History of Rasgulla
Rasgulla is believed to have originated in the state of Odisha, which was formerly known as Orissa. It is said to have been created by a confectioner named Nobin Chandra Das in the city of Kolkata in the late 19th century. Das was experimenting with chenna, a type of cottage cheese that is popular in Eastern India, when he came up with the idea for Rasgulla. He boiled the chenna balls in a sugar syrup, and the result was a soft, spongy dessert that quickly became popular in Kolkata and beyond.
Over the years, Rasgulla has become a cultural symbol of Eastern India and is often served at weddings, festivals, and other special occasions. In fact, it is so popular that it has even been the subject of legal disputes between Odisha and its neighboring state of West Bengal, with both claiming to be the true originators of the dessert.
Despite the controversy, Rasgulla remains a beloved dessert throughout India and beyond. It has even made its way into popular culture, with references to the sweet treat appearing in movies, television shows, and books.
Popular brands of Rasgulla
While Rasgulla is widely available throughout India, there are a few brands that are particularly famous for their versions of the dessert. Here are some of the most popular:
Bikalananda Kar Rasgulla
Bikalananda Kar Rasgulla is a well-known brand of Rasgulla that is based in the city of Puri, Odisha. The company was founded in 1903 by Bikalananda Kar, and it has been producing high-quality Rasgulla ever since. The dessert is made from fresh chenna and is known for its soft, spongy texture and sweet, syrupy flavor.
K.C. Das
K.C. Das is another famous Rasgulla brand that was founded in Kolkata in the 19th century. The company was started by Nobin Chandra Das, the same confectioner who is credited with inventing Rasgulla. Today, K.C. Das is one of the most popular Rasgulla brands in India and has even expanded to other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Bikanervala
Bikanervala is a popular Indian sweets chain that is known for its high-quality Rasgulla. The company was founded in Delhi in 1950 and has since expanded to other parts of India and abroad. Bikanervala's Rasgulla is made from fresh chenna and is known for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, syrupy flavor.
Haldiram's
Haldiram's is a well-known Indian snack and sweets brand that also produces Rasgulla. The company was founded in 1937 and has since become one of the largest food companies in India. Haldiram's Rasgulla is made from fresh chenna and is known for its soft, spongy texture and sweet, syrupy flavor.
Conclusion
Rasgulla is a classic Indian dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether you're a fan of sweets or just curious about Indian cuisine, Rasgulla is a must-try. With its soft, spongy texture and sweet, syrupy flavor, it is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So the next time you're in India, be sure to seek out some of the famous Rasgulla brands and experience this iconic dessert for yourself.