Hidden in the green and calm hills of Lonavala, a charming hill station famous for its mesmerising views and cool climate, is an edible treasure: chikki. Every bite of this snack gives you a glimpse of the rich cultural history and tradition, which is just like magic captured in time.

A Delicious Tradition

Chikki, a popular Indian sweet, is made from roasted nuts and seeds mixed into a hot jaggery syrup. This mixture is poured on a flat surface to chill and solidify into slabs that are then cut into small, crunchy bars. These usually contain peanuts, black and white sesame seeds, cashews, pistachios, and/or almonds; sometimes, pieces of musk melon are also added. The word chikki comes from the Marathi word ‘chikkat’, which means sticky or something that sticks to your teeth.

It is not only the ingredients but also the art that goes into making chikki so special. Each bar of chikki represents the hours that go into roasting the nuts and getting them perfectly mixed with jaggery in just the right harmony between too sweet and not enough crunch. The result is a simple yet delicate snack that is the best of flavour land and texture galaxy in every bite.

A Flourishing Industry

It’s the diversity that rules when it comes to the active chikki industry in Lonavala. The town has shops and food stalls at every nook and corner with chikkis so that you can give in to this flavourful experience. Lonavala’s chikki market is beautifully woven in innovation and heritage, and you can find this snack everywhere, from the traditional thela wala (street vendors) to designer boutiques. While old-school varieties of chikki like peanut and sesame chikki dominate the market, other modern flavoured experiments such as chocolate and exotic dry fruit chikkis bring variation and newness to the market.

One of the reasons Lonavala’s chikki became so widespread was that it simply was there. As you move through the crowded market or walk past empty lanes, there are shops here and there saying, “Come try us out.” The variety of flavours, paired with the accessibility, means that it offers something for everyone.

The Global Context Chikki transcends being just a tempting sweet from Lonavala, but all manners of brittles are found in varying forms and names across different world cultures. Chikki is similar to the Greek pastelli (sesame bar). Amaranth makes a completely different but equally delicious cacao snack called ‘alegra’ from Mexico. Georgia’s ‘gozinaki’ is a decadent honey and walnut treat, whereas Vietnam makes their Kẹo Lạc with almonds, pecans and peanuts. These international brethren illuminate that brittle sweets are beloved across cultures in their unique way.

The Chikki Experience in Lonavala

Lonavala chikki is more than just a snack; it stands for the legacy of its homeland and the hard work put forth by talented artisans. Chikki has become the necessity of daily routine for some locals, either for quick energy or sweetness to taste buds. Coming to the visitors, it is a link with Lonavala’s tradition of culinary excess and a lasting image from their journey.

Making chikki is a bit of art and science. The nuts are roasted by artisans at just the right temperature to avoid being undercooked or burnt. The jaggery is cooked until it reaches a perfectly warming stage. This extreme care goes a long way in making each morsel of chikki crunchy and beautifully balanced between sweet and nutty notes.

Diverse Offerings and Customer Experiences Visitors to Lonavala often share their experiences and recommendations regarding the town’s chikki. Many find that each shop offers a unique flavour and quality:

• • Joyeta Majumdar: “Every visit to Lonavala is incomplete without a stop to pick up chikki. The quality is exceptional, and you can tell it’s made with care. The dry fruit chikki, in particular, is a delightful mix of sweetness and crunch that brings me back to my childhood. There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a piece of chikki and being reminded of family road trips and shared treats.”
  • Sneha Subbiah: “For me, Lonavala’s chikki is wrapped in nostalgia. I remember visiting the chikki shops with my grandparents, their eyes lighting up as they recounted stories of their youth. Now, bringing my own children to these same shops, I see the same joy and excitement in their eyes. The taste of the chikki, especially the jaggery variant, remains as impeccable as ever. It’s a beautiful way to connect past and present, sharing the same simple pleasures across generations.”
  • Siji Jacob: “The diversity of chikki flavours available in Lonavala is nothing short of amazing. From the traditional peanut chikki to the more contemporary chocolate-infused versions, there’s a flavour for every mood and craving. Each visit feels like a new adventure, discovering yet another delicious combination. The dedication to quality and hygiene in these shops also ensures that every bite is not just tasty but safe and wholesome.”
  • Sakshi Navale: “Lonavala’s chikki holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the sweetness or the crunch; it’s about the memories it evokes. I’ve been a loyal fan for years, and the consistent quality keeps me returning. The jaggery chikki is my favourite, with its perfect balance of flavours that never fail to delight. Every bite transports me back to simpler times, making me feel connected to my roots and the vibrant culture of Lonavala.”

Chikki Shops in Lonavala

Although Navratna Foods is a well-known name in the Lonavala chikki industry, it is just one aspect of a thriving market overall. Over 70 years old, the shop is known for its quality and variety.

A1 Chikki, Lonavala Chikki, and Coopers are a few honourable mentions in their own right and unique takes on making chikkis. These myriad shops add a dense tapestry of chikki variety to Lonavala, and you will find one that fits every taste.

Even though Lonavala still thrives on tourism and chikki-enthusiasts, the industry continues to change. But the town is full of shops always playing with new techniques and flavours made in ways without cutting corners on tradition. This delicate balance between modernity and age-old techniques guarantees that chikki remains a favourite whenever one thinks of Lonavala.

Chikki of Lonavala is sweet; it tells tales about the culture and art form practised for generations by people living in and around this town. Whether you have always relished it or are just a tourist wondering what chikki is all about exploring options in Lonavala, it will certainly make for an interesting observation of tradition and exotica.

Copyeditor Vibhuti Landge