The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is here, and that means it's time to indulge in Lord Ganesha's absolute favourite treat—delicious, handcrafted modaks! While the traditional steamed dumpling (ukadiche modak) will always hold a special place in our hearts, local confectioners are giving this festive staple an exciting modern makeover. From quirky gourmet combinations like paan and cranberry to healthy, guilt-free alternatives made with sattu, this year's flavours are making for a fun craving.
Elevated with elegant touches of edible gold leaf and packed into stunning boxes and hampers, these contemporary avatars are perfect for serving as prasad to guests who drop by for darshan, gifting to your loved ones or just your own indulgence. Here’s how modaks are set to steal the spotlight this festive season.
This design-forward house of edible luxury has a Ganesh Chaturthi collection made with conscious ingredients. Here, sculptural festive boxes meet sugar-free modaks, monk fruit and other natural sweeteners with traditional flavours reimagined through contemporary, high-end design such as The Trunk Box—inspired by the unmistakable curve of Lord Ganesha’s trunk and Modak Stadium—with eight handcrafted modaks rise across sculpted levels towards one larger signature modak at the top.
The brand also balances classic nostalgia with bold, innovative pairings such as Charcoal & Orange Modak, Anjeer & Cashew Modak, a layered Pistachio & Hazelnut Modak, Mango & Dark Chocolate and Strawberry and White Chocolate.
Available at: +91 74860 74860 and Zomato
This Ganesh Chaturthi, Varak brings its signature approach to Indian mithai to one of the festival’s most beloved offerings — the modak. The made-to-order modaks present a selection of classic and signature flavours from the Motichoor Modak with the richness of mithai, finished with a touch of gold varak, Besan Modak a nuttier, more indulgent take on the classic, also finished with gold varak.
Toujours, Mumbai’s patisserie and cake studio, has come up with a few lovely modak specials, by reimagining the classics. Think Marzipan and Chocolate Modaks, made with cashews and Belgian chocolate. Go innovative with their Piñata Modak, which is a milk chocolate shell filled with chocolate modaks, praline chocolates, brownie bites and dragees waiting to be cracked open with a hammer—it’s sure to be a favourite amongst kids, too!
Adding another dimension to the sweet are Ganpati Cupcakes, bite-sized delights in different flavours, adorned with festive motifs such as hibiscus flowers, bananas, and paan!
This festive fusion sweet at Mishmash Bakery at Goregaon East is inspired by the viral London chocolate and whipped-caramel dessert trend. Made by Chef Shikha Murarka this much-talked about treat with chocolate and a gooey caramel-filled centre, is a must-have during Ganesh Chaturthi. The other modaks here include Sugar-Free Chocolate Modak and Raspberry Mawa Modak.
Available: In Store, Swiggy and Zomato.
Bombay Sweet Shop’s Ganpati Specials bring together a mix of familiar favourites and playful new creations, including the classic Ukadiche Modak, the Britannia Bourbon Chocolate Modak, a larger-than-life Maha Modak, laddus, A Modak Medley with Puran Poli Modak, Orange Biscuit Modak and Saffron Mixed Fruit Modak, as well as festive hampers.
Available at: Bombay Sweet Shop’s Mumbai locations, Swiggy Zomato and Blinkit
This Patisserie & Chocolatier from Juhu has a totally Instagrammable selection of modaks from Coconut and Rose with rose petals to Pistachio Kunafa and Orange Crispy with orange zest and rice crispies. A must try? The chocolate motichoor modak with a motichoor ladoo filling. The Ganpati Chocolate Modak Menu comes in boxes of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16.
Available at: merakiibakehouse
This may not be the traditional modak form, but would still make for a sweet Ganpati gift. The Better Binge at Khar, Mumbai, has a Besan & Sattu Barfi that gets our vote! The melt-in-the-mouth barfis made with A2 Ghee & dates are vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free, and would be apt for your Ganpati gifting order!
Available on: WhatsApp at +91 98191 54095.
This Ganpati, indulge in Zinque’s gluten-free and refined sugar-free modaks. Their Besan Modak and Date & Dry Fruit Modak are thoughtfully crafted for a festive indulgence that feels as good as it tastes.
Available: Across Mumbai and on website
The good ol modak gets a gourmet upgrade at Neeta’s Patisserie, a home bakery based in Khar West, Mumbai. The flavours include an interesting Paan Gulkand, Kesar Mawa, Coconut Mawa, Rose and Chocolate Cashew Praline. For those who want to satisfy their craving, yet go lighter, the Date & Nuts and Sattu modaks are a must have.
Available at: +91 99200 62611
Present loved ones with a box of premium modaks by Meethi Elaichi. This luxury gourmet sweet brand in Mumbai handcrafted, artisanal Indian mithai using clean, healthy ingredients. They have introduced unique twists to traditional dry fruit and cashew-based modaks, with flavours like Anjeer-Orange, Orange Cashew, Anjeer Khajoor, Cherry Swirl Modak with fruity undertones, Pista Paan Modak and Kaju Mithai Modak. There are also pre-curated boxes, including a Build Your Own Box (BYOB) version.
Available at: +91 82910 19177, website and Zomato
Modak season is here and we've got more reasons for you to have your fave sweet. Choose from a festive box, which has three modaks each of Dry Fruit (dates blended with almond and pistachio), Kesar Pista (made with saffron and crushed pistachios) and Kaju Caramel Modaks (crafted with sugarfree cashew butter and sugarfree caramel sauce). Or simply go with the pretty Pistachio Rose Modak, made with almond flour, delicately flavoured with pistachio and rose and Chocolate Walnut Fudge variety.
Available at: @paleobakes/Instagram, Swiggy and Zomato
How about gifting something that looks as fabulous as it tastes? A little sweetness, a lot of blessings with the Art Lab’s inhouse freshly handcrafted Modak Pedas, made by Chef Kiran Ahir Shah. Choose from six indulgent flavours - Raspberry Kaju Katli, Coconut Barfi, Kesar Peda, Mango Peda, Pistachio Barfi and Chocolate Hazelnut Barfi. You can also do an assorted box of eggless and gelatin free modaks with Coconut, Pista, Raspberry, Hazelnut, Mango and Kesar.
Available at: +91 9321005226
An inherent part of Indian culinary traditions, the betel leaf or paan has ruled Indian food culture and is seen as a blessing on auspicious festive occasions like Navaratri and Diwali.
It's also why Misree in Delhi has put this special ingredient in their creations. Their delectable Paan Modak is crafted with the masala of betel leaves, along with dry fruits and a drizzle of honey.
Available at: Misree, +91 9999855999
Offers a special luxury modak collection for Ganesh Chaturthi. Each has its own selection from assorted modaks to Tenner, Sweet, Tiara and special handcrafted varieties include saffron and fig, chocolate and espresso.
Available at: On website or by phone +91 9711155655
At Nadoo, the spot for South Indian fare at GK and Gurgaon, Chef Shri Bala has crafted modaks in flavours like Kunafa, Sesame, Jaggery And Coconut, Pistachio, as well as savoury styles.
Available at: Nadoo, GK and Gurgaon
Mithai By Roseate has an array of handcrafted modaks in a handcrafted collection featuring both Indian and global flavours that lend an innovative touch to the traditional sweet. The assortment incudes Thandai and Pistachio, Biscoff, Nutella and Hazelnut, Baklava and Paan.
Available at: Roasted by Roseate, Roseate House New Delhi
If you are in Pune, drop by Madhuri’s culinary venture, Mishtees at Ashok Nagar. Her delicious, hand-pleated ukadiche modaks are made with three types of desi rice: Basmati, Ambemohar and Indrayani, with a filling of grated coconut, organic jaggery, cardamom powder, saffron, poppy seeds and nutmeg powder and prepared in ghee. Pre orders are recommended.
Available at:9168757272
The festive treat gets an innovative spin at The Sugar Kult by Ishita, an award-winning home bakery in Pune (Karve Nagar). Known for its luxurious, artisanal fusion modaks, this is the place to get premium chocolate-based and gourmet stuffed modak boxes in flavours like Biscoff Bliss, Classic Nutella and Nutty Pistachio.
Available at: +91 7758991188
Celebrate the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi with a luxurious twist on tradition. Pune Sugar Box, Conrad, presents a curated collection of artisanal modaks, where age-old Maharashtrian heritage beautifully blends with modern culinary craftsmanship. Handcrafted to perfection, each modak is a celebration of flavour, artistry, and indulgence.
Available at: Pune Sugar Box, 020 6745 6745 / +91 91686 03648