The Contentious History of the Rasgulla

Words by Aditi Mudgal

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The Contentious History of the Rasgulla by Aditi Mudgal

From the gullies of Delhi to the streets of Toronto, the Rasgulla is a staple dessert that wins hearts wherever it goes. While the world can’t get enough of this sweet that has  been present in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, the history of Rasgulla is a contentious one.

While the Indian subcontinent is the birthplace of the rasgulla, it’s loved today globally. Various recreations at Michelin-star restaurants and even through street-food prove the popularity of rasgullas. Famed British chef William Harold, who arrived in India pre-independence, described it as a ‘bowl of sweet, syrupy, soft cheese balls.’