Amritsar, the spiritual heartland of Punjab, is not only famous for the majestic Golden Temple but also for its vibrant culinary scene, especially its traditional sweets. Among the many sweet shops gracing the city, Novelty Sweets Amritsar stands as an iconic institution, a beacon of authentic Punjabi flavors that has delighted generations since its humble beginnings in 1950. If you're seeking to experience the true taste of Punjab, a visit to Novelty Sweets is an absolute must.
A Legacy Steeped in Sweetness: The Novelty Sweets Story
Founded by S. Kartar Singh, Novelty Sweets started as a small venture on Lawrence Road, which has since become so synonymous with the brand that the crossing is now famously known as Novelty Chowk. Over seven decades, this establishment has blossomed into one of Northern India's most celebrated sweet houses, thanks to a steadfast commitment to quality, traditional recipes, and the unwavering use of pure desi ghee. This dedication ensures that every bite transports you to the heart of Punjabi culinary heritage.
The Irresistible Charm of Traditional Punjabi Sweets
Novelty Sweets is a paradise for sweet lovers, offering a vast array of traditional Indian sweets, each a testament to the region's rich gastronomic legacy. Prepared with meticulous care and time-honored techniques, these sweets embody the true essence of Amritsar.
Here are some must-try traditional delights that define the Novelty Sweets experience:
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Gulab Jamun: A quintessential Indian sweet, Novelty's Gulab Jamuns are legendary. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth spheres of khoya (reduced milk), deep-fried to a perfect golden hue, are then bathed in a fragrant, saffron-infused sugar syrup. Each bite is an explosion of warmth and sweetness, a timeless favorite for generations.
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Pinni: Especially popular during the winter months, Pinni is a wholesome and energy-packed sweet treat. Novelty Sweets crafts these ghee-laden delights with wholewheat flour (atte ki Pinni), sometimes with black lentils (urad dal), and generously garnishes them with dried fruits and chopped nuts. Warm them slightly to experience the ghee oozing out and the perfect crumbly texture.
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Patisa: A specialty of Amritsar, Novelty's Patisa is a delicate, flaky sweet made from gram flour and sugar. Often flavored with cardamom and adorned with nuts, its unique crumbly texture and balanced sweetness make it an irresistible snack, perfect for any occasion. Their "Amritsari Patisa" and "Patisa Special" are particularly renowned.
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Barfi: A staple in Indian sweet shops, Novelty Sweets offers a delightful variety of Barfis. From the rich and creamy Kaju Barfi (cashew nut) to the aromatic Pista Barfi (pistachio), these square-shaped milk-based sweets are crafted with condensed milk and infused with nuts and cardamom, offering a smooth texture and delicate flavors. Don't miss their "Amritsari Besan Burfi."
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Jalebi: No visit to an Amritsari sweet shop is complete without hot, crispy Jalebis. Novelty Sweets serves up these iconic coiled desserts, deep-fried to a golden crisp and then soaked in a vibrant saffron-infused sugar syrup. The satisfying crunch followed by the sweet, syrupy interior is a true delight.
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Pede: These milk-based fudge-like sweets are a simple yet profound pleasure. Novelty Sweets' Pede are known for their rich, milky taste and smooth texture, often melting in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness.
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Gur ka Halwa: A winter-time specialty, this rich and comforting halwa made with semolina and jaggery is a must-try. Novelty Sweets prepares it with generous amounts of desi ghee, often enhanced with nuts and dried fruits, providing a comforting warmth and deep, earthy sweetness.
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Panjeeri: A traditional health-boosting sweet mixture, Novelty's Panjeeri, especially their "Amritsari Dry Fruit Punjeeri Special," is packed with assorted nuts, roasted semolina, and often edible gum, making it a nutritious and delicious treat.
Beyond Sweets: A Culinary Destination
While famous for its sweets, Novelty Sweets Amritsar is more than just a sweet shop. It has evolved into a comprehensive culinary destination, also offering a delectable range of savory snacks and a full-fledged vegetarian restaurant menu. From their popular Chana Bhatura and Puri Chana to various chaats and even international cuisine options, Novelty Sweets provides a complete dining experience.
Why Novelty Sweets Stands Out
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Authenticity and Tradition: Novelty Sweets has meticulously preserved age-old recipes, ensuring that every sweet reflects the genuine taste of Punjab.
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Pure Desi Ghee: The unwavering commitment to using only pure desi ghee elevates the flavor and richness of their sweets, a hallmark of quality.
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Variety and Freshness: A vast selection of freshly prepared sweets ensures there's something for every palate.
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Generational Trust: For over 70 years, Novelty Sweets has earned the trust and loyalty of locals and visitors alike, a testament to its consistent quality.
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Convenient Location: Situated at the prominent Novelty Chowk on Lawrence Road, it's easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring Amritsar.
Experience the Sweetness of Punjab
Whether you're a local resident or a traveler eager to delve into the culinary wonders of Amritsar, a visit to Novelty Sweets is an experience not to be missed. Indulge in the delightful traditional Indian sweets, savor the authentic taste of Punjab, and take home a box of happiness that truly captures the essence of this vibrant city. Novelty Sweets isn't just a shop; it's a sweet journey through the heart of Amritsar's rich culinary heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Novelty Sweets Amritsar established? Novelty Sweets was established in the year 1950 by S. Kartar Singh.
What makes Novelty Sweets famous? Novelty Sweets is renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality, its use of pure desi ghee in all its preparations, and its preservation of authentic, traditional Punjabi sweet recipes. It has been a beloved institution in Amritsar for over seven decades, consistently delivering delicious and fresh sweets.
What are some of the most popular traditional sweets at Novelty Sweets? Some of the most popular traditional sweets include:
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Gulab Jamun: Soft, syrup-soaked milk solids, a timeless favorite.
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Pinni: Wholesome, ghee-laden winter treats made with wholewheat flour or black lentils, and nuts.
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Patisa: A delicate, flaky sweet made from gram flour, often flavored with cardamom. Their "Amritsari Patisa" is highly recommended.
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Barfi (various types): Including Kaju Barfi (cashew) and Pista Barfi (pistachio), and the "Amritsari Besan Burfi."
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Jalebi: Hot, crispy, saffron-infused coiled fritters.
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Gur ka Halwa: A rich, comforting semolina and jaggery halwa, especially popular in winter.
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Amritsari Dry Fruit Punjeeri Special: A nutritious and delicious mix of nuts and roasted semolina.
4. Does Novelty Sweets offer anything other than sweets? Yes, Novelty Sweets has expanded beyond just sweets. They also offer a popular selection of savory Indian snacks like Chana Bhatura, Poori Chana, Samosas, and Paneer Pakora. They also have a full-fledged vegetarian restaurant menu, making it a complete culinary destination.
5. Does Novelty Sweets Amritsar offer home delivery or online ordering? Yes, Novelty Sweets is available on popular food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato in Amritsar, allowing you to get their delicious sweets and food delivered to your doorstep. They also offer online ordering and international shipping through their website.
6. Where is Novelty Sweets Amritsar located? The main Novelty Sweets outlet is located at Novelty Chowk, Lawrence Road, Amritsar. The area has become so famous due to the shop that the crossing itself is known as Novelty Chowk.
7. Are there any seasonal specialties at Novelty Sweets? Yes, Novelty Sweets often introduces seasonal specialties. For instance, in summer, they might feature items like Mango Crunch Bite or lighter sweets, while winter sees an increase in demand for Pinni and Gur ka Halwa.
8. Is there a dining area at Novelty Sweets? Yes, Novelty Sweets has a seating area and a full-fledged vegetarian restaurant, so you can comfortably dine in and enjoy your sweets, snacks, or a complete meal.
9. What kind of ingredients do they use? Novelty Sweets is known for its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, most notably pure desi ghee, which is a hallmark of authentic Punjabi sweets and contributes significantly to their rich flavor.
10. Are there any options for dietary restrictions, like sugar-free sweets? While their core offerings are traditional, it's advisable to inquire directly at the shop or check their online platforms for specific options like sugar-free or low-calorie sweets, as some establishments are beginning to cater to these preferences.