There’s something magical when the scent of cardamom, sugar and fried dough fills the air, Indian sweets always turn festival time from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s Diwali, Eid, Raksha Bandhan or Holi, those treats like soan papdi, bakarwadi, and desserts made with mango pulp make you feel right back home, even when you’re across the sea.
Why Sweet Treats Matter in Festivals
Festivals are about togetherness, memories, joy — and food is the language. Indian sweets are more than sugar; they carry stories: grandma’s recipe, childhood festivals, the way your heart fills when you unwrap that mithai box. For many expats in Europe, buying or making Indian sweets is a way to reconnect, share culture with friends, and keep tradition alive.
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Festive Favorites You Shouldn’t Miss
Here are some sweet stars that deserve a place on your festive table:
Soan Papdi - The Flaky Dream
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Light, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth strands; those airy layers are unlike many sweets you’ll find in typical European stores.
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Great for sharing, gifting, and those moments when you just want something delicate with your tea.
Bakarwadi - Crunch + Heat + Sweetness
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Originally a snack, but sweet versions or combining sweet & spicy make it festive. Crunchy, deep-fried, flavourful — very satisfying with a cup of chai.
Mango Pulp - Versatile Festive Magic
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Using mango pulp takes desserts up a notch: mango rasgulla, mango burfi, aam papad, mango peda, or layered puddings.
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Especially useful in Europe when fresh mangoes are expensive or unavailable. A good quality canned or bottled pulp brings that ripe-sweet flavour. Recipes like Mango Burfi using mango pulp are quick, showy and deeply satisfying. Sanjana Feasts
Making (or Buying) Indian Sweets in Europe: Tips & Tricks
When Buying, What to Look For
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Freshness matters: sweets with milk solids (like burfi, peda) spoil faster. Check packaging, expiry.
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Quality of sugar / sweeteners: try to avoid overly crystalised, or sweets that are too heavy on artificial flavours.
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Authentic ingredients: good mango pulp, pure ghee, real cardamom/ saffron make a difference.
If You’re Making Them at Home
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Sweet |
Key Ingredients |
Pro Tip for Europe Homes |
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Soan Papdi |
Flour (maida or gram flour depending on recipe), sugar syrup, cardamom, sometimes nuts |
Use a thick-bottomed pan for syrup so it doesn’t burn; maintain right sugar thread consistency for flaky texture. |
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Mango Burfi / Mango sweet recipes (using mango pulp) |
Mango pulp, milk solids (khoya or milk powder), sugar, sometimes nuts or saffron |
Use good canned mango pulp or frozen pulp when fresh mango is out of season; dry the mixture properly so it sets; cool before cutting. |
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Bakarwadi |
Flour, spices, sugar, sometimes filling of sweet chutney or sugar-spiced mix |
Fry at right temperature so it cooks through without burning outer shell; store in airtight containers to keep crisp. |
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How to Weave These Sweets into Dutch Festival Culture
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Gift boxes: Present a mixed box of Indian sweets — soan papdi, bakarwadi, burfi etc. — to friends/colleagues who may love discovering new flavours.
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Potluck style: Bring sweets to community gatherings; sweets are great conversation starters.
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Pair with local flavours: Serve Indian sweets with mild European cheeses, or with coffee/tea blends you find locally — contrast enhances enjoyment.
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Decoration: Bring in some Indian motifs — diyas, rangoli, traditional colours — so the sweets feel part of a bigger festival experience.
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Ordering from Dookan – What You Should Do
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Always check the soan papdi stock when festivals approach; demand goes up so supply can get thin.
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For recipes needing mango pulp, get good quality pulp from Dookan — ensures consistency in colour & flavour.
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Keep Indian sweets stored properly: cool, dry place. If shipping, ensure packaging is tight so sweets don't spoil or lose crunch.
Final Thoughts
When you savour Indian sweets during festivals—soan papdi, bakarwadi, mango-infused desserts—it’s more than just taste. It’s memory, comfort, identity. Even in a Dutch home, lighting up with those traditional flavours connects you to those familiar smiles at home. So go ahead, order your sweet box from Dookan, or roll up your sleeves and cook something glorious. Because festivals are sweeter with those little bites of home.