Step into the world of sweet indulgence with Bandar Laddus, a delightful treat hailing from the coastal town of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Thokkudu Laddu, these laddus are not just a dessert; they are a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary tradition.
A Sweet Story Of Bandar Laddus
The story of Bandar Laddus begins in the bustling port town of Machilipatnam, historically significant for its trade connections dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The name “Bandar” refers to the town itself, which translates to “port” in Telugu. The laddus were embraced by locals after being introduced by Rajputs who migrated from Bundelkhand during the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857.
The term “Thokkudu” means “pounding” in Telugu, reflecting the traditional method of preparation that sets these laddus apart. This name embodies the labour of love involved in crafting each laddu, emphasising the artisanal quality that defines them.
Bandar Laddus are renowned not just for their taste, but also for their Geographical Indication (GI) tag, awarded in May 2017. This designation acknowledges the unique characteristics of the laddus that can only be attributed to their geographical origin.
Also Read: Puducherry Gets Geist! Geist Brewing Co. Launches Six Exceptional Craft Beers Variants
A Culinary Legacy And Modern Appeal
Made primarily from besan (gram flour), jaggery or sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder, these laddus are a celebration of simplicity and flavour. The laddus are unique for their distinct preparation method. Unlike regular besan laddus, the dough for Bandar Laddus is first shaped into fine strands known as janthikalu or murukku. These strands are then deep-fried in ghee until they reach a golden hue. Once cooled, they are ground to a fine powder and mixed with sugar syrup. It results in a smooth mixture that is meticulously pounded to achieve the desired consistency.
The final touch involves shaping the mixture into round balls and mixing nuts and cardamom powder. While both Bandar Laddus and traditional besan laddus share a base ingredient, they diverge significantly in their preparation and texture. The pounding technique used in Bandar Laddus yields a smoother, melt-in-the-mouth experience.
So the next time you find yourself in Andhra Pradesh, don’t miss the chance to taste this exceptional sweet.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.