City opts for bite-sized treats this Bhai Phonta

Classics such as diya-shaped sandesh, gulab jamuns are in demand for bhai phonta. At K C Das, there is a rush for khaja, gaja and amritakumbha says Dhiman Das, while Rajib Paul of Hindusthan Sweets, Jadavpur rates their sandesh platter highly. “It’s a classic choice with norom & kora pak sandesh among other evergreen desserts,” he says.
Guilt-free bites for fitness freaks
Healthy cakes are for the new-gen siblings and home bakers are catering to this trend.Preetanjali Pasari says: “The demand during bhai dooj for healthy desserts comes from fitness freaks.” Agrees Pooja Churiwala: “People these days prefer bite-sized treats. Cupcakes and dessert jars are popular too.”

Flavours packed together
Gift hampers packed with strawberry, black currant and vanilla flavoured sweets, cookies and namkeen are flying off the shelves at Banchharam’s says Subhajit Ghosh. You can’t go wrong with mishti platters with the words bhai phonta embossed on them either, apart from khaja and gaja, says Sudip Mullick of Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick.

Innovation is the key
Looking beyond sandesh and laddoos? Shubham Balasaria, director, Gokul Sweets says anjeer bites, cappuccino ladoos are crowd favourites. Home chef and patissier Sakshi Sureka and Shikha Jain add more to the list: Espresso martini roulade, Sitaphal chenna pak apart Indian elements and flavours are in demand for those open to fusion treats.

Since I stay away from home, getting together with family for bhai phonta followed by some great adda is my highlight of the festive season
– Dimple Acharyya, model
Pix: Anindya Saha
Sweet courtesy: Hindustan Sweets