Bal Mithai: This Kumaoni Fudge Has All Our Heart

Whenever we think of a vacation in summers, it is usually the hilly areas that attract us the most. The scenic beauty and the serene landscape leaves us in awe. In our country, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are the two most preferred states when it comes to a vacation in the mountains. It has several small hilly regions which are peaceful. However, there aren’t just views to enjoy. You’ve got some delicious bites to grab too.

Source: Uttarakhand Tourism/Instagram

Lying amidst the lap of nature, Almora is one such mesmerizing beauty of the Kumaoni hills. Apart from the amazing weather and high altitude, there’s one thing that every local swears by, Bal Mithai. As the name suggests, it is a popular sweet in Almora and the surrounding areas. The first question that arises in one’s mind is that what is this quirky-named sweet? 

Chocolate lovers, you are in for a treat because Bal Mithai is purely made with khoya. A fudgy layer of forms the base of the sweet. The khoya is slightly roasted and attains a brown chocolate-like consistency to give a gooey chocolate bar. The taste would actually be similar to a desi version of a packaged chocolate. This innocent bar is then coated with thick sugar crystals. These balls are sprinkled all over the bar to add the perfect crunch. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, the balanced sweetness of this mithai will surely make you fall in love with it.

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Source: The Heaven Of Earth/Instagram

Legend has it that the origins can be traced on the other side of the border (Nepal) around the nineth century. Lala Joga Ram Shah can be credited for giving the delicious mithai its unique taste and shape. This man from Lal Bazaar in Almora, used to use a special type of milk from Phalsima and coat the chocolate with Khas Khas. Gradually, it got replaced with sugar balls over time to attain what we know as Bal Mithai today. 

This decadent local specialty which is nestled in the Himalayas can be easily made at home using only three ingredients; khoya, sugar and sugar balls. Roast the khoya on slow flame till it achieves a chocolaty texture. Mix sugar and spread it on a tray to cool down. Sprinkle sugar balls and enjoy!