Desis In London, Go Check Out Haldiram’s At The British Museum’s Indian Exhibit

Picture this: the British Museum’s grand steps welcome the aroma of desi gulab jamuns and kaju katlis. The air is thick with anticipation, not just for the words and ideas at the British Museum, but for something altogether more delicious. A tray of laddus and a box of kaju katli with shimmering silver vark catching the sunlight. And no, this isn’t your standard museum snack stall. This is Haldiram’s, Bikaner’s most famous sweet shop, taking its place at one of London’s most iconic cultural places, the British Museum, as part of its Indian exhibit. 

Haldiram’s Sweet Course At The British Museum, London

 

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For a brand that started out as a small sweet shop in Rajasthan in 1937, Haldiram’s arrival in Britain is no less than iconic. For them, it’s been about showing up where it counts. When they set up shop in Southall in 2018, they built a production unit that makes everything, from rasmalai to samosas, fresh, right here. Why? Because you can’t bottle the taste of home and expect it to survive a 7,000-kilometre journey.

Why the British Museum? Footfall, sure. But more than that, it’s about placing Indian culture, with its food and stories, right at the heart of London’s cultural landscape. Think about it: tourists queue for a look at ancient artefacts, and before they head in, the scent of fresh kaju katlis hits them. The air hums with cardamom, ghee, and sugar syrup. And there’s Haldiram’s, becoming a part of the city’s pulse.

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A Sweet Legacy

This wasn’t just some marketing tick box. Haldiram’s UK is now led by Rhea Agarwal, who is young, sharp, and firmly rooted in family legacy. First came the Southall facility, turning out fresh sweets, snacks, and frozen goods for British shelves. Then the Khaas gifting line: luxe packaging, gluten-free treats, boxes that wouldn’t look out of place at a wedding or corporate gala.

And now, they’re showing up where the city gathers–serving laddus and samosas with a view of Roman columns. And let’s not forget: their $1 billion global funding haul earlier this year wasn’t for sitting still. There’s already buzz about a flagship London restaurant by the end of 2025.

Also Read: From Nolen Gur Sandesh To Bishnupur’s Motichoor Laddoo, 7 Items From West Bengal Get GI Tag

A Taste That Stays With You

This is what people will remember, not just the exhibits, but the surprise of finding mithai where they least expected it. It’s the mix of history and heat, artefacts and aroma. Haldiram’s isn’t just selling food; it’s creating moments. And next time you’re near the British Museum, don’t be shocked if the sweets queue is longer than the one for the Elgin Marbles.

Cover Image Courtesy: thelondonpass/Website haldiram/website