Sandesh

Sandesh is a traditional Bengali dessert made from chhena (fresh paneer) and sugar. It originated in the Bengal region and remains popular in both West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh, where it is commonly prepared in homes and sweet shops for festivals and special occasions. The dish is known for its soft, smooth texture and subtle flavors, often enhanced with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. The word sandesh also means "message" or "news" in Bengali, a usage that occasionally appears in literature and popular culture.

Preparation involves draining and pressing fresh chhena, kneading it with sugar and sometimes milk or cream, and cooking briefly to set the mixture before shaping it into small discs, blocks, or decorative forms. Flavorings, nuts, and dried fruits are frequently added, and some regional variants use jaggery or coconut to alter the sweetness and texture. The most common form is called Chhana Sandesh; other varieties include softer, melt-in-the-mouth versions and firmer, crumbly textures.

Sandesh is typically served chilled or at room temperature and is a staple item in Bengali sweet shops. It has cultural significance during major religious and cultural celebrations in both India and Bangladesh and continues to appear in modern menus and packaged sweets alongside other chhana-based confections.