Ghevar is a traditional Rajasthani mithai or sweet dish that originates from the state of Rajasthan but is also popular in the surrounding states. Jaipur Ghevar is a sought-after delicacy among travelers. The association of Jaipur with Ghevar is inviolable. Some sweet shops are synonymous with Jaipur Ghevar & specialize in its preparation techniques. If someone is wondering which sweet delicacy is famous in Jaipur, the answer is Jaipur Ghevar.
Jaipur Ghevar | A Complete Guide
Ghevar is specially made and consumed during local festivals like Teej, Gangaur, and Makar Sankranti. In some places, it is associated with the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi. In this region, Ghevar is synonymous with the Teej festival which falls in the Hindu month of Savan or the monsoon season in July or August.
What is Ghevar?
Ghevar is a disc-shaped Indian sweet having a honeycomb pattern. It is prepared using maida (refined flour) and ghee (clarified butter). Some people mix a small quantity of besan (gram flour) to enhance its taste. A batter is made using these ingredients and dropped from a height in piping Ghee or hot oil (as a cheaper replacement).
Local sweet shops use a special disc-shaped metal mold during its preparation to give it a round shape. Even though the ingredients are basic and easily available, the trick of making a good Ghevar lies in its preparation technique; timing is the most important factor.
Here is a link to a video that shows how Ghevar is made in a workshop of a local Halwai/ sweet shop.
Once it is done, it is dipped in sugar syrup and sold as a sweet variant.
Ghevar is sold in two styles. Sweet and unsweetened. The former has a short lifespan and needs to be consumed within 3-7 days. The latter has a shelf life of 20-30 days. There are many variants of Ghevar. The most popular among these is Paneer Ghevar. LMB sweets profess that they mastered its technique.
Paneer (cottage cheese) Ghevar doesn’t mean that it is prepared from the usual paneer sold in the market. To make Paneer Ghevar thick curdled milk or Chhena is mixed in the batter. Its seller insists that this variant has a longer shelf life and is tastier than the plain one. Even milk Ghevar is also popular in Jaipur. In this case, milk is added to the batter.
Price of Ghevar in Jaipur
Ghevar is an expensive delicacy. The price of Ghevar in Jaipur starts from Rs. 660/kg to Rs. 1700/kg for the unsweetened variants. This variation in the price of Jaipur Ghevar depends on its size and the seller/shop. The sweetened ones start at Rs 600/kg. LMB Sweet sells Ghevar by piece; a single LMB Ghevar costs Rs 670!
These prices are for the Desi Ghee Ghevar. You can find Ghevar prepared using hydrogenated vegetable oil being sold at one-third of these prices. And this is what sells in a huge number, especially in rural areas. It is not sold throughout the year in most shops barring a few. LMB Sweet is one such shop in Johari Bazar Jaipur.
Best Malai Ghevar in Jaipur
Malai Ghevar is highly sought after and is for instant consumption. The sweet Ghevar is topped with a layer of Malai ( fat obtained by heating milk) and sometimes, it is sprinkled with dry fruits & nuts or Vark. Even though many shops sell Malai Ghevar in Jaipur, in my opinion, Sambhar Fini and Ghevar is the best shop to buy Malai Ghevar. Here is a picture of Malai Ghevar.
What is the history of Ghevar?
Sadly, there is no information on the history of Ghevar. Some people claim that it found its way to India with the Mughals many centuries ago or perhaps came with the artisans who came from the Middle East. There are no records to prove this theory about the history of Ghevar. I guess in lieu of any written records it is safe to assume that Ghevar owes its origin to Rajasthan. There is another set of people who believe that Ghevar originated in Uttar Pradesh. The popular opinion is that it is a Rajasthani Mithai.
Why is Ghevar associated with Teej?
As per the customs and rituals, Ghevar is sent as a gift by the parents of the married daughters as a blessing for her happy married life.
Savan month is associated with Shiva and his union with Parvati. They are considered an eternal pair. Ghevar is a symbol of blessings and love showered by parents towards married daughters for the same. As per local customs, mothers-in-law shower their daughters-in-law with gifts in the first year of marriage. Thereafter, Ghevar and other gifts are sent by her parents every year on Teej. On Sinjara, a day before Teej, women visit their parent’s house along with Ghevar.
Best places to buy Ghevar in Jaipur
Ask anyone in Jaipur about the best Ghevar in Jaipur and people will suggest different shops. Regular travelers to the city think LMB sweets in Johari Bazar is the most famous Ghevar in Jaipur; they have been marketing Paneer Ghevar for years. their version of Jaipur Ghevar.
Even though the LMB sweet writes “since 1727” don’t get fooled.
It doesn’t mean that other shops don’t make good Ghevar. The following shops sell the most famous Ghevar in Jaipur; they are popular among locals for Jaipur Ghevar. These are the best places to buy Ghevar in Jaipur.
Sambhar Fini Johari Bazaar
Sambhar Fini in Johari Bazaar is famous for both Ghevar and Fini, another Rajasthani sweet delicacy. The shop is located in Ghee Walon Ka Rasta, Johari Bazar.
Ajeetmal Agarwal Sambharwala
Ajeetmal Agarwal Sambharwala owes its origin in a small town near Jaipur, Sambhar. The shop looks dated and retains its old-world charm. City residents who grew up in the walled city vouch for the quality of Jaipur Ghevar. Those looking for an upmarket and swanky outlet will be disappointed. Just because this outlet looks old doesn’t mean they sell at low rates. Their rates are on par with the new-age sweet shops. The USP of this Ghevar shop is that they sell only Jaipur Ghevar and Fini. They specialize in making these two authentic Rajasthani Mithai.
BMB Sweets
BMB Sweets near Sanganeri Gate (Johari Bazar) is a popular sweet shop. It is not known for its legendary taste of Ghevar; its location certainly gives it an edge. BMB also has a branch on Tonk Road.
Sodhani Sweet
Sodhani Sweet is one of the most popular sweet shop chains in Jaipur. They owe their origin in a small lane in Johari Bazar – Partanion Ka Rasta but are now present with 3 outlets in the city. While it is not specifically famous for Ghevar you can’t go wrong with Sodhani sweets because they are the jack of all! You can find them in Johari Bazar, Tonk Road, and Ajmer Road.
Rawat Misthan Bhandar
Rawat Misthan Bhandar is popular among locals and tourists alike for its famed Pyaaz kachori. They are also popular for Bengali sweets & Ghevar.
Other sweet shops like Kanji, DMB, Kanha, and others also sell Ghevar. In fact, it is not uncommon to find it being sold at every sweet shop during the season. It is hard to recommend a shop for the best Ghevar in Jaipur!
In the old days, one of the lanes in Johari Bazaar was a popular place for buying Ghevar in Jaipur. An old shop owner who only makes Ghevar shared that their shop has a history of two and a half centuries. For years, they churned Jaipur Ghevar in huge numbers every day but lately, they have lost out to the new shops. The current generation is unaware of the existence of such a historic Ghevar shop. This shop has a strong contribution to the history of Ghevar in Jaipur.
How To Eat Ghevar? Sweetened Vs Unsweetened
How does the unsweetened one taste? People buy Ghevar as a dessert and to celebrate happy occasions. Those who buy unsweetened Ghevar do so either to ensure a longer shelf life or prefer freshly prepared sugar syrup because the sweetened variant is soggy. The best way to eat Ghevar? If you like the crisp one, the trick is to prepare sugar syrup and pour it over the Ghevar just before eating. If you don’t like or worry about the crisp one, the sweet one from the shop shelf is the best way to enjoy this Rajasthani delicacy.
Paneer Ghevar
Paneer Ghevar has become popular over the years because LMB Swets has been marketing its own version and called it Paneer Ghevar. One doesn’t hear many people talking about this version of Ghevar in Jaipur. In terms of the taste, it is not ground-breaking and not many people will be able to differentiate from the usual Jaipur Ghevar. If you are curious, go ahead and try it. Everyone has their own preferences.
Malai Ghevar
Malai Ghevar too is a recent phenomenon. It is simply Malai topping over Jaipur Ghevar. A lot of Ghevar shops also add silver Vark for decoration. You might not find many shops selling this version of Jaipur Ghevar.
How to Store A Ghevar & Shelf Life?
It is best to buy an unsweetened Ghevar because it can be easily stored for 15 days in a dry climate. The shelf life reduces in case of humid conditions. One can always prepare sugar syrup when consuming it. For the sweetened version, it holds good for 3-5 days depending on climatic conditions. Most people generally buy a sweetened version from the shop and the best way to store this Ghevar is to allow it to air sometime & put it in an airtight container in a fridge.
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If you are visiting Jaipur, take a bite and enjoy this Rajasthani delicacy. It is totally worth it! If you don’t, your loss!
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Always a delight to read your well-researched posts full of beautiful pictures! I didn’t know about paneer and the unsweetened ghevar.
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Thanks, Isha. The best way to have a Ghevar is to pour fresh sugar syrup on unsweetened Ghevar. I suppose you get good Ghevar in Kolkatta.
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Yes we get Ghevar in Kolkata near Satyanarayan Park AC Market but mostly only during festive ocassions. Other than that, few sweets shops sell Ghevar. I’m not too fond of Ghevar though.
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Ah! Thanks for the info, Isha. I’m sure you are spoilt for choice in Kolkatta when it comes to sweets. I love Gur Rosogullas. So unique.
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Whenever I get to learn something new India and its richness I feel very very proud. Food being the integral part, it is surprising and a feeling of pride that we have reasons associated to every ritual, food. It was great knowing more about this yummy Rajasthani delicacy. That Malai ghevar looks very tempting..
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In every culture, food is tied with so many things. They say if you look deeper and study food, you can cover new facets about a culture. You should dcertainly have Ghevar someday. Where are you based, Alpana?
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Oh god, I was drooling throughout reading this post. I have saved it and next time my visit to these places would definitely include eating these delicacies. Loved reading it.
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I’m glad you found it useful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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This isn’t fair, there should be some provisions to deliver online ghevar to those who read this blog 😦
it’s beyond yummilicious…
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I love having this delicacy at a Rajasthani sweet ship in our area. its so good!
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Happy to hear this. Where are you based, Princy?
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I need to figure out where these are sold in California. They sound great!
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I’m glad you liked them. Unfortunately, I have no idea about the same. Thanks for reading and connecting, Jacqui. 🙂
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This is the go-to post for anything about Ghevar! Such in-depth research!
The moment I finished a section, I would be wondering about something and the next section answered precisely the question in my head. Beautifully structured as well.
Cheers!
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As always a very interesting read, Arv…I hope you are keeping well 🙂
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yummilicious 🙂
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I want Ghevar like now!! Ha!Ha!
What a delectable post and such a delicious food trail.
Thanks for introducing us to the many unique versions.
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Jaipur is not far from where you live for a weekend drive!I’m sure it will be worth a Ghevar, Natasha. 🙂
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Ha! Ha! Sounds like a plan.
How have you been?
What’s new
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Totally decadent! 🙂 We’ve been exploring the cuisine (thalis) across India. An informative post about the local sweets of Jaipur. I’ve often found it hard to find information about local traditions and food in India. It’s generally passed from one generation to another. You must have taken a lot effort to write so much on a sweet. Great going!
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Ghevar is not exclusive to Jaipur. It is sold across the state. A large number of tourists visit Jaipur, it is natural for the city to be strongly associated with the local delicacies. Taste and methodology might vary, marginally across the state. Ghevar is certainly a unique thing to try when you are in Jaipur. As for the efforts, a lot of information I knew having heard or seen over the years. Have you tried, Ghevar?
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As I’ve never heard of or tasted Ghevar, I read your post with great interest! It sounds like a quick and delicious recipe perfect for any occasion. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It sure is. Have you ever been to Jaipur or are you planning to visit soon?
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Amazing article. I love this biggest sweet Ghevar 🙂 but it’s a seasonal sweet, unlike other sweets 😦 Although in Jaipur one can buy it the whole year (especially at LMB).
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