Where to Buy Indian Sweets & Mithai in Edinburgh - Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Kaju Katli

Yaar, I know the feeling. You’re planning a Diwali dinner, a Holi party, or just craving that perfect syrupy gulab jamun after a long week. Back home, mithai is everywhere – every corner shop, every festival. Here in Edinburgh, it’s not so simple. But don’t worry, I’ve done the legwork. Whether you’re a student missing home or a family celebrating a milestone, there are real places to get proper Indian sweets. And if you need a lift to stock up, just WhatsApp us on +44 7555 574456 – we do airport pickups and city runs too.

Let’s start with the real deal. Krishna Foods on Gorgie Road is my go-to. They have a small but solid mithai counter – fresh gulab jamun, rasgulla, and barfi. The owner is Punjabi, so you’ll get honest advice. Akash Foods on Leith Walk is another gem – more variety, especially for kaju katli and ladoo. They also stock tinned sweets from brands like MTR and Haldiram’s. For a broader selection, Spice of Asia on Nicholson Street has a decent fridge section with fresh mithai from a local supplier. Prices? Fresh gulab jamun is around £3.50 for a box of six, kaju katli about £8-10 per 500g.

Gulab jamun: You’ll find fresh at Krishna Foods and Akash Foods. Tinned (Haldiram’s) at most Indian grocers – about £2.50 a tin. Jalebi: Fresh only at Akash Foods on weekends – they make it in-house. Rasgulla: Krishna Foods has soft, spongy ones. Kaju katli: Akash and Spice of Asia have good diamond-cut pieces. Barfi: Both shops have plain milk barfi and pistachio barfi. Ladoo: Motichoor ladoo at Krishna, besan ladoo at Akash. Don’t expect the same variety as Delhi, but it’s honest and tasty.

Fresh is always better for gulab jamun, rasgulla, and jalebi – the texture is softer, the syrup less cloying. But if you’re short on time, tinned Haldiram’s gulab jamun from Tesco (yes, some big Tesco stores stock them) is a decent backup. For barfi and kaju katli, fresh is more aromatic – packaged ones can taste stale. I always buy fresh for Diwali. If you’re new to Scotland, read our guide on Indian grocery shopping in Edinburgh – it’ll save you time.

For Diwali, Holi, or Rakhi, pre-order is essential. Krishna Foods takes orders a week in advance – call them directly. Akash Foods also does festival boxes (around £15-25 for a mixed box). I’ve seen them prepare special kaju barfi and motichoor ladoo for Diwali. If you’re hosting a party and need transport, our taxi service can help you pick up orders. Just WhatsApp +44 7555 574456. And if you’re craving a full Indian feast, check our list of top Indian restaurants in Edinburgh for post-mithai dinner ideas.

Glasgow has a bigger Indian community, so the mithai scene is stronger. Shakti Stores on Woodlands Road has a massive fresh counter – better quality than Edinburgh shops. Spice of India in Pollokshields is legendary for its kaju katli. If you’re travelling, our Highlands tours can include a Glasgow stop – just ask.

If you want to make mithai at home, you’ll need khoya/mawa (evaporated milk solids), saffron, and cardamom. Krishna Foods sells frozen khoya (about £4 for 500g). Spice of Asia has saffron threads (around £6 for a small box). Cardamom pods are cheap at any Indian grocer. For a full list of where to buy everything, see our Indian grocery shopping in Edinburgh guide. It’s a lifesaver for students in their first week – read our first week in Scotland tips too.

If Edinburgh shops are out of stock or you’re lazy (like me sometimes), try Haldiram’s UK – they deliver nationwide, including Edinburgh. A box of assorted mithai costs about £12-18. Bombay Sweet Shop also does premium boxes. Delivery takes 2-3 days. For festival pre-orders, order at least a week early.

My honest ranking: 1. Akash Foods (best variety), 2. Krishna Foods (best fresh gulab jamun), 3. Spice of Asia (good for tinned). For festivals, pre-order at least 7 days ahead from Krishna or Akash. If you’re in a pinch, Tesco’s tinned gulab jamun works. And remember, if you need a ride to stock up or a Highlands adventure, we’re here. WhatsApp +44 7555 574456 or email hello@indiansinscotland.com. Happy mithai hunting!