Indulge in the Festive Flavors: Must-Try Traditional Indian Christmas Sweets in Mumbai

Christmas is just around the corner and it's that time of the year when the air is filled with the sweet smell of traditional Indian Christmas sweets. Christmas in Mumbai is a celebration of joy, love, and of course, delicious food. The streets are adorned with colorful lights, the markets are bustling with people buying gifts and the bakeries are filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods. As a melting pot of cultures, Mumbai's Christmas celebrations also include a unique blend of traditional Indian sweets that are a must-try during this festive season.

So, if you are in Mumbai this Christmas, don't miss out on indulging in the festive flavors of these must-try traditional Indian Christmas sweets.

1. Kulkul
Kulkul is a popular sweet made with a dough of flour, semolina, and coconut milk. The dough is then rolled into small bitesize pieces, shaped into small curls, and deep-fried. This crispy and sweet snack is a favorite among Goan Catholics and is a must-have during Christmas. In Mumbai, you can find skulls in most bakeries and confectioneries.

2. Bebinca
Bebinca is a traditional Goan dessert made with a combination of flour, sugar, coconut milk, and egg yolks. This multi-layered sweet is usually prepared a few days in advance and is popularly known as the 'Queen of Goan Sweets'. It is a labor of love and a delicacy that is a must-try during Christmas in Mumbai.

3. Dodol
Dodol is a sweet treat that traces its roots back to the Portuguese. It is made with jaggery, coconut milk, and rice flour, and is popularly known as 'Perad' in Mumbai's Christian households. This chewy and sticky sweet is a Christmas favorite and is often gifted to friends and family during the festive season.

4. Nevri
Nevri is a crescent-shaped deep-fried sweet that is a staple during Christmas in Mumbai. It is made with a filling of grated coconut, sugar, and nuts, and is encased in a crispy shell made with flour. This sweet is also known as 'Karanji' and is a must-try for its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.

5. Plum Cake
Plum cake is a Christmas classic that needs no introduction. This rich, moist, and fruit-filled cake is a must-have during the festive season in Mumbai. It is made with a variety of dried fruits and is usually soaked in alcohol for added flavor. You can find plum cakes in most bakeries and confectioneries in Mumbai during Christmas.

6. Gulab Jamun
Although gulab jamuns are not specifically a Christmas sweet, they are a staple dessert in most Indian households during the festive season. These deep-fried dumplings are made with milk solids, flour, and cardamom, and are soaked in a sugary syrup before being served. In Mumbai, you can find gulab jamuns in sweet shops and mithaiwalas all year round, but they are a must-have during Christmas.

7. Nankhatai
Originating from Surat, Nankhatai is a delicious shortbread cookie that is a popular Christmas sweet in Mumbai. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom, and are often flavored with pistachios or almonds. You can find these delectable cookies in almost every bakery and confectionery in Mumbai during Christmas.

In conclusion, Christmas in Mumbai is a time of joy, and these must-try traditional Indian Christmas sweets add to the festive spirit. From crispy kulkuls to moist plum cakes, these sweets showcase the diversity and richness of Indian culture. So, this festive season, indulge in the flavors of these traditional Indian Christmas sweets and add a touch of Mumbai to your celebrations.