Holi sweets trail: Mumbai’s timeless specialties from master halwais

Holi in Mumbai is full of colours, laughter, and mithai. The city’s iconic halwais (sweet-makers) take center stage, crafting generations-old recipes that define the festival’s soul. From syrup-drenched spirals to crumbly gram flour delights, here’s a tribute to Mumbai’s legendary sweet shops and their Holi specialties.

Tharu’s Mukhi Bhandar: Gheeyar

Gheeyar is Holi’s answer to jalebi—but better. Tharu Sweets, over 50 years old, creates this whole wheat flour spiral with love. Fried in ghee and soaked in saffron-infused syrup, each bite is crisp, sticky, and fragrant with cardamom. Locals swear by their Holi thali, where Gheeyar shares space with gujiyas, and remains the star.

Address: Shop No. 7/8, Madhuban Building, Khar Pali Road, P.D. Hinduja Marg, Opp. Dayawanti Hall & Canara Bank, Khar (West), Mumbai - 400052

Desai Bhaishankar Gaurishankar: Rasgullas

At Desai Bhaishankar Gaurishankar, a 105-year-old Gujarati halwai, spongy, snow-white rasgullas float in rosewater-scented syrup. Made with curdled milk (chhena) and kneaded to airy perfection, these melt-in-mouth delights are a tribute to Mumbai’s love for delicate textures. Pair them with hot puris for a festive breakfast.

Address: Ground Floor Kanbai Bhuvan, C P Tank Circle, Khadilkar Road, Cawasji Patel Tank, Khadilkar Rd, Mangal Wadi, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004

Tewari Bros: Chamcham

Tewari Bros has dished out sweets since a long time. Their Chamcham is a Holi must-have. This cylindrical sweet starts with chhena (fresh curdled milk) kneaded into soft dough, shaped into oblong rolls, and boiled in sugar syrup until spongy. Some versions are stuffed with pistachio paste or dipped in rose or kesar syrup for added flavour.

Address: Nand Deep Building, Plot No. 268, Sulochana Shetty Marg, opposite Sion Hospital, Sion West, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400022

The Bombay Sweet Shop: Rangeela Laddoo

A modern twist on tradition, The Bombay Sweet Shop reimagines laddoo as a colourful Holi treat. Their version has red, green and yellow granules throughout. These spherical treats are made from boondi, mixed with cardamom, saffron, or rose essence, and bound together with sugar syrup. Grab their Holi hamper—it’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious.

Address: Darvesh Royale, Perry Cross Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Shri Krishna Sweets: Mysurpa

For South Indian families, Holi is incomplete without Mysurpa. At Shri Krishna Sweets in Matunga, this crumbly sweet made from roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar is shaped into rectangular bites. Their decades-old recipe is a humble yet addictive Holi staple.

Address: Lila Niwas, CR Station, Lakhamsi Napoo Rd, Outside, Matunga East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019

Wishing you a Holi that’s as vibrant as Mumbai’s sweets! Let us know your favourite stores in the comments.