Nepal's Sweet Treasures: Juju Dhau, Dudh Malai & Besan Ko Laddu

Nepal is not only known for it's mountains and culture, but also for it's delicious sweets and candies. Many of these sweets have been enjoyed for generations and are made during festivals, weddings, and family gatherings. I would not be wrong if I said these treats bring people together with their sweet flavours. Let's explore some of the most mouthwatering delights such as Juju Dhau, Dhudh Malai and Besan ko Laddu.

1. Juju Dhau - The King of Yougurt

I took this picture of Juju Dhau when I visited Bhaktapur. Juju Dhau means "King of Yogurt" and after tasting it, I understand why. It is prepared by slowly cooking thick, creamy buffalo milk in small clay pots known as "karuwa". The yogurt is sweet, soft, and flavored with cardamom. Eating it cold from the clay pot makes it even more special!
I ate this delicious yogurt at a small shop in Bhaktapur. The clay pot keeps it cool and adds a unique earthy flavor. A lot of families in Bhaktapur have been making Juju Dhau in this manner for a long time.

2. Dudh Malai - Nepal's Milky Delight

Here's a picture of Dudh Malai that I made at home! It is one of my favourites because it's so milky, spongy, soft and delicious. It's made with milk, sugar, and a little saffron, which gives it a lovely color and flavor. I personally love adding dry fruits such as pistachios and cashews as it makes each bite extra special. Dudh Malai can be found at sweet shops throughout Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu. It is like a spongy cake soaked in sweet milk syrup. When you take a bite, it simply melts in your mouth.

3. Besan ko Laddu- Sweet Chickpea Balls

The above picture shows my homemade besan ko ladoo! Made with only a few basic ingredients, such as sugar, cardamom, ghee, and roasted chickpea flour (besan), they have a delicious nutty flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. In Nepali households, these round, golden sweets are a favorite, especially during festivals like Tihar and Dashain.
I followed my mother's recipe to make these at home. The secret is to carefully roast the besan flour in ghee until it turns golden and has a wonderful aroma. After that, we add the sugar and, while still warm, form them into tiny balls. Some people also include chopped nuts!

Final Bite

These three sweets as in Juju Dhau, Dudh Malai, and Besan ko Laddu are not just desserts. They are an integral part of Nepalese culture, and are thoroughly enjoyed during happy occasions, festivals, and family gatherings.