​Laccha doodh to Halwa: Go on a delish trail of Ramzan sweet treats

Ramzan in Kolkata is often associated with lively food trails and indulgent iftar spreads. But beyond the savoury favourites lies another equally tempting side of the season, a world of comforting festive sweets waiting to be explored.

From rich Halwas to the much loved Laccha doodh, take a sweet trail through the city this Ramzan and discover treats that will make the celebrations even more special.Must-try treats, sold only during this time of the year include Phirni, Shahi tukda, Shahi roll, Sheermal & Halwas. The best time to visit is late evening or closer to sehri, when fresh batches are prepared– Ammar Hamid, food walk curator

A Ramzan classicA staple during Ramzan, laccha doodh is a thick, slow reduced milk drink layered with strands of malai, nuts and gentle sweetness.

Traditionally enjoyed during sehri or suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before the day’s fast begins, it is both nourishing and easy on the stomach. Across Kolkata, large utensils of milk simmer through the night, thickening into this creamy delicacy by early morning. “Some of the most loved packaged versions come from Karodia Sweets and Royal Sweets, while doodh laccha plates are best enjoyed at stalls near Nakhoda Mosque, The Pure Milk Centre and Ripon Street during sehri,” says Abhijit Sharma, a regular at Pure Milk Centre.

Go on a Halwa trailRamzan evenings are incomplete without fresh Halwa. Try a variety of them Anjeer Halwa at Royal Sweets: Made with figs, ghee & nuts, found at stalls across Zakaria Street Aflatoon at Royal Sweets: This caramelised sweet with khoa, dry fruits and ghee is a sought after indulgence Battisi Halwa at Haji Alauddin Sweets: Known for its soft texture and generous nuts, it has a cult following during Ramzan Imarti at Haji Alauddin Sweets: Available only during this time ofthe month Halwa Paratha at Zakaria Street: A comforting pairing of warm halwa and flaky paratha loved by locals

Sweet treatsDuring Ramzan, Zakaria Street turns into a bustling late-night dessert hub. Must-try treats include Mohabbat ka sharbat (₹40–₹60), Shahi tukda (₹80–₹120), Phirni (₹50–₹70), Shahi roll (₹120–₹150) and Halwa paratha (₹80–₹100). “When here, one mustn’t miss out on mohabbat ka sharbat and Nafrat ka sherbet,” says Saif Ahmed, a regular at Zakaria.Ramzan in Kolkata has a distinct food culture, and the sweets alone make a visit to Zakaria worthwhile– Zeeshan Ali Zame, vlogger