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Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kunafa chocolates bring exotic flair to Chandigarh tricity's patisseries
As people celebrate their love for all things cocoa on World Chocolate Day (July 7), chocolate lovers in and around Chandigarh are embracing a delightful new trend — kunafa chocolates. This Middle Eastern-inspired delicacy, which blends the traditional shredded filo pastry of kunafa with rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, has fast become Chandigarh tricity's latest indulgence. This Middle Eastern-inspired delicacy, which blends the traditional shredded filo pastry of kunafa with rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, has fast become Chandigarh tricity's latest indulgence. (Adobe Stock image for representational purpose only) Local chocolatiers, premium patisseries, and home bakers in tricity and beyond have reported a surge in demand for kunafa chocolates over the last six months, with chocoholics drawn to their unique texture, sophisticated presentation, and fusion of flavours. Harkamal Singh, founder of Peggy Ice Cream, says kunafa chocolates are among their signature products. (Instagram) 'We introduced kunafa chocolates to our collection this February and the response we got was tremendous,' says Harkamal Singh, founder of Peggy Ice Cream, a dessert shop with outlets across tricity. 'It's our signature chocolate product. We've now made it a permanent feature on our menu,' he adds. Gaurav Sharma, manager of Mozimo Chocolates in Sector 9, says a lot of research and development has gone into crafting the kunafa chocolates they offer. (Instagram) Gaurav Sharma, manager of Mozimo Chocolates in Sector 9, vouches for the research and development that has gone into crafting the kunafa chocolates they offer. 'Our in-house chef has global expertise when it comes to chocolates, and it reflects in the products we make,' he says. Reimagining kunafa A trained baker who honed her skills in Dubai, Neha Bhatia has given her own spin to the beloved kunafa dessert. Neha Bhatia's moist cake filled with a crunchy pistachio kunafa layer and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze. 'I created a moist cake filled with a crunchy pistachio kunafa layer and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze,' she says. 'It quickly became one of my bestsellers — so much so that someone even ordered a whole tub all the way from Rajasthan. It just goes to show that a good dessert knows no boundaries,' adds Neha, who runs her bakery from Chandigarh's Sector 18 and can be contacted on Instagram @ Our viral chocolate kunafa cake strikes the perfect balance of silky chocolate, crunchy kunafa pastry, and rich ganache. Aditi Goel's viral chocolate kunafa cake. (Instagram) For Aditi Goel, pistachio and chocolate are truly a match made in heaven. 'Our viral chocolate kunafa cake strikes the perfect balance of silky chocolate, crunchy kunafa pastry, and rich ganache, finished with a sprinkle of pistachio crumble,' she says. A home baker based in Sector 6, Panchkula, Aditi showcases her creations on Instagram @abodeofcakes. Riha Malhotra's one of five varieties of kunafa chocolates — Red Velvet. (Instagram) One of the chocolatiers has taken it a step further, experimenting with innovative versions such as Biscoff, corn crisp crunch chocolate, fruits and nuts, and red velvet. Riha Malhotra, who is based out of Mohali's Phase 11, says, 'I travelled to Dubai to explore bakery and chocolate shops, and discover the finest products. My chocolates are epitome of luxury, sophistication, and opulence. I have crafted five varieties of kunafa chocolates, and each one has been a hit among customers.' She takes orders on Instagram @rihaschocolate_weddingboxes. Though based in Punjab's Sirhind, I cater to customers across the country. Shefali Sachar's bite-sized kunafa chocolates. (Instagram) 'I launched my business in 2023 and have been experimenting with a variety of recipes ever since,' shares Shefali Sachar, whose skills shine through the exquisite cocoa creations she crafts. 'Along with kunafa, I also specialise in chocolates made with dates, caramel, and other unique ingredients. Though based in Punjab's Sirhind, I cater to customers across the country,' says Shefali, who can be found on Instagram @choco_sheff.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
After 15 years, road dividing PU campuses sealed again
Chandigarh: The road divider outside Panjab University 's Sector 14 campus near gate 3 was closed on Saturday, 15 years after a similar attempt was reversed following student protests . This time, one student, Harkamal Singh from the Student Organisation of India (SOI), was taken away by police after he tried to block the closure cut had served as an easy route between the university's Sector 14 and Sector 25 campuses, especially for students on two-wheelers or cycles. Though authorities claimed it caused traffic congestion and dangerous turns, students insisted it was a crucial commute 2009, when the UT administration first closed the divider, it sparked major protests. Students, including Simranjit Dhillon, then president of the Panjab University Students' Union, led a hunger strike that lasted several days. The protests gained significant attention, culminating in police intervention and the hospitalisation of a few protesters. In response, the administration reopened the cut. On April 21, students once again stalled closure work when it was begun by the UT authorities and had submitted a memorandum to the VC regarding the same. But today, workers resumed the process. As they started the construction, Harkamal arrived at the site and stood in front of the workers, refusing to let them proceed. Police reached the site and tried to persuade him to leave. When he did not, they forcibly took him away. No other students were detained. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
