Contributed By: Vinitha Vankayalapati
30 Authentic Telugu Sweets That Are Must Try
Bandar laddu venuma Bandar laddu irukku, Putharekulu venuma Putharekulu irukku, Kaja venuma Kaja irukku.Sweets are an integral part of the culture and tradition of Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These states are known for their wide variety of mouth-watering and delicious sweets that are not only popular in the region but also across the country. From the traditional Ariselu to the modern Kakinada Kaja, there are numerous sweets that represent the rich heritage of Telugu states.
Here are the 30 sweets that are popular in Telugu states and must try at least once in your lifetime.
1. Bandar laddu
This sweet is made with besan, sugar, ghee, and nuts. The soft and melting texture of the sweet has made it a favorite of everyone. The name “Bandar Laddu” comes from the place where it originated, which is in Machilipatnam, a port city also known as Bandar.
2. Tapeshwaram Kaja
Tapeshwaram Kaja is a famous sweet from East Godavari, specifically from the town of Tapeswaram. It is a flaky, layered sweet made with maida and sugar syrup. It is known for its juicy and soft texture.
3. Pala thalikalu
Pala Thalikalu is a traditional sweet from the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. It is made with rice flour, milk, nuts, and jaggery. This dish is served mainly during a festival called “Sankranthi”.
4. Pachadara Chilaka
This sweet is from Rajahmundry from Andhra Pradesh. It is made with maida, sugar and ghee. This sweet is known for its crisp nature and unique bird-like shape. The name chilaka for the sweet came from the shape of the sweet.
5. Pootharekulu
Putharekulu is a famous sweet from the town of Atreyapuram in Andhra Pradesh. It is made with dry fruits and jaggery and is wrapped in wafer made with rice flour which is similar to paper. The sweet is a must-try for anyone visiting Andhra Pradesh. There are many varieties such as plain pootharekulu, bellam pootharekulu, dry-fruit pootharekulu, etc.
6. Bobbatlu
Bobbatlu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is also known as Puran Poli in other parts of India. It is made with maida, chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and cardamom. The sweet is stuffed with the sweet chana dal filling and is a popular sweet during festivals and special occasions.
7. Ariselu
Ariselu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with rice flour, jaggery, and ghee. The sweet is fried and has a crispy texture on the outside and a soft texture on the inside. It is a popular sweet during the festive season.
8. Gavvalu
Gavvalu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is shaped like small shells. It is made with maida, sugar, and ghee, and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
9. Guntur Malpuri
Malpuri is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with maida, sugar, and coconut milk. The sweet is fried and soaked in sugar syrup, giving it a soft and sweet texture. This sweet is popular in Guntur, a place from Andhra Pradesh.
10. Sunnundalu
Sunnundalu is a sweet made with urad dal (black lentils), jaggery, and ghee. It is a popular sweet in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its soft and crumbly texture. This sweet has its special place in baby shower functions and is good for the backbone during pregnancy. Rayalaseema, a part of Andhra Pradesh is famous for Sunnundalu.
11. Kajjikayalu
Kajjikayalu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is also known as Karanji in other parts of India. It is a fried sweet made with maida, coconut, and jaggery filling. The sweet is often served during Deepavali, a festival of lights.
12. Poornalu / Boorelu
Poornalu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with rice flour, chana dal, jaggery, and cardamom. The sweet is stuffed with the sweet chana dal filling and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
13. Paala Undrallu
Paala Undrallu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with rice flour and jaggery. The sweet is shaped like small balls and is dipped in coconut milk. This sweet is mainly served as naivedyam during a festival called ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’.
14. Pala Kova
Kova is a sweet made with milk and sugar. It is a popular sweet in a place called Ongole from Andhra Pradesh. This sweet is often served in marriages and during festivals.
15. Goru Mettilu
A traditional sweet from East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. This sweet is made with maida, Rava, ghee, sugar and cardamom powder. A dough is made by combining rava, flour, ghee, and cardamom powder with water. Then, small portions of this dough are fried and soaked in sugar syrup.
16. Chalimidi
Chalimidi is a traditional sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut milk. The sweet has a soft and smooth texture and is often served during every happy occasion like marriage, baby shower function and often included in sara sent by parents.
17. Mamidi tandra
Mamidi Tandra is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with mango pulp, sugar, and ghee. The sweet is known for its unique flavour and is often served during the mango season.
18. Jhangri
Jhangri is a sweet from Guntur, a district from Andhra Pradesh, and is made with urad dal and sugar syrup. The sweet has a unique swirl-shaped design and is often served during festivals and special occasions. This sweet is soft on the outside and juicy inside.
19. Manugu Poolu
Manugu Poolu is a sweet where the murukulu are dipped in sugar syrup.It is a popular snack in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its nutty and sweet flavour.
20. Boondi ladoo
Bondi Laddo is a sweet made with gram flour and sugar. These sweet balls are made from small droplets of gram flour batter that are deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. It is a popular sweet in Andhra Pradesh and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
21. Junnu boorelu
Junnu Boorelu is a popular sweet dish from Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Godavari districts of East and West Godavari. It is a sweet made with rice flour, jaggery, and milk. It is often served during festivals, weddings and special occasions.
22. Palli chikki
Palli Chikki is a sweet made with peanuts and jaggery. It is a popular snack in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its crunchy and sweet flavour. Palli chikki is a good source of protein and healthy fats.
23. Kakinada Gottam kaja
Kakinada Gottam Kaja is sweet from the town of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. It is made with maida, sugar syrup, and ghee and has a flaky and crispy texture. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The sweet has gained such popularity that it is now exported to other parts of India and even abroad.
24. Utanki
Utanki is famous in Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh and is made with rice flour, sugar, milk and oil.This sweet can be found in many local stores and markets in Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its style of cooking and one of the most difficult sweets to make.
25. Gulabilu
Gulabilu is a sweet from Andhra Pradesh and is made with maida, sugar syrup, and rose water. This sweet is named so because of its resemblance to the petals of a rose flower. This sweet is a favourite of all age groups.
26. Mallarapu undalu/Karakajjam
Mallarapu Undalu or Karagajjam is a sweet made with jaggery and boondi. It is a popular sweet in a place called Allavaram from Andhra Pradesh. This sweet is exported to hyderabad, Bheemavaram, vizag and abroad too.
27. Dhanur muvva
Dhanur Muvva is a sweet made only during the winter season. It is a popular sweet from Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh with dry coconut, puffed rice, sugar, and ghee. It is a popular sweet in Andhra Pradesh and is known for its flaky and crispy texture. It is often shaped as a love symbol and is a Sankranthi special sweet.
28. Sampengi moggalu
Sampenga Moggalu is a sweet made with maida, sugar powder and sugar syrup. It is a popular sweet in Andhra Pradesh and is often served during festivals and special occasions. It is known for its unique shape which symbolises a flower called sampengi.
29. Bellam Gaarelu
Bellam Garelu is a sweet made with jaggery and urad dal. It is a popular sweet in Andhra Pradesh and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
30. Pakundalu
Paakundalu is a sweet made with rice flour and jaggery. A dough is created by combining rice flour and jaggery, and then divided into small portions which will be deep-fried in oil. It is a popular sweet in Andhra Pradesh and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
These sweets have not only satisfied the taste buds of the locals but also attracted food enthusiasts from all over the country.If you have a sweet tooth and want to explore the rich flavours of Telugu cuisine, then you cannot miss out on these amazing sweets.
