Pair the Assamese sweets with a piping hot cup of tea for a tastebud tango like no other!
Assam’s sweets and desserts are a treat you don’t want to miss! Thanks to the various indigenous groups in the state, there’s a wide variety of dishes, desserts, and beverages. Take the rice-based pithas made during Bihu—they’re sweet and delicious. Rice is a staple in Assamese cuisine and is used to make many desserts. But there are plenty of other sweets worth trying too. Here’s a list of some popular Assamese dessert items that you must try on your next trip to this northeastern state.
Best savoured during Magh Bihu—which happens around January, like Makar Sankranti—tilor larus are sweet little balls made of melted jaggery and roasted sesame seeds. The Assamese community goes all out during Uruka, the eve of Bhogali/Magh Bihu, with plenty of feasting. This major festival celebrates the end of the harvest, when granaries are full and everyone’s in the mood for a good meal. During this festive time, a variety of sweet and savoury dishes are prepared and enjoyed.
Imagine yourself in the heart of Assam, surrounded by the warmth and love of the community. You're offered a bowl of Payokh, a comforting rice pudding that's a staple at every celebration. But, let me whisper a secret to you - the real magic happens when you taste the Komolar Kheer, a creamy orange pudding that's a game-changer! With every spoonful, you'll feel like you're savouring a piece of Assam's heart, infused with the richness of nuts and the sweetness of orange pulp, just for you!
Bokakhat, a nondescript town in Upper Assam, is renowned for its unique pedas, a traditional dairy wonder cherished by locals and sought after by travellers passing through. While pedas are ubiquitous across India, those from Bokakhat stand out with their special aroma and taste. The precise techniques behind their preparation are closely guarded secrets, contributing to the distinctiveness of these celebrated treats.
Khaja, a popular sweet treat originating from Assam, is also widely enjoyed in Andhra Pradesh. This ancient recipe begins with wheat flour dough flattened and deep-fried until it achieves a fantastic crispy texture and a beautiful golden brown hue. Once fried, it's immersed in a syrup made from sugar or jaggery, imparting a sweet and rich flavor. The dish is further adorned with fragrant spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon, adding layers of aroma and taste. Sometimes served piping hot right after frying, Khaja offers an outstanding combination of sweetness and crunch!
Ghila Pithas are these neat little rice fritters shaped like knee caps that you just can't skip during Bihu season. They're perfect for tea time—sweet ones especially, though savoury options exist too. Made from bora saul rice mixed with jaggery and a touch of cardamom, they're fluffy and full of flavor. It's like biting into a small, crispy bit of happiness that Assamese people enjoy munching on while celebrating their festivals.
In Assam, people really know how to enjoy their sweets, and tea is a big part of the picture too. It's like a ritual to pair up these delicious treats with a hot cup of Assam tea. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, you've got to try out their amazing lineup of sweets, in Assamese style!
