as an archaic wonder because of its medieval foundation dating back to the 18th century. Kanwarji is primarily known for their legendary Dal Biji, a savoury snack enjoyed by patrons across the globe. Their location in Chandni Chowk exudes a charming old-world vibe and is flocked with locals throughout their working hours. Sweets like Karachi Halwa, Sohan Halwa, Pista Lauj and Badam Lauj also comprise some of their well-known delicacies.

Meal For Two | Rs 300 
Where | 1972-1973, Corner Gali Paranthe, Opposite Central Bank, Chandni Chowk 
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Kanwarjis-confectioners-113696588971137/ 

13. Haldiram’s

Picture Credits: Lazy cat away

You can’t end an article about legendary mithai shops without mentioning Haldiram’s. This establishment is responsible for satiating the midnight hunger-pangs of the whole country with their packaged snacks. Haldiram’s, as we know it today is synonymous with authenticity, wholesomeness and flavoursome goodness. Such is the popularity of this franchise that it has crossed the borders of Delhi and expanded its reach to several other countries. From chaats, to Southern delights and some jaw-dropping sweets, Haldiram’s offers a power-packed roster for everyone to indulge in. 

For those with an unrelenting sweet-tooth, trust us and check out these historic sweet shops in town before flocking away to your modern-day dessert parlours.