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There are several popular and reputed confectioneries in
Calcutta and there is an immense variety of dry sweets and
'Sandesh'. But the 'Sandesh' of Nakud, stands out prominently
from the rest because of their unique delicacy. Nakud and
his 'Sandesh' are synonymous. They bear a rich tradition of
exquisite dry Sandesh since the last 150 years. Nakud's
shop is a source of delight to the connoisseurs of sweets
because of its range, variety and superior quality. Nakud
specializes in 'Ice Cream Sandesh' during summer and 'Nalenguder
Sandesh' (sandesh prepared of newly made treacle from date
juice). Apart from these seasonal sweets, there are also 'Pink Perra
Sandesh', 'Jal Bhara Tal Sandesh', 'Ras Bhara
Babu Sandesh', 'Abar Khabo', 'Kasturi Sandesh' etc., which
are available to suit the palates of all gourmets at all
times of the year. Names might vary but their rudimental
ingredient is the same i.e. casein or 'Chhana', 'Nakud' does not indulge in any other categories of sweets.
'Nakud' and 'Sandesh' are inextricably intertwined with each other.
Another notable confectioner, Girish Chandra was Nakud
Chandra's
father-in-law. He hailed to Calcutta from Hooghly in 1844 and
opened a sweetshop in 'Shimla Para' in a short while. But his tenacity mingled with dexterity,
soon led to a wide-scale popularity of the humble shop.
He had mastered the art of making 'Sandesh' and this was
the beginning of a placid journey towards a towering success
in the ensuing period.
It is indeed remarkable that 'Nakud' is still so popular
and admired by all, despite the fact that it has no branches
and no variety to speak of since inception. It has always
focused on its 'Sandesh' as its forte. To this day, 'Nakud'
is always eager to enhance the taste of its wide range of
Sandesh and make them more palatable. This is what makes
it so different and unique.
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