Nadia, West Bengal

Nabadwip-er Lal Doi (Red Kheer Doi)

Nabadwip's famous red curd sweet, also called kheer doi or chakku doi, one of the most famous confectioneries of the Bengal region and a signature sweet of Nabadwip in Nadia district. Unlike ordinary white curd, it has a deep reddish hue, caramel-like sweetness and a thick, kheer-like texture, traditionally served in earthen pots (matars). It is so established that Bengali celebrations are considered incomplete without it, and Nabadwip sweet shops like Laxmi Narayan Mistanna Bhandar (Panchu's) are known specifically for laal doi and khirer pantua.

Typical price: ₹200-1500

Buying tip: Buy it fresh in the earthen pot from Nabadwip's mistanna bhandaars (sweet shops) near the town market; it is a perishable fresh-milk sweet, so keep it cool and eat it within a day or two.